Straight up, there is no science to support a reason not to shave above the knee, says Dr Elizabeth Farrell, gynaecologist and medical director at Jean Hailes for Women's Health. Some women don't feel the need to because the hairs on their thighs are finer and thinner than those on the lower half of their leg.
Close shaving can result in ingrown hairs, and untreated razor burn can turn into long-term scars. To help prevent those annoying red bumps in the first place, use an exfoliating body wash or body scrub (like our picks below) twice per week to shed the skin that's trapping hairs.
5. Leg shaving technique. To shave, simply start at your ankles and use long, upwards strokes to remove both hair and soap, making sure that you regularly rinse the razor to stop it clogging. Shave the whole leg, right to the top: hair-shorts are not a good thing and never will be.
In most Western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, women typically shave their thighs if the hair is dark and noticeable. Women with lighter and less noticeable hairs are less likely to shave their thighs.
“There is no right or certain age to start shaving,” said Rashell Orey, a licensed master social worker at Banner Health. “Some may be eager to start very early, while for others, this could be a scary thought. It's a conversation that you'll need to discuss with them.”
Your hair follicles continue to grow hair underneath your skin, and shaving can cause those follicles to become irritated. It's this irritation that makes you feel itchy after you shave. The pull of a razor (especially a dull or used one) can twist or redirect the hair follicle when you shave.
Shaving against the grain – i.e. up the leg – supposedly gives a closer shave, but it also increases the risk of nicks, cuts and bumps. It's best to start by shaving down the leg, in the direction of the hair's growth.
Use a sharp, clean razor and moisturizing shaving cream
This method helps prevent razor bumps and burns that lead to strawberry legs. Shave gently with short, light strokes. It's also best to shave during or after a shower, when your legs are clean of excess oil and dead skin that could clog your razor.
Switch to shaving before bed for an entirely different experience. Your body has had time to allow fluid and buildup to drain back into your body, so your face is less puffy and the hairs can protrude properly. That prevents ingrown hairs and gives you a much smoother, closer shave.
Though dermatologists don't necessarily recommend shaving daily, if that's what you prefer, it's totally safe as long as you're extra mindful of the best practices. It isn't unsafe to shave daily, but it can be potentially irritating to the hair follicles, which can cause razor bumps, says Dr.
Legend that body hair is unhygienic is just that - legend. As long as your hygiene is up to scratch there's no case for or against growing your body hair besides personal preference.
Some people keep the hair on their belly, while others choose to remove it. There's no medical reason to remove the hair from your stomach — it's purely a personal preference. There are several ways to remove belly hair, including: waxing.
Removing pubic hair may therefore make a person more susceptible to common infections, such as UTIs, vaginitis, and yeast infections. Hair removal can also irritate your skin, leading to skin infections such as cellulitis and folliculitis. In other cases, grooming-related injuries, such as cuts, could become infected.
Clogged Pores
When the pores on the skin of your legs are clogged, your skin will naturally produce more oil. When you shave and open your pores, the oil is exposed to air and turns black. This then leaves you with tiny black dots all over your legs.
When shaving your legs, the goal is to get smooth, hair-free skin. But, hair removal can sometimes lead to issues like little dark spots all over the legs, known as strawberry legs. The good news is those annoying spots aren't permanent and can go away in time with the correct treatment.
Shaving has no effect on the part of the hair shaft below the skin surface, which is where growth and pigmentation occur. Although the hair may seem to grow faster after shaving, this is just an illusion.
To keep the pubic area smooth and hairless, you'll need to shave regularly, even daily.
Laser hair removal or electrolysis
Laser hair removal and electrolysis are both considered “permanent” methods to denude pubes: both eliminate hair follicles so hair doesn't grow back.
Shaving with the grain
You must shave in the downwards direction as it protects you from getting razor burns or ingrown hair. Although shaving against the grain can undoubtedly give you a closer shave, it is not something you must follow if you have sensitive skin.
It helps to shave pubic hair in the right direction. In addition to going slow, this means going in the direction of hair growth. If all your hair is pointing up, then shave in an upward motion. Doing this reduces the chances of irritation, cuts, or razor burn.