Legs Shaving For Men, The Pros And Cons
When males and shaved legs go hand-in-hand, you probably think it has something to do with a swimming or bicycling hobby. These days, more and more men are turning to the razor or waxing strip when it comes to their leg hair for reasons beyond the sports they play. What’s with the hype? Should you be part of it?
Are there any health benefits to shaving?
One major health benefit men gain when shaving their legs is a reduced risk for ingrown hairs. An ingrown hair is a curled hair that grows back into the skin instead of growing outward. Ingrown hairs often irritate the skin, causing a red, painful bump that resembles a boil.
Since men’s leg hair is usually quite curly, chances of ingrown hairs on the legs is tremendously high. Ingrown hairs can be difficult to remove and often require a visit to the doctor or dermatologist for removal. By shortening or eliminating the hairs on the surface of the legs, men who shave thus decrease their overall risk for ingrown hairs. This makes shaving a healthier option for men who develop ingrown hairs regularly. If not treated, ingrown hairs can become infected. By removing the hair from the surface entirely, the risk of ingrown hairs is diminished, making shaving a viable healthy choice.
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Waxing vs. Shaving: what’s the difference?
Shaving your legs can be time-consuming but it’s relatively easy to accomplish. Exfoliate before and after shaving to cut down on the risk for ingrown hairs. Use an exfoliating scrub like St. Ives Apricot Scrub and scrub your legs gently, rinsing with warm water. When shaving, pull the razor away from your feet and be careful around your knees. Rinse the razor after every swipe of the razor. To keep your skin hydrated, apply lotion to your legs afterward.
Waxing lasts longer than shaving. The procedure can be painful but it keeps legs smooth and free of ingrown hairs for weeks afterward.
Even if you wax or shave regularly, you still run the risk of getting an ingrown hair. All it takes is one hair to cause an ingrown.
Take baby steps before taking the plunge.
Before you go all out with shaving your leg hair entirely, you should try cutting down on the bulkiness of it. Many electric razors come with a grooming attachment that can trim the top layer of the hair, making your legs less bushy and more groomed. When your leg hair isn’t as long, it cuts down your risk for ingrown hairs. Men who are curious about shaving should start with a little preliminary grooming.
Shaving is a personal choice.
For men and women, the act of shaving has always come down to personal preference. In today’s society, it is more of the norm for women to shave their legs. However, it is perfectly acceptable and normal for men to shave, too, especially when considering the added health benefit of fewer ingrown hairs.
