Dear Alice,
I'm an 18-year-old guy, and I'm thinking about shaving my legs
this summer. Basically my legs seem too hairy for my liking and it
makes them feel less clean to me. Is it strange to feel this way?
I've
wanted to try this for a while, but have been worried about what
others' reaction will be. Would people think I am totally strange or
would they even take notice? I've heard that cyclists and swimmers
often shave their legs in preparation for competitions — what kind
of reaction does that draw? Thanks for any advice you can give.
Dear Reader,
To shave or not to shave... this is the question. When it comes to removing body hair, whether it's on top of your head, under your arms, or on or between your legs, there's no incorrect decision because the act is naturally reversible. If you shave your hairy legs today, and it doesn't make you feel any "cleaner" tomorrow, rest assured, the hair will return. Similarly, let's say you shave your chest hair and discover that, without it, you look similar to a plucked chicken. Squawk not, your feathers will eventually grow back.
It is true that bikers, swimmers, runners, and other athletes have been shaving for years as a tactic for improving their speed; but, more and more, pop culture has jumped into the game as well. Take a look at some male-oriented sports and fashion magazines: there's plenty of beef, but where's the hair? So, since hairless supermodels are in vogue, it's doubtful that you will become a shaved-legged laughing stock at this summer's beach parties and barbecues. And yes, you may even discover that few notice your nakedness, as many guys have very little hair on their legs, arms, chests, etc. from the get go.
Be aware that everyday shaving may leave you with a prickly, bumpy surface, rather than the silky, smooth skin you see on TV. This can be a hair-raising experience for some, but again, stay tuned because your hair will be right back. You might consider trimming your body hair, instead of going for the Uncle Fester look. Waxing, where a professional uses wax to pull out your hair, can leave you smooth longer, but may be more costly and painful than shaving. Finally, laser hair removal is an option for long term hair removal, albeit the most costly. Whether you remove your hair is your decision. There is little harm in trying, since you can bet your body hair will grow back sooner or later.
June 8, 2011
Hello, I'm a women and I see many of my guy friends shave their legs. No, this is not a bad thing. Many women (take me for instance) find it attractive for a man to have shaved his legs.
...
Hello, I'm a women and I see many of my guy friends shave their legs. No, this is not a bad thing. Many women (take me for instance) find it attractive for a man to have shaved his legs.
Sincerly,
Awesome
September 10, 2009
To the reader:
I don't think men shaving is a big issue. It's been going on for centuries. As for me, I have been trimming my pubes and shaving down there for about 15 years. Never had a woman...
To the reader:
I don't think men shaving is a big issue. It's been going on for centuries. As for me, I have been trimming my pubes and shaving down there for about 15 years. Never had a woman give me grief for that. I have the same issue with my legs as previously mentioned. I don't currently shave them but trim the hair down really close. Almost looks shaved. Underarms are always trimmed and sometimes smooth. Bottom line is I don't like being hairy! My bod, my choice. :)
March 27, 2007
Hi everyone —
After years of wearing jeans and socks, many, many guys are half bald on their legs. I've shaved my legs for the past two summers after hearing more comments from friends when...
Hi everyone —
After years of wearing jeans and socks, many, many guys are half bald on their legs. I've shaved my legs for the past two summers after hearing more comments from friends when I would wear shorts. I would hear things like, "What happened to the hair on your legs?"
It was so patchy and more odd looking than just clean shaved. If you take a look around, I'd say 50% of guys over 30...
February 5, 2007
Dear Alice,
I shave my legs and underarms. I started shaving my underarms because they were just too bushy and trimming looked like a bad shave job. I don't have an issue with folks seeing...
Dear Alice,
I shave my legs and underarms. I started shaving my underarms because they were just too bushy and trimming looked like a bad shave job. I don't have an issue with folks seeing my underarms any more. If you work out your arms, it looks better anyway. Now, when I see folks with bushy underarms, I think: they should just shave. It's not girly unless the guy is girly.
As for my legs, that's a...
December 18, 2006
Hi Alice,
I have been shaving my legs and underarms for at least fifteen years. Actually whole body! Yes, it does take some time, but it is enjoyable time. To me, there is nothing like getting...
Hi Alice,
I have been shaving my legs and underarms for at least fifteen years. Actually whole body! Yes, it does take some time, but it is enjoyable time. To me, there is nothing like getting into a hot bath, laying back with a good shaving gel, and shaving my legs and body. Also, I love my smooth skin! And yes, not shaving for a few days is uncomfortable. But the feel of my clothes, lack of body odor, and look make...
March 7, 2006
Dear Alice,
I have been shaving my legs for about 10 years. I first shaved them because I thought they would look cleaner and better. Apparently, my thought was correct. My wife has...
Dear Alice,
I have been shaving my legs for about 10 years. I first shaved them because I thought they would look cleaner and better. Apparently, my thought was correct. My wife has encouraged me to keep my legs shaved and smooth. Other women have noticed and have commented favorably.
February 4, 2005
Dear Alice,
I have also been thinking of shaving my legs. I have always shaved my chest and inner thighs. I asked my wife what she thought and she was indifferent. I used to play softball and one...
Dear Alice,
I have also been thinking of shaving my legs. I have always shaved my chest and inner thighs. I asked my wife what she thought and she was indifferent. I used to play softball and one of the guys always shaved his legs and arms, and some of the other guys did think it was kind of strange. But he was a regular guy and just did not like the hairy look.
Michael G.
October 15, 2004
Dear Alice,
I have shaved my legs for over three years and almost nobody has noticed. I cycle, which is why I started doing this, but that is not why I carry on. The look is smooth and athletic...
Dear Alice,
I have shaved my legs for over three years and almost nobody has noticed. I cycle, which is why I started doing this, but that is not why I carry on. The look is smooth and athletic and my legs are very hairy if I don't shave. Just do it and see the difference. Most guys who start shaving their legs will never stop. Electric razors make it quick and easy.
August 20, 2004
Alice,
I am a thirty-year-old male and I have been shaving my legs for years now.
I used to worry about what other people would think about seeing my legs shaven, but people can think...
Alice,
I am a thirty-year-old male and I have been shaving my legs for years now.
I used to worry about what other people would think about seeing my legs shaven, but people can think what they want because I don't worry about what people think. Be free to do what you want and feel good in your skin. Be yourself!
May 21, 2004
Alice,
All men's body hair is an integral part of what makes the guy the man that he is. We need to change the notion that a man needs to shave it off wherever it is to look normal. The...
Alice,
All men's body hair is an integral part of what makes the guy the man that he is. We need to change the notion that a man needs to shave it off wherever it is to look normal. The argument about the wind drag factor for cyclists really is debatable.
Guys should just shave their face if they want to, but then leave every single one of all their other body hairs alone. They look tremendous — absolutely...
June 27, 2003
Dear Alice,
The intensity of pain sensations varies widely from one person to the next. I have my pubes waxed and have no real problem with it. Others, I understand, scream. Try it on the least...
Dear Alice,
The intensity of pain sensations varies widely from one person to the next. I have my pubes waxed and have no real problem with it. Others, I understand, scream. Try it on the least sensitive area and go from there. Try a salon. If the person doing you does 30 or 40 people a week, you may be amazed.
