How to Shave Your Legs with a Safety Razor

Ladies, or anyone else that shaves their legs, let's be real for a moment. Those pink disposable razors aren’t doing our legs any favors. It's time to upgrade to the big leagues and try a safety razor. Not only will it give you a closer, smoother shave, but it will also save you money in the long run. Plus, it's eco-friendly and makes you feel like a total boss.

We will discuss why you should try shaving your legs with a safety razor and how to get started if you are new to this process. We will also cover other tips to help make the experience more enjoyable and successful. Rather than dreading shaving your legs, you can look forward to the smooth, gleaming skin many of us dream about.

Can I Safely Use a Safety Razor on My Legs?

Yes, shaving your legs with a safety razor is possible and safe. It provides a closer shave than a cartridge razor, as the razor blade is sharper and more precise. It also reduces the risk of ingrown hairs and razor burn since it doesn’t tug at the skin like cartridge razors.

What's that? I just heard your leg skin breathe a sigh of relief.

It's time to take back control and enjoy shaving your legs. (Cue the hot shower steam, a good-smelling shaving soap, gel, or cream, some smooth RnB, and a big dose of tender-loving self-care.)

What Other Areas of My Body Can I Shave?

You can use a safety razor for other areas you usually shave, such as your bikini area. It is essentially the same as shaving the face with all the contours. The same precautions should be taken when using it on any sensitive body area.

If this is your first time using a safety razor and you're feeling nervous, start on a more accessible part of the body, such as the legs, and work your way up (ahem, literally).

The Benefits of Using a Safety Razor on Your Legs

Using a safety razor to shave your legs can have many benefits.

Great for All Skin Types

Safety razors provide a closer, smoother shave than cartridge razors and reduce the risk of skin irritation due to their sharpness and precision. If you have sensitive skin, this is extra good news.

Keep Plastic Out of the Landfills

Switching from plastic cartridge razors to safety razor shaving makes you an Earth hero. The razor blades are plastic free and easily recycled so that they won't sit in a landfill for eons like a disposable cartridge razor.

Save Tons of Cash

Insanely, some cost lifetime estimates for women shaving their legs range from several thousand to well over $20,000 when using a cartridge razor (wait, what?). You can expect the upfront cost with a safety razor to be a few hundred dollars (at most) and then spend mere cents on the blades.

This will save a couple of hundred bucks a year, especially when you avoid the so-called "pink tax" that is often applied to products marketed towards women. Save that hard-earned cash for something more fun than cartridge razors, like a vacation or even a new car.

Feel Great

Let's not forget the real reason to switch to a safety razor: it's so much cooler than disposable razors. Imagine the look on your partner's face when they see you using a sleek, silver safety razor like the boss that you are.

How to Use a Safety Razor on Your Legs

Using a safety razor to shave your legs is relatively easy but requires extra caution and precision. Here are the steps you should follow for safety razor shaving:

• Prepare your skin and hair: Take a hot shower or bath to soften your skin and hair and open your pores, allowing for a smoother shave.
• Lather up: Apply shaving gel, cream, or soap in a thin layer to lubricate the skin and get your hair in an ideal position for shaving. Which shaving product is best? It depends on your skin type, so experiment to find the right product.
• Start shaving: Start from the ankles and work your way up with slow short strokes- not one of those long pulls up the leg that is almost guaranteed to nick the skin. Make sure to hold the razor at a 30 to 40-degree angle to ensure a close shave without nicks or cuts.
• Rinse and repeat: Rinse the razor with water every few strokes to remove residue and hair buildup. Continue with patience and attention to detail all over your legs until they are silky smooth.
• Rinse and dry: When finished, rinse your legs with cold water to close up the pores. Then pat dry and apply a moisturizing cream or lotion that helps you feel like the sexy human that you are.

Expert Tips

Ready to get fancy and take your safety razor shaving to the next level? Follow these tips when shaving your legs with a safety razor:

• Invest in a good quality safety razor: It will make all the difference in terms of results and comfort. Plus, you'll feel like a boss. We recommend trying a double-edge safety razor that is easy to grip.
• Exfoliate your skin before shaving: Razor bumps, and other irritations, are often a result of dry skin clogging the pores, so it’s important to exfoliate regularly before and after shaving.
• Always use a sharp blade: Dull blades will tug at the skin (a shaving no-no), causing razor burn, bumps, and ingrown hairs.
• Use a shaving brush to apply shaving cream or soap: Seriously though, using a shaving brush will help raise the hair and coat it with the shaving product much better than your hands, making your skin smoother.
• Don’t press too hard (or really at all) on your skin: Let the razor do the work for you. If you push as you would with a disposable razor with safety razors, there will be blood.
• Be patient! Don’t rush, and take your time when shaving. There's no award for being the fastest leg shaver in your division.

Shaving Your Legs with a Safety Razor: FAQs

Still not sure if a safety razor and your legs are a good match? Let's review some commonly asked questions:

Is a safety razor good for shaving legs?

Yes, a safety razor is an excellent choice for shaving your legs. It will give you a closer and smoother shave than disposable razors without leaving pesky ingrown hairs or annoying razor bumps. Your legs will love it.

What type of razor is best for shaving legs?

Hands down, a safety razor is the best choice for shaving legs. It provides a closer, smoother shave and more precision than disposable razors. Once you try it, you'll never go back.

Are safety razors good for body shaving?

Yes, safety razors can be used for all areas of body shaving, including the bikini area. It may take some initial practice, but anyone can master it.

Do you shave up or down with a razor on legs?

The best way to shave with a safety razor is to start from the ankles and work your way up in slow, short strokes. This is generally against the grain of the legs' hair. If you find this too intense, you can switch and try shaving down instead- this is also an effective way to shave but will likely require a few more passes with the razor to get all the hair.

Is 3 or 5 blades better for shaving legs?

Got you! This is a trick question for anyone who wants to shave their legs with a safety razor. Safety razors only have one blade (single or double-edged), but they are highly effective and offer a much closer shave than multi-blade razors.

Is it better to shave your legs wet or dry?

It is always best to shave your legs while wet. Wet shaving means the hairs are well-lubricated and softened, making them easier to cut without irritation.

How often should I shave my legs as a woman or non-binary person?

Whether you're a man, woman, or non-binary person, it is entirely up to your personal preference. Some women shave daily, while others prefer to go longer between shaves or not at all. The bottom line, you do you.

How can I shave my legs without damaging my skin?

The key to avoiding skin damage when shaving your legs is to take it slow and steady. Follow the steps listed above, and your skin will thank you.

Can a woman shave with a safety razor?

Absolutely! Men can't hide their tried and true shaving secrets any longer. Safety razors are an excellent choice for men, women, and non-binary folks.

Can you use shaving cream with a safety razor?

Yes, you can (and should) use shaving cream or soap with a safety razor. It's important to lubricate the skin for a closer and smoother shave. Shaving your legs without cream or gel is like trying to watch a movie without popcorn - do yourself a favor and use shaving cream or soap.

Safety Razors for the Win

Shaving your legs can feel like a major time suck, but why not enjoy the process? With a safety razor, we hope you look forward to shaving. Regardless, with these tips, you'll be on your way to expert status with a tool that you'll seriously love.