I tin't pinpoint exactly when or how I started shaving my legs, but I know it was probably around the time I started obsessing over my piddling Abercrombie shorts, and showing off my legs in them. So it'southward safe to say it's been a long time since I start started shaving my legs. And in all these years, it's never actually crossed my mind whether or non I was shaving the right way. How often should yous shave your legs? Am I switching my razor blades frequently enough? Am I using the right products for shaving? Do I even need to shave?

Well, beginning off, it's totally absurd to not shave your legs at all, if that's your preference. Only for those who exercise choose to shave, you've probably realized (like I take) that no ane actually teaches yous how; it's kind of a trial and error situation. So, with the help of a few board-certified dermatologists, I'grand here to reply all of your pressing questions on shaving your legs, and tell you whether you've been doing it wrong your whole (developed) life.

How often should yous shave your legs?

Similar most everyday wellness habits, there's really no set dominion for how ofttimes you demand to shave. First of all, it depends on whether you prefer to accept completely blank, slightly stubbly, or all natural non-shaven legs. There's no right or wrong answer, and it's up to your preference.

According to Dr. Arielle Nagler, board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, how oft y'all should shave besides depends on your hair type and growth. How quickly does your pilus grow dorsum after shaving? Do you have super thick or sparse leg hair?

And so is it OK to shave every day?

Though dermatologists don't necessarily recommend shaving daily, if that's what you prefer, information technology'south totally safe as long equally you're extra mindful of the best practices.

It isn't dangerous to shave daily, but it can be potentially irritating to the hair follicles, which tin can crusade razor bumps, says Dr. Mona Gohara, Dove's board-certified dermatologist.

Nonetheless, if yous're using shaving cream and a proper razor while shaving, and moisturizing your legs thoroughly after, you shouldn't take whatever problems shaving every twenty-four hour period. Information technology'south purely based on your preference!

But what's really more important than how oftentimes (or infrequently) you shave is if yous're shaving the correct way. Hither's what y'all need to know to become the perfect shave...

    How exactly should you be shaving?

    Though it might seem pretty obvious, the commencement thing is to make sure y'all're shaving in the shower or bath, or at the very least, with plenty of water. And the warmer the water, the meliorate.

    "The warm water [from the shower] softens the hair and opens the pores, making it optimal shave weather," says Dr. Gohara. Your hair will exist much easier to remove one time it's moisture.

    Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban as well adds that it's ideal to shave in the shower or bath, equally information technology warms up your pare, giving you a slicker surface. A dry out surface might take hold of the blade and you could irritate your skin, she says.

    In terms of technique, it depends on the hair type. If you accept curly hair, Dr. Shamban says it's probably a amend idea to shave the manner your pilus grows. This ways that you should shave in the direction from the knee downwardly to the ankle. Though shaving this style might not get yous the closest shave ever, it will help preclude ingrown hairs and razor bumps, she says.

    On the other hand, if your pilus is on the straighter side, Dr. Shamban recommends shaving against the way your pilus grows (aka upwardly from the talocrural joint to the genu).

    What shaving products should you be using?

    The products y'all use to shave are more than of import than you might think. Dr. Gohara suggests using a cleansing and hydrating shaving cream, like Dove's Trunk Wash Mousse or Aveeno's Positively Smooth Shave Gel (a Seventeen beauty award winner!) to get the best shave.

    The Best Products for Shaving Your Legs

    When it comes to your razor, you should cull it depending on how sensitive your skin is to irritation. If you're more prone to razor bumps and irritation, Dr. Gohara recommends using a razor with one or two blades.

    If your skin isn't super irritable, try a multi-blade razor that's too hydrating, like Billie'southward razors or Schick'due south Hydro Silk Sensitive Razor.

    While using the correct products while shaving is essential to your skin, what you use afterwards is but as important. E'er be sure to moisturize post-shave, though y'all should exist lathering your body in balm after every shower anyways!

    Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry Skin

    CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for Normal to Dry out Pare

    How often should yous be switching your razor?

    Though it depends on how often you're shaving, Dr. Nagler typically recommends 30 uses per razor. Plus, if your hair is very thick, it's important to know your razor will go duller more quickly.

    If you're too lazy to keep runway of the number of uses (me), a practiced indicator that information technology's fourth dimension to switch is if you feel similar you're having to shave over an area multiple times to go a clean shave.

    How can yous prevent ingrown hairs?

    The more blades a razor has, the closer your shave is, Dr. Nagler says. But that means y'all're also more than likely to get ingrown hairs. "If y'all're prone to ingrown hairs, a razor with multiple blades is probably not the best for you," she says.