It’s not what you’re thinking – I use hubby’s electric shaver ON MY LEGS people!
If only there was an electric shaver for women …
There are some women who really struggle with extreme itching on their legs after shaving – and I am one of them 🙁 .
I’ve tried lots of things over the years – depilatory creams, mitts, waxing, making sure I had a new razor, moisturising, shaving in a certain direction, shaving cream or conditioner on my legs, taking antihistamine tablets, applying alcohol or tea tree oil or heaven knows what else to stop the itch, standing on my head afterwards (no hang on, that’s to help in falling pregnant!) …
When I shave my legs with a razor, within 24 – 48 hours I will get SO ITCHY that I cannot stop scratching – until I literally draw blood, which is just so attractive. NOT. Scabby legs, mmm-mmm.
I can’t sleep at night from the itch – or I scratch in my sleep. I drive my hubster crazy by scratching while we’re trying to relax and watch TV. It’s such an unconscious thing, half the time I don’t even realise I’m doing it until it annoys him!
Possible Causes of the Unbearable Itch
I’ve been researching the problem of unbearably itch legs after shaving, and haven’t come up with any definitive reasons or solutions for that matter. It could be caused by any or all of the following:
- histamine intolerance (I do have some problems with hay fever, and have had allergy injections, so this is entirely possible.)
- an old razor
- dry skin in need of moisturising
- the hair breaking through the skin again (in which case, exfoliation should help)
- hormones
- dust mites in bed
- irritation from friction eg razor burn, rough clothing
So for the last ten years (or more!) I have taken to using the hubster’s electric shaver on my legs. Thankfully he is okay with this 🙂 .
It doesn’t give a nice smooth shave like a razor, but it’s good enough for me, and most of the time I’m not bothered by itching calves. (I will add here, that I have only ever shaved up as far as my knees as my hair is pale blonde and practically invisible on my thighs!).
Funnily enough, I use a razor under my arms and although I get some mild itching occasionally, it is usually okay. It’s just my legs that are the problem!
So if you too suffer from the agony of unbearably itchy legs after shaving, try borrowing your hubby’s electric shaver – or just buy one for yourself, which is what I really must do one of these days (hey Mr Remington I hope you are paying attention, I’d even give a free review!).
Do you have any other ideas that I can try, to avoid the horrible post-shave itch?
I don’t have any suggestions for stopping the leg itch but it must be so frustrating to not be able to do a quick run over your legs with a razor.
Also your bath is gorgeous!
It drives me bananas Tegan. As for the bath, I wish it was as deep as it looks on the outside – now THAT would be awesome! Sadly it’s just a regular size 🙁
I always use shaving cream and then apply a moisturizer straight after I’ve shaved and it seems to stop the ‘itch’. Ha ha you are such a character in those pics pretending you are shaving your face!
The things we do for our blogs 😉
Bahahhahhahahhaha that bathroom karaoke picture is awesome. Thanks for reminding me I need to shave my legs! I use one of those specially-formulated for women disposable razors. They’re pink. Makes all the difference, apparently.
Pffftt pink, green or blue they all drive me up the wall …
I have the same problem and have taken to waxing but even with that I still have issues. I’m really wanting to invest in laser hair removal but it’s so expensive.
I know! One of these days I will have to check it out though.
What a fantastic idea! But sadly mine hasn’t used his electric one in years. Oh and I haven’t shaved my pins in weeks! MEH, it’s winter x
I originally wanted to take a pic of Miss 17’s legs for this post – til she told me she hadn’t shaved them since she went to the races. In the beginning of June. LOL.
Oh how annoying to suffer like that with such itchy skin. Could be any one of the reasons you mention but at least you’ve found a method that works. Nothing wrong with using Hubby’s electric razor at all! Maybe try shaving using an Aloe Gel to moisturise and cool the skin? As for waxing, a lot of people suffer irritation. I find the winter is the worst with itchy skin full stop!
I have this too! I’ve been told its probably folliculitus (however you spell it). I find its not as bad if I wax but its still itchy. I’ll have to steal Trents electric razor!
I haven’t shaved in about 10 years… Waxing all the way for me! So no itch here so no advice I’m afraid.
That would be highly annoying Janet – nothing worse than itchy legs in bed!
I’ve not shaved for many years. I guess I’m lucky I don’t have much hair on my leg. Those bits of hair aren’t really that visible but they did bother me at one stage and I shaved regularly because I couldn’t stand a single sight of them. Things changed when I had my first baby and I’ve not shaved ever since! Anyway, I find that I do get itchiness if I shaved with razors but no problem if I use the one that pulls hair out (what do you call that? I’ve not used it for so long I can’t remember!!)
I too have this same problem! For ages, I gave up shaving, only breaking out the razor for special occasions. Then I tried waxing, which was great, but costly because I’m too clumsy to even bother with DYI kits. Now I just ration the shaving and moisturise like there is no tomorrow!