What?
We all know male athletes shave their legs, let’s face it, they aren’t shy and retiring types — Cristiano Ronaldo, Phil Neville, Mark Cavendish, John Cena, Tom Daley to name a few.
But it’s not just athletes who choose to go hairless. Many different men shave their legs for many different reasons, whether they simply like the look and feel of super-smooth lower limbs or whether they have practical reasons to de-fuzz.
>Waxing is an option — if you like pain — and you will have to wait for that awkward amount of regrowth before de-fuzzing again. You might as well add your legs into your manscaping shaving routine.
Why?
Style
Those ripped Love Islanders are often cited as trendsetters and shaving is part of the ritual for some Love Island men in their quest to look toned and tanned to perfection. Their shaved legs also complement the current trend for ripped jeans. But this style has actually been around for longer — male models have been hairless on the catwalk for decades.
Sport
Whether you are a 24/7 gym junkie, MAMIL, or weekend warrior we know you’ll be wanting to do anything you can to shave minutes off your PB. In sport, seconds make all the difference.
No-one races the Tour de France with hairy legs! Cyclists have long seen the proven aerodynamic benefits of shaved legs and claim faster wound healing.
Swimmers are known to shave their legs to reduce drag (resistance, to you and me). Runners see speedier times with hairless limbs. Rugby players shave their legs to make themselves harder to grapple in a tackle. Footballers shave their legs to make tape removal less painful and smooth legs aid therapeutic massages so that the massage doesn’t tug on hair.
With performance perks like these it’s no wonder sports stars prefer hairlessness.
Muscle definition
Another reason for shaving legs is that your muscles will look way more defined. This is an old trick male models and bodybuilders play. If you are going on a beach holiday it is something to consider, especially as it will make applying sunscreen or tanning oil so much easier.
A clean and tidy appearance
Many men want to make the best impression they can and leg shaving can be that final finishing touch.
How?
So now you have decided to banish the leg fur, you need to know how it’s done. Shaving your legs is not like shaving your face. Take it from actor Kelvin Fletcher who was left embarrassed on Instagram with one leg shaved and one leg hairy as ‘his razor ran out’. Or when Real Madrid footballer Marco Asensio missed a Champions League game due to an injury acquired while shaving his legs. Read on for our step-by-step guide to avoiding embarrassment and prepare for hair eradication.
1. Select your tool of choice
Firstly, put down the razor you use on your face — go on, back in the box. You’ll end up with a fair few nicks at best from that blade — schoolboy band-aids on your legs are going to ruin your cred.
You need to use a flexible razor designed for shaving legs or areas of the body other than the face. This is because body razors will have more bend and give, allowing them to move over different levels and areas of skin (especially over the knees and along areas of defined muscle). Believe us, this spares you the frustration of transforming into a contortionist for the backs of your legs.
Use the Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 Body Razor. This flexible razor responds to the contours of your legs, has a lubricating gel for smooth gliding, bilateral blades for different directions, and an anti-slip grip – as this leg technique is going to take some getting used to.
2. Get into a warm bath or shower and exfoliate
Prepare your skin by saying goodbye to those dead skin cells with a loofah, exfoliating body scrub or body bar.
3. Select your shave gel and lather up
Next, make sure you use some Wilkinson Sword Hydro Moisturising Shave Gel (available in a sensitive formula if you have sensitive skin). These gels prepare your skin for the smoothest, closest shave. A gel is better than a foam or lotion on the legs as you can clearly see where you are shaving and it isn’t too thick in texture (it’s got to cover a larger area than your face). Plus, a gel is better for thick hair as it’s easier to apply.
You might prefer to shave your legs standing in the shower or sitting in the bath — experiment with both.
4. Start by shaving the less hairy parts
This will stop the blades becoming clogged up too quickly. But make sure you give the blade a rinse every 2-3 strokes to free any tangled hair. Working against the grain, use short, gentle strokes.
5. Move to the hairiest areas
Use long strokes on these areas, against the grain, and rinse the blades on every stroke.
6. Hold back, wise guy
Slow down, or you’ll end up cutting yourself and some bleeders aren’t easy to stem. This isn’t a job you can do in a hurry. Your thighs can be the most sensitive to razor rash because there's lots of friction there so go carefully. When shaving your knees, straighten your leg out to avoid a cut.
7. Don’t forget your feet
Smooth legs and furry feet? Why stop there? Bilbo Baggins rocks the look, but it’s his thing. Shave very gently around the ankles and feet and don’t forget those hairy toes...
8. Moisturise
Apply an aftershave designed for your body, not your face. Use a perfume free body lotion to provide hydration and soothe your legs.
