Why do cyclists shave their legs? Is it part of the job? The exact benefits are negligible for the average cyclist. You don't get massaged after a ride or race, if you can steer a bit you won't fall so easily and aerodynamic benefits seem to be there but fall into the category of marginal gains. And that while the average cyclist is better off focusing on benefits that do have a direct impact on the result. Yet in the amateur peloton (and among trimmers) it is commonplace to shave the legs. A tradition, a habit, a convention of men of the past. It is perhaps the most frequently asked question to a cyclist: Why do you shave your legs? For those who are comfortable with it, the following are 24 tips for cyclists who shave their legs:
1. Don't shave early in the morning
Everyone has their morning routine. If your morning routine is to get into the shower straight out of bed to shave your legs, then you need to do something about your morning routine. In fact, it is better to run water over the skin for a while first. This will soften the hair a little and open up the pores. Don't wait too long, as you will get those wrinkles that make it harder to shave smoothly.
2. Use shaving foam
No matter how much of a rush you are in, don't be tempted to shave 'dry'. Always put plenty of shaving cream on your legs before shaving.
3. Shave in the evening
As I mentioned earlier, it is best not to make shaving your legs a morning routine. Although as a cyclist you might be a bit tired after a long day on the bike, it is better to shave your legs in the evening. In your sleep, your legs swell a little bit causing hairs to pull back a little bit in the hair follicles. As a result, you will get stubble on your legs faster.
4. Replace your razor after three shaves
If you shave with a disposable razor make sure you don't use it more than three times. After that, it is just rancid to use again, apart from the fact that the blades will be blunt.
5. Shave down first, then up
Just like shaving on your face, you shave with the hair growth first, then against it.
6. Take care with a new razor blade
New blades are sharp, so always be careful with this and take extra care when using a new razor.
7. Stay away from wounds
Cyclists often fall and this causes wounds. Shave neatly around wounds to avoid opening them up. Also, do not shave over scars that have not healed completely to avoid opening them up again.
8. Bend your knees
Around your knees is about the trickiest area of your leg to shave. Bending your knees tightens the skin and makes it a little easier to shave the tricky parts.
9. Keep the plastic protection in front of the knife when not in use
There is a reason razor blades come with a plastic protective case. Not only for safety, but also to prevent rusting.
10. Don't be afraid to buy a 'Venus'
This article is somewhat focused on the men. Therefore: check out the ladies too. They have developed pretty cool and clever razors for women, and you as a man can just take advantage of that. Granted, a pink razor is not the coolest item in your bathroom, but who cares!
11. Try razors with more blades
Disposable blades generally have one or two blades. Using razors with more blades makes shaving easier and more precise. The purchase price is just a lot higher. But as with your bike, it is always good to invest in the equipment.
12. Shave daily for the smoothest legs
Shaving is basically the same as cycling. The more often you do it, the better you get at it.
13. Aftershave for your legs
It may sound a bit feminine, but rubbing your legs after shaving will reduce irritation and inflammation.
14. Make your own shaving cream
Are you creative and really got the shaving bug? Then make it even more exciting by making your own shaving foam. You can go a long way with some shea butter, coconut oil and additives such as rosemary or mint.
15. Tighten your skin
If you get to difficult spots, pull the skin taut with your free hand to make sure you can easily reach the difficult spots.
16. Create short lanes
Especially on hard-to-reach areas like your knees or intimate parts, it is wise to make short jobs. This will prevent a potential bloodbath.
17. Don't forget your thighs
Although it is not necessary for visibility in a cycling outfit, it is advisable to shave the entire legs to avoid weird scenes by the pool.
18. Don't soap your legs before shaving
Soap dries out your legs, making shaving difficult. So soaping should only be done after shaving.
19. Scrub your legs
Use an exfoliating glove or exfoliating cream to make your legs nice before you start shaving. This will remove dead skin cells and shave even closer to the skin. Exfoliating regularly will also prevent hairs from growing in as you move them while exfoliating.
20. After-treatment
After shaving, rinse your legs with cold water. Dry your legs by dabbing with a soft and clean towel (do not rub).
21. No repeats
Make sure you shave over the same spot as few times as possible. This will prevent irritation.
22. Don't share your razor with your girlfriend
Make sure your razor and your girlfriend's are easily distinguishable. Shaving with the same razor is terribly unhygienic.
23. Trim your hair first
If your leg hair is still at full length, you should trim it before going ahead with a razor. This way you can better see the direction of your hair growth. Cut it to about half an inch long.
24. Take your time
Shaving your legs is a precise job. The last thing you can use in this regard is haste. Before you know it, you'll slip and have a painful cut on your leg. So take your time and shave with a steady yet calm hand.
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