Should men shave their legs?

Answering the question “Should men shave their legs?” is tough. The only situation where you should really have to shave anything is for health and hygiene reasons.

The answer to the question, “Can guys shave their legs?” is much easier: that’s a resounding yes.

Most societies teach guys weird rules about shaving. You’re allowed to shave your face and keep yourself looking “neat”, but if you shave your legs, armpits, or anywhere else, you might be branded as weird.

The good news for most guys is these preconceptions are beginning to change.

These days, it’s a lot less unusual for a guy to decide to shave his legs than it used to be. One study found around 33% of guys trim their legs regularly, while another 15% shave bare.

So, should men shave their legs?

Here’s what you need to know.

Should I shave my leg hair?

Ultimately, just like any human being, you’ve got the freedom to shave pretty much anything you want. The only person who can tell you what to do with your body (for the most part) is you. If you decide to shave your legs, you’re totally within your rights.

Some people find shaving absolutely necessary — like athletes and swimmers.

While some men and women alike still say it’s “weird” when a man shaves his legs, most people are getting more comfortable with the idea. 30% of women say they love a guy who at least trims his legs enough to stop them looking like miniature shrubs.

There are a bunch of reasons why you might decide to trim everything from your ear and beard hair to your arm and leg hair.

Usually, the reasons have something to do with:

• Aesthetics: If you think your face, legs, or head look better without hair — you can just get rid of it. Shaving can make you feel more confident if used correctly.
• Practicality: During summer, a lot of hair can make life a lot more complicated. Trimming your leg hair might make you feel more comfortable and make it less likely you’ll bring the entire beach home every time you go for a walk near the sea.
• Discomfort: For some people, it’s easy to get really uncomfortable with too much leg hair. Excessive hair can make your legs itchy and trap sweat.
• You’ve got ink: If you’re planning on getting a tattoo, or you already have tattoos on your legs, it makes sense to ensure people can actually see them.
• You’re an athlete: Whether you’re a swimmer or a body builder, sometimes shaving your legs can help you streamline your performance. Plus, it’s a great way to prove you don’t skip leg day whenever you go out in shorts.

Is shaving your legs bad?

For most guys, the worst thing about shaving their legs is the taboo of it. If you’re uncomfortable with people paying too much attention to you, shaved legs might draw more eyes than unshaven ones on a guy.

On the other hand — these days, there’s a good chance no-one will notice.

Outside of the social issue, there are pros and cons to shaving anything on your body. Whether you’re shaving your beard, your armpits, or your legs, you’ll have to prepare for:

• Upkeep: If you want to maintain your hair-free look, you’re going to need to keep shaving. This means paying for razors, waxing strips (ouch), hair removal cream, and moisturizer.
• Discomfort: Shaving can be uncomfortable for a few reasons. It increases your chances of accidentally cutting yourself and raises your risk of ingrown hairs. Not to mention, some hair removal techniques are more painful than others — like epilating.
• Time: If you’ve got super hair legs, it can take a long time to get them looking sleek. You’re going to need to devote time and effort to maintaining your look. There are also the moments dedicated for exfoliation and moisturizing to think about too.

Trimming leg hair: You decide

Deciding whether or not you should shave your legs is a personal thing. There’s nothing wrong with deciding you want silky soft pins. Just make sure you’re prepared for the work and occasional discomfort. Doing your research and finding the right hair removal products can help here.

If you need more advice on shaving your legs, check out the full version of this post here.

Blitz yourself better!