Road Cycling - Hair stubble

So, I finally got around to shaving my legs today and definitely regret not doing it sooner. However, I have one question regarding a rough feeling when I run my hand against the growth of the hair. Does this eventually get better as I shave more, or will it always feel rather sandpaperish? I used shaving cream and a Mach 3 razor (after trimming down the hair with an electric hair razor).

Use Nair. No cuts. No muss.

Did you shave against the growth?

Seems to me that the stubble might get worse the more you shave,same as face shaving.


Congrats on your new l@@k and be careful when you bend over to pick up the soap :lol:

Regards.

Did you shave against the growth?
I first shaved with it to get as close as possible, but then shaved against it. Was this a bad thing?

Yeah, it’s really starting to irritate me now. I have some little small red spots on my thighs. My lower leg seems to be fine, but anything touching my thighs against the grain really evokes a sharp sting. Does it sound like I did something wrong, or is this normal for the first time?

My advice:

Use a light touch; don't press too hard trying to get a close shave. If you do press hard, you will always end up with those red dots all over your legs, which is not comfortable. Always shave against the grain, otherwise, you will never get a good shave.

I don't recommend Nair, mainly because my experience with it has been negative. It has always burned my skin, and it has never been faster or more effective than shaving.

I too just made the jump last week and shaved my legs, same setup as you, mach 3, cream, and I had red bumps that were killing me. I finally tried some goldbond medicated powder and wow, what a difference. Soothe the raw stingy feeling and the red disappeared for the most part within two days. I started just shaving against it, that could have been part of my problem. The red bumps were only on my upper thigh for some reason and that area is still not the most receptive to shaving. I found to get my legs as smooth as I can to cream up the legs, start shaving around the leg, say start at the ankle area, shave up about six inches then move around in a circle around the ankle. Then just move higher and higher and keep running your hand over your legs so you can spot the rough spots and just shave them.

The upper thighs always seem to get the red dots on everyone the first few weeks of shaving. It will stop happening after several weeks. I have not tried gold bond, but I usually just take rubbing alcohol, and wipe the area with that immediatley after shaving. Its stings a bit, but its no big deal. I have also noticed exposing that area to the sun, or tanning bed will get rid of them too. All of which leaves me to believe that it is bacterial in nature. IE sitting around sweating in 3 day old jeans is only gonna make it worse. Try and keep the area clean and dry, and get some UV rays on it if you can. I plan to keep shaving all winter this year, and since Im past the several weeks it takes to have it stop happening I don't have to worry about it any more. Now if only I could keep my shaved nuts from sticking to my legs......

In other news, swallow your manhood and get an epilator! No stubbles! Grows back thinner! Chicks dig the hairless legs... they say "you shave your legs?" I say, "No, I epilate." they say, "ooohhhh, do me in the butt."

It's all true except the last part!

who wears short shorts....

bigfloppyllama wears short shorts...

nair for short shorts....

<does anyone remember that commercial?>

I both remember that commercial and the quote about the epilator. Both classics. Thanks for all the input. I'll just have to live with the discomfort for a few days I guess, but I definitely like the feel and look (as do my friends), we'll just have to see about my parents.

In addition to all the other good advice you've received here's another approach that I find works best for me. Dust your legs with talcum powder and use an electric shaver. Then swab 'em down with rubbing alcohol. When they're dry apply more powder. You'll need to do this about every other day, but it will take less than 5min per leg, and will keep your legs smooth and clean.

I've shaved a couple of times and I get the same result. And its so uncomfortable wearing pants the next day. Maybe I should give waxing a go.

I've been shaving my legs about 10 years and have no real problems. So this is what I do

Shave twice a week. Takes about 40 seconds whilst showering - never mind 100% coverage, you'll get what you missed next time. Use *single bladed* disposable razor. Multiple bladed ones useless - don't know why but it's so.

I disagree Roy, the triple blade was a huge step up for me. Single and double blades didn't do a very good job.

BFL, you might also try shaving with the growth in sensitive areas. A Mach 3 will still get close and you won't have as much irritation. That's what I do, and have done for years now.

shaving cream sucks. use liberal amounts of a gel like aloe vera or any skin moisturizer. i use a trader joe's natural moisturizer with vitamin E -shave with mach 3. just don't shave after exercise (salt) or when chilly (goose bumps)

shaving cream sucks. use liberal amounts of a gel like aloe vera or any skin moisturizer. i use a trader joe's natural moisturizer with vitamin E -shave with mach 3. just don't shave after exercise (salt) or when chilly (goose bumps)

:) I've actually switched to using some of my sisters shave gel stuff. The red marks are gone and I'm loving the feeling. Plus, I smell like fruit.

I just started shaving my legs last week and I love it.

I use Edge Pro Gel (regular) and a Quattro (four blades) razor. I started shaving with the hair then against the grain the first time.. and from then on just shaved against. Here's the kicker, though: I used Nivea for Men moisturizing aftershave balm on my legs after each shave - I have had NO red dots or irritation, and I'm pretty sure it's because of the balm. Try it.

Here's what I do and I have no problems:

1. Take regular shower. This softens up legs.
2. Use Irish Spring soap, lather it on legs
3. Shave using Excel Sensor III razor against the grain (upwards on legs).
4. Do each leg in two parts, rinsing razor frequently.

Works like a charm! Now that I have shaven my legs for one season, I hate hairy legs. It is so much cleaner. Besides, muscles look better.

Ah, I've just noticed something minorly annoying for the first time. When I put on long pants or wrap my legs in a blanket it gets "stuck" to my legs due to the short, coarse hair gripping it as it runs against the growth of the hair. It's fine for about a day, but then as my hair starts to grow back in it begins to catch on some materials. Anyone have any problems with this before?

Shave against the hair growth direction using a NEW Mach 3 razor.
If red bumps appear, apply a small amount of Curel to the affected area. Feels sooo good. :)
After you have been shaving for a while the hair will grow back a little slower and the stubble that grows back between shaves will feel softer.

Stubbly? Can't cut close enough? Want that smooth feeling for a longer time?---be a real cowboy and wax it all off. After all, what's a little pain if you get so smoooooth?

Of course if you have the big bucks (that you may well have spent on your bikes) you could always do the electrolysis thing.

For you really obsessives you (and really hairys) could also pluck to form the trade mark of your favorite bicycle/component manufacturer.

I am really glad alot of you guys (at least I think you are all guys. . .) are learning the wonderful ins and outs of that most amazing ritual of "The Shaving Of The Legs."

Jeeze, shave every couple of days, slap on some skin lotion afterwards and go out and ride. . .!

;)