Should men shave their legs? A male grooming dilemma

In the past half-decade, it’s a trend that’s been gaining momentum – men shaving their legs.

We reach for our body groomer or razor to groom our faces, heads, chests, backs, and even our private areas, but why not our legs?

What’s wrong with having shiny and smooth calves?

While some women may absolutely say no, there are others, both women and men, who take a more open-minded view.

Just like with any other type of body hair, it all comes down to personal preference.

Curious about the origins of men’s leg shaving and how you can do it yourself? Read on.

Where does men’s leg shaving come from? 

Men’s leg shaving primarily stems from (top) sports.

Take bodybuilders, a group that always seems to have been hairless everywhere.

Understandably, because shaved legs would emphasize their muscles.

For any serious bodybuilder, this is a no-brainer, especially during competitions.

There are also professional athletes.

Olympic athletes like swimmers have been shaving their legs since the 1950s.

In their case, it’s done to enhance performance rather than appearance.

More hair means more resistance, which can slow you down, and even a fraction of a second can mean a silver medal instead of a gold one.

Some competitive swimmers even wait until the night before a competition to shave because freshly shaved legs in water feels pleasant.

This is probably due to the removal of the outer layer of the skin removed by the razor, giving them a mental edge once their body hits the water, and during a race, every advantage counts.

Step-by-step guide to shaving men’s legs

When you’ve decided to shave your legs, you might wonder if the tools for your face work for your legs.

Shaving foam does its job, but you might need to upgrade a few things.

If you have a trimmer, you’re already halfway there.

Without a trimmer, it’ll be pretty challenging to get your legs smooth. The skin and hair are thicker, making shaving tricky.

So, also take note of how many blades your razor has.

If it’s less than 3 or 4, you might need a different razor.

It’s recommended to have at least 5 or 6 blades to shave long and thick hair effectively.

Got the right tools? First, it’s time for a shower.

Cleanse, wash, and maybe scrub your skin for the best results. Then, you can apply shaving foam to your legs.

You can do it in the shower, but if you have a bathtub, sitting on the edge might be easier.

This way, you won’t make a mess and can easily rinse everything off afterward.

Tips for shaving men’s legs:

• Shave in the direction of hair growth to prevent irritation
• Take your time; it might not be the most enjoyable task, but it ensures the best (and safest) result
• Rinse your legs after shaving and apply a moisturizing lotion

Shaving your legs isn’t much different from other body parts.

The most important thing is to have the right tools, like a trimmer.

With a trimmer, you can also opt for trimmed legs.

You can always shave them smooth later, but a trimmed look is also becoming increasingly popular!

What do women think of men’s shaved legs? 

Not entirely crucial, but what do women actually think about shaved legs?

A survey by Women’s Health Magazine reveals that 56% of women are okay with men shaving their legs for sports or appearance.

This shows that it really varies from person to person.

Some women are fans, others are not. But don’t worry, shaving your male legs is becoming more ‘normal’.

If you want to shave your legs, go for it.

It’s always a good idea to check with your partner what they think. They might positively influence your decision.

If you’ve been considering it for a while and your partner says they also like it, that might just give you the extra push.

Shaving men’s legs is really no longer a taboo compared to 10 years ago.

There are plenty of reasons nowadays to shave them.

And let’s be honest, even if you don’t have a ‘reason’, you can still enjoy shaving your legs.