How to Shave Your Legs With No Nicks or Razor Burns

I don’t know about you, but one of my least favorite steps in my shower routine is having to  shave my legs. Yes, I know that I don’t necessarily have to shave my legs, but society’s beauty standards definitely pressure me to pick up my razor regularly. 

Because I don’t have the courage to grow out my leg hair just yet, you can find me trying to perfect the perfect leg-shaving routine. Below, I inquired with the experts for their best tips on how to shave your legs properly, how to avoid and treat nicks, and what to do after you’ve finished shaving, too.  

How often should you shave your legs?

This is really going to depend on your personal preference, your hair type, and how smooth you want your legs to be. “Someone with coarse hair may have to shave more frequently than those with fine hair, as their hair will be more noticeable when it grows in,” explains Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in NYC. 

Additionally, folks with coarse leg hair are more likely to feel their hair brush up against fabrics or pants, which could feel more uncomfortable than someone who has fine leg hair and can go many days without shaving because it doesn’t feel uncomfortable. Dr. Engelman recommends shaving your legs about every two to three days if you want to maintain a smooth, hairless appearance.

How to Treat Nicks From Shaving

If you cut your legs while shaving, first you’ll want to run cool or cold water over the wound, as this will help slow down bleeding by restricting the blood vessels. “Gently wash the wound with a mild, fragrance-free antiseptic soap,” suggests Dr. Engelman. “Then, pat the area dry with a clean tissue or towel; apply light pressure if it is still bleeding.” Finally, apply an antibacterial ointment and cover the wound with a band-aid.

How to Shave Your Legs: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cleanse your legs. Hop in the shower, turn on the faucet, and cleanse your legs to soap and water. 
2. Exfoliate your legs. “One tip to achieving a close shave and minimal razor bumps is exfoliating first—this removes dead skin cell buildup so that the hair can come cleanly out,” says Dr. Engelman. “Use a gentle scrub with soft and/or dissolving particles, like jojoba beads, coffee grounds, or sugar, in order to prevent micro-abrasions to the skin.” One product that Dr. Engelman loves to use for this step is Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub for exfoliating pre-shave. “Not only does it gently remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin, this scrub is also very effective at reducing hyperpigmentation, stretch marks and cellulite,” she says. Jacquiline Habashy Hakim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Studio City, CA really likes Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub to use for this step. “Exfoliation is important so that the hair does not get trapped in the follicle,” she explains. “It also helps remove dead skin, which ultimately leads to a smoother shave.”
3. Use a moisturizing shaving cream. According to Dr. Engelman, another key to getting a smooth shave without irritation is ensuring that the skin is well-moisturized before you begin shaving. “This softens the hair and the hair follicle for easier removal,” she says. “Ideally, use an emollient-based shaving cream—in a pinch, you can use hair conditioner.” Dr. Hakim recommends using Aveeno Positively Smooth Moisturizing Shave Gel or Vanicream Shave Cream for this step. “Both these formulas are great shaving cream options that provide moisture and hydration to the skin.”
4. Start shaving. Shave starting at the ankle and moving up. Shaving against the direction of hair growth gives you a closer shave, according to Dr. Engelman.  
5. Apply lotion post-shave. Moisturize after shaving in order to soothe any irritation and lock hydration in the skin. “You can use a body butter, a lotion, or a dry body oil for this step,” says Dr. Engelman. A few of our favorites include OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter, Cocokind Sake Body Lotion, and the Kate McLeod Daily Stone Solid Refillable Body Moisturizer.