Thread: Leg Shaving For Men

My apologies to anyone who may have been offended by anything I said in this thread. The taping I spoke of is a recommended and commonly utilized practice when running to prevent very painful chafing and bleeding. I've had to use it myself training and running. As such, I can honestly say I offered the recommendation in the interest of offering help to him.

Chris L

Actually, Chris, I often use medical tape to secure the skin prior to putting on a cotton shirt; this isn't my first marathon, just my first in a while!

Good to see other runners here.

Yeah, not much advice from the ladies, huh.

Originally Posted by Lynn

The poor guy asks the ladies for tips and gets all this from you guys...........

How nice...................

Lynn

that made my night

Okay, you lot are totally useless. Hush up and let a female handle this one. :P

Regardless of the type of razor I'm using, I shave my legs the same way: one pass against the grain. Depending on how hard your water is, and thus, how long-lived your lather is, you may want to split each leg into four sections: calf front, calf back, thigh front, thigh back. Mind the knees and the achilles tendon area, as the skin tends to bunch and bulge in odd ways, catching the blade. You'll probably find that leg hair is less coarse than facial hair, so be gentle with the blade until you know just how much pressure you need.

The easiest area to shave, I've found, is the outside of the calf where there are fewer concave surfaces and the skin is tight. Since your muscles are probably better-defined than mine, though, I'm not sure if the same will be true for you (the concave bit, not the tight bit).

Good luck! Post pics!

I was a cycling racer and shaved legs. Its not for any speed advantage...but if you crash it is much easier to clean and bandage. Alos much neater for that post race leg massage.

My sons swam (one still doing so) division 1, and they shaved for the big events followoing a taper (methodical reduction in training before race)....referred to as a "shave and taper." The shave does little (a silicon cap is better as is a long 'fastskin' suit - cost about $550).

In cycling and swimming the shave is a ritual and somewhat psychological; routine prep for race day. It works.

My .02$

Jim

Originally Posted by LilithParker

Okay, you lot are totally useless. Hush up and let a female handle this one. :P

Regardless of the type of razor I'm using, I shave my legs the same way: one pass against the grain. Depending on how hard your water is, and thus, how long-lived your lather is, you may want to split each leg into four sections: calf front, calf back, thigh front, thigh back. Mind the knees and the achilles tendon area, as the skin tends to bunch and bulge in odd ways, catching the blade. You'll probably find that leg hair is less coarse than facial hair, so be gentle with the blade until you know just how much pressure you need.

The easiest area to shave, I've found, is the outside of the calf where there are fewer concave surfaces and the skin is tight. Since your muscles are probably better-defined than mine, though, I'm not sure if the same will be true for you (the concave bit, not the tight bit).

Good luck! Post pics!

The one thing I would ask is, hook point vs half-round vs full-round?

Thanks, Lilith. I appreciate it.

I'm guessing that shaving one's legs below the knees isn't too much of a problem, but may be more easily done with a DE razor than with a straight. But, guys, if one wants to be smoothly ready for whatever competition athletic or otherwise one may wish to engage in, how best does one shave one's back? There are, after all, those of us who may be attempting to grow a sweater.

Originally Posted by Bruce

... how best does one shave one's back? There are, after all, those of us who may be attempting to grow a sweater.

I resemble that remark!

i think this is my favorite thread ive read to date.

just because i know people who do that kind of preparation but its for swimming.

when my friend was in college he was about to race and i stood up and yelled "anthony the next time you shave your legs shave your ass couldnt you wear a longer bathing suit jesus christ"

right at the "longer" in the above quote i started to crack up but still kept my composure to finish the rant.

he started cracking up on the diving pedestal and the coach gave me the stink eye.

so this thread has sentimental value to me,

I just gotta suggest that you shave a day or two before the race or the salty sweat might irritate your legs. Don't shave too soon or the itching as the hair returns might be uncomfortable and distracting too.

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