I took the plunge last week and decided to give shaving a go. So far so good except one thing. My upper leg seems to be either really sensitive and/or to have broken out a little. Is this normal for first time shavers or is there something that I can do that will lessen irritation? (I'm talking about my upper inner thigh btw.)

Good reference here, via Botto.

When I first started, my legs were pretty sensitive...found that Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel worked well to avoid razor bump/burn

make sure you are shaving at end of a shower for max moisture and not too cold or hot with the water. Too cold and you get goosebumps ---> too hot and you redden.

Lift razor only at end of long stroke, no choppy short strokes.
Don't rush through it.

Good shaving cream, lotion, and, yes, a loofa to exfoliate in the shower.

make you happy.

j

as said above, shave after the hairs have softened. When Im through shaving I wash the shave area again with soap then rinse with COLD water. This soothes the skin. As soon as I started this routine my irritation went away. Make sure to moisturize after drying off. The longer you shave the more you'll learn about what keeps your skin the happiest. Hope this helps!

BTW make sure your razor is sharp! I use disposable once then toss them.

I go down the upper leg instead of up. Maybe not get as close of a shave, but I don't grow hair very fast except for on my head.

at what point in ones cycling career is it time to start shaving your legs? I don't really get it.

anyone use Nair?

whenever you want. there is nothing to get.

I did about 20 years ago. It worked really well. It can get pricey though if you have to do it often.

I shave my legs with an old Schick G bar single edge razor and that doesn't irritate me as much as most double triple and 5 blade razors plus the blades are cheap as dirt. I've also used a Merkur HD double edge razor that I normally use on my face and also went well but required to much concentration on blade angle but at 10 cents a blade, it's almost worth it.

I think RiPHRaPH might have the answer with the comment on short stokes. Just like your face, be careful that you don't scrape off too much skin. You might want to try some aftershave to see if that calms it down a bit.

I worded that poorly. I'll use myself as an example... would a recreational rider (with plans to race next season) have reason to shave their legs? Or would they just be a poseur at that point?

Forget the razor and just use nair for men

I don't race (hope to at some point) and I shave... I hated the stares on rides when I didn't shave.

oh ok, sorry then. I don't race yet but I still shave. I just think it looks better plus its a little neater when using sunblock and the bandages after my recent crash peal off with a lot less pain.

people really worry about this stuff?

Yep, at the beginning of every season.

Thanks for the responses, I think that the problem may be the softening the hair beforehand. I simply got my legs wet and went with it after that.

To Yaniel: I raced last season and didnt shave them, I got in a wreck in my last race. As race season starts I am now shaving. That being said, if you don't want to, don't. If you do, do. If you're curious, give it a shot (it feels cool when things rub your legs!) and besides it'll grow back if you don't like it.

It's never to early in one's "career" to shave their legs. If you wear spandex you should shave.

You are overthinking it. I started when I had a rash of crashes. If you don't understand why you would want to shave, then don't.

On the upper legs I can't shave against the grain. I use cocca butter first, then shaving cream on top, and use a womans disposable Venus razor. Only way I don't get burn or bumps