Why Do My Legs Itch After Shaving?
If you always end up dry and itchy after shaving, you’re probably wondering why do my legs itch after shaving? It could be everything from your shaving products to your shaving technique or even your razor.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to treat itching skin after shaving. Ahead, we explain why you get itchy legs after shaving, what you can do about it, and how to prevent itching after shaving.
Is it Normal for Legs to Itch After Shaving?
It's not unusual for legs to itch after shaving. In fact, it’s common to experience itchy skin after shaving. When you shave, you remove not just the hair but also a thin layer of skin cells, which can leave the skin vulnerable and more prone to itching and dryness. Additionally, the use of dull razors or improper shaving techniques can further irritate the skin, leading to post-shave itching.
Ingrown hairs, where a hair follicle curls back into the skin, can also contribute to this discomfort. While this itching is a common occurrence, it can vary in intensity from person to person. Proper shaving techniques, moisturizing, and skin care after shaving can help alleviate the itchiness.
Why Do My Legs Itch After Shaving?
There’s nothing worse than itchiness after shaving. To resolve the issue, it’s important to know what causes itchy legs after shaving. Here are the most common reasons why you might be feeling the itch after putting razor to skin.
Dry Skin
If you’re not using shaving cream or shaving gel before shaving (aka, dry shaving), you’re likely to end up with irritated skin—and ultimately, dry skin. Skipping aftershave moisturizer can also leave legs dry and itchy, which is why it’s always important to follow up with a hydrating lotion after shaving.
Razor Bumps
Razor bumps result from improper shaving techniques, especially in individuals with curly or coarse hair. These hairs can curl back into the skin when cut too closely, causing ingrown hairs. Using dull razors, applying excessive pressure, or shaving against the grain can also contribute. Additionally, clogged pores from dead skin cells and debris can trap hairs beneath the skin's surface, leading to inflammation. Wearing tight clothing can worsen the issue by pushing shaved hairs back into the skin.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a skin condition where hair follicles become inflamed or infected—typically after shaving. If you’re dealing with folliculitis, you’ll notice red bumps and pimples around your hair follicles that tend to be itchy and sore.
Razor Burns
Razor burns frequently lead to post-shave leg itchiness, characterized by discomfort and irritation. This condition arises due to abrasions that form on the skin during shaving. These abrasions result from improper shaving techniques, including dry shaving, using dull razor blades, and shaving in the wrong direction.
Dull Razor
The pull of a dull razor can redirect the hair follicle when you shave your legs, resulting in ingrown hairs. What’s more, using an old razor over and over again can lead to bacterial infections that can lead to itchy skin.
Irritating Skincare Products
Especially if you have sensitive skin, scented soaps, stripping cleansers, and harsh chemicals can irritate and dry out the skin, leaving your legs feeling itchy. If you have sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free formulas before and after shaving your legs. Choose soothing ingredients like aloe vera and lavender.
How to Stop Itchy Legs After Shaving
Now you know the answer to why do my legs itch after shaving, here’s how to treat itchy legs after shaving.
Use a Topical Antimicrobial Treatment
Cooka Routine
SHOP NOW
To alleviate itchiness, apply a topical treatment that contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as tea tree, lavender, and primrose oil. These help to gently cleanse the area of bacteria while soothing red, itchy skin. You’ll find these ingredients in Truly’s Cooka Routine, a skin-nurturing pair that softens coarse pubic hair, quells ingrowns, and reduces post-shave irritation and itching.
Moisturize
Why do my legs itch after shaving, you ask. It’s probably because you aren’t moisturizing. Freshly shaved skin tends to be dry, which is why it’s essential to apply a moisturizer to soothe and soften the area. Look for a body cream or lotion that contains nourishing, moisture-sealing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, cocoa butter, glycerin, or coconut oil.
Wear Loose Clothing
Tight clothing rubs against the skin which will only exacerbate the itching. Wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid friction and ultimately irritation and itching.
How to Prevent Itching After Shaving
In order to prevent itchy legs after shaving, you’ll need to use the right shaving products and techniques. As tempting as it is to quickly glide over your legs with a razor, especially when you’re stuck for time, you’ll only wind up dry and itchy instead of smooth and silky. Here are some steps to prevent post-shave itchiness.
Cleanse and Exfoliate First
Start things off in the shower. Warm water opens up the pores and softens hair, allowing for a seamless razor glide. While you’re in there, reach for a body scrub or exfoliating cleanser to buff away the buildup of dead skin cells. This will prevent your razor from getting clogged with dead skin, leading to a smoother, closer shave.
Lather Up With Shaving Butter
Never shave without lubricating the skin first with a hydrating shave cream or butter. Besides softening skin and body hair, it provides a comfy barrier against your razor blades while creating slip for an effortless glide. If you’re wondering why do my legs itch after shaving, it could be because you’re not using shaving cream, and it’s essential for achieving a smooth, irritation-free shave.
Use a Clean, Quality Razor
You can’t go wrong with a good razor. Look for a high quality razor that features at least two blades (or five, preferably), and make sure the blades are always clean and sharp before you start shaving. With an old, dull razor, you end up applying more pressure on the skin, which leads to razor burn and bumps.
Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth
Always shave in the direction of hair growth to ensure a smooth, itch-free shave. While shaving against the grain may provide a closer shave, you’ll only heighten your risk of ending up itchy and irritated. Another important tip: avoid going over the same area more than once, otherwise you could end up with a shaving rash or painful ingrown hairs.
Moisturize
Last but certainly not least, slather on the body cream straight after shaving! It’ll instantly soften and smooth the skin while bolstering barrier function, thus preventing skin from drying out and becoming itchy. Look for a product that contains humectants or emollients (or both!), such as shea butter, coconut oil, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.
Best Shave Products for Legs
The best way to stop getting itchy legs after shaving is to invest in a good shaving routine that includes all the essentials—scrub, shaving cream, moisturizer, and a quality razor. Here are some of the best shaving products for legs to avoid and alleviate the itch.
Glazed Donut Shave Set
SHOP NOW
Runway-ready legs, right here. Glazed Donut Shave Set features the new Soft Serve Whipped Shave Butter and Glazed Donut After Shave Glow Cream, along with a scrub, after shave oil, and five blade razor. Enriched with peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, this 5-step routine ensures supermodel-smooth skin without ingrowns, razor burn, and irritation.
Ultimate Coco Cloud Shave Set
SHOP NOW
You’ll feel like your shaving your legs on a tropical island with the Ultimate Coco Cloud Shave Set. With fluffy, yummy textures and coconut-y, vanilla scents, it’s as luxurious as it gets. What’s included: a whipped shave butter, after shave serum, and moisturizer, plus an aloe-infused razor and vegan fur bag. Suitable for all skin types, and super gentle on sensitive skin.
Ultimate Smooth Legend Shave Set
SHOP NOW
Experience a legendary shave, the kind you won’t forget. Ultimate Smooth Legend Shave Set includes a pre-shave scrub, shave butter, and after shave oil plus a razor and bag to leave you smooth and silky all over. It harnesses the soothing and hydrating powers of passion fruit, lavender, and coconut oil to help you reach new levels of smooth.
Why do my legs itch after shaving? Most likely, it’s because you’re shaving wrong. Nail your shaving technique and you shouldn’t have to deal with itchy legs after shaving ever again.
Watch our how to shave your legs tutorial:
