Are you planning to become a “complete bike” by shaving your legs? Passionate cyclist and former beauty editor Adele Mitchell explains how to get the job done like a pro.
So here are her tips for getting a nice, close shave with smooth legs and no razor notch in sight.
Along with the essential technique and steps you need to follow, you’ll find a list of cycle-specific shaving products and a few alternative options if shaving isn’t quite your thing.
Why do cyclists shave their legs?
There has been a lot of writing about the benefits of shaving legs for the avid cyclist; more comfort during massages (because you always have massages… right?), a more aerodynamic leg profile (questionable), and this may (or not) allow for faster healing of rashes.
In fact, there is a whole article on BikeRadar dedicated to answering the question “why do cyclists shave their legs?” “
I’ll add to this list by noting that a shaved leg also improves the look of your ‘Mallorca boot camp’ tan, highlights that mid-calf tattoo and will make sure you are never mistaken for a mountain biker. And, of course, that’s what the pros do.
This article is for riders who might be adept at shaving other parts of the body – the chin, for example – but have not yet embarked on a fluff-free lower body trip.
How to shave your legs for cycling
So now that you are convinced that lower extremity deforestation is for you, here is how to do it.
Note: Most bikers choose to shave their legs with a razor – it’s quick, cheap, and easy to do. The downside to shaving is that regrowth is quickly visible because the razor only cuts hair at skin level rather than removing it completely.
1. Exfoliate
To get the most precise and smooth shave possible, it’s best to first exfoliate your legs to remove the thin top layer of dead skin cells. It will also reduce the risk of uncomfortable ingrown hairs after shaving. A body brush will get the job done quickly and efficiently.
2. Cut longer hair
If you are particularly shaggy, you may find it beneficial to trim your leg hair with scissors before lathering and shaving – this will save you from clogging the razor and speed up the process accordingly.
3. Lather
Then wet your legs and lather with happy abandon to keep your skin soft and supple and reduce the chance of razor cuts. Soap, shaving gel, shaving foam, shampoo and shower gel will all do, but The Cyclist Who Has Everything may prefer the floral notes of Rapha shaving cream, ‘a mixture of natural ingredients and essential oils with a subtle scent of the surrounding flora of Mont Ventoux’.
4. Use a new, fresh disposable razor
A new disposable razor will give the best results – once it starts to shake you need to press harder and increase the risk of cutting yourself. So don’t just grab whatever is on the edge of the tub, even if it’s just your partner (in fact, especially if it’s your partner – they’ll be furious when they will discover that you have blocked the razor).
5. Leg shaving technique
To shave, simply start at your ankles and use long, upward strokes to remove hair and soap, making sure to rinse the razor regularly to prevent clogging. Shave your entire leg to the top: Hair shorts are not a good thing and never will be. But don’t get too carried away by pubic topiaries – instead approach your lower regions with caution and pay attention to this advice offered to women cyclists by British Cycling.
To continue, you will need a skilled hand to tidy up the “curved” areas around the ankles and knees. Use shorter strokes that follow the curve of the joints, holding the skin taut with your free hand.
6. Apply lotion or cream
A little body lotion helps keep the skin soft and supple after shaving. Aftershave lotions (if someone is already working on a Christmas “more cycling socks” list).
7. Optional: put on a fake tan
Also optional, but worth mentioning: If your newly shaved legs are “Milk Race White” rather than “Tour de France Bronze” on the tan chart, you might want to indulge in a little fake tan. This will quickly convince other riders that you and your bald, brown legs have covered some serious miles in the mountains. Of course, if they don’t really and they let you down on the first ascent, you can’t blame anyone other than yourself, or just wash it off (most fake tans last three to five days).
In my opinion, Xen tan is the KOM of the fake tan world – a foolproof application and a truly natural looking color.
The best shaving products for cyclists
For the avid rider, there are plenty of products on the market from your favorite bike brands to ensure your legs stay smooth. We’ve put together a selection of our favorites.
Shaving creams for cycling
From shaving cream scented with the flora of Mont Ventoux to that with an extra thick formula and nourishing oils, there is a gel or a cream for every cyclist.
Rapha shaving cream
Muc-Off Deluxe Shaving Cream
MUc-Off machined shaving brush
Maximum comfort shaving gel from the Lab series
Lab Series Refreshing Shaving Cream
Veloskin shaving cream
aftershave lotions and creams
Keep your freshly shaved legs supple and smooth by applying lotion or cream. These products are designed to hydrate without leaving any oily marks on your legs.
Rapha After Shave Milk
Muc-Off Luxury Aftershave Balm
Lab Series 3-in-1 Post-Shave
Veloskin After Shave Lotion
Shaving alternatives for cyclists
Are you really getting into this bare-legged business? Discover the rest of the hair removal team …
Waxing
This removes more hair than shaving, so regrowth occurs less quickly. This is done by smoothing strips of sticky waxed fabric against your leg, then pulling the strip back against the hair growth. By the way, you need specialist hair removal bands – now is not the time to improvise.
Waxing is momentarily very painful and difficult to do on your own, so it’s best to pay a beautician to do it for you, but there are additional costs you might spend on espressos.
Electric shavers
They are convenient to use and gentler on the skin than shaving because there is little chance of getting cut. Wet and dry razors work by lifting and cutting hair using an oscillating head.
The dry razor offers the convenience of being able to be used anywhere (but maybe not in public), but it is always better to wash and dry your legs first as this softens the hair and makes the skin appear smoother. soft.
A wet razor is used with shaving gel on wet legs and is gentler on the skin because it is lubricated throughout the procedure.
Electric razors, on the other hand, simply cut the hairs rather than removing them from the root, so the regrowth time is similar to shaving.
An epilator
It is a device that quickly and mechanically grabs and pulls out each hair at the root. Believe it or not, it hurts a little less than waxing and you can inflict – I mean, perform – this treatment on yourself. Hair regrowth is slower and often finer than shaving with a razor or electric razors.
It’s also a hassle-free and very straightforward process, although you will need to invest over £ 25 (and maybe a little more if you go ‘high end’) on the unit. Yet for me it is hair removal’s strongest competitor.
Depilatory cream
This product works by chemically dissolving your hair. You apply it, wait a few minutes then shower it, and your hair, away. Regrowth is quite fast, not everyone likes the scent of the cream, and it is not always suitable for sensitive skin (a patch test is recommended before using it).
In addition, it is not recommended to put hair removal cream near your testicles, as this – possibly the best product review ever – Explain.
What is your favorite hair removal method? Or have you had hair removal mishaps? Let us know in the comments below!
