If You Shave Your Legs Enough, Will the Hair Not Grow Back?

The easiest and least expensive way to reduce shaving frequency is to shave as closely as possible when you do it. Exfoliate before shaving and make the water in your bath or shower comfortable warm. Avoid cool water or water that is hot enough to dry your skin. Shave after your other bathing tasks are complete so your skin and hair have time to soften. Apply a shaving gel or foam to your legs and shave in the direction opposite the hair growth. Apply a moisturizing, alcohol-free body lotion to your legs after your bath or shower.

Despite the promises of countless hair-removal creams and lotions, there is no panacea for unwanted hair. The only drug proven to slow hair growth is eflornithine hydrochloride, which is available by prescription only. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug for use on facial hair only, and it is not recommended for use on legs or other body parts. Laser hair removal and electrolysis can slow or stop hair regrowth, but both may require several treatments. Laser treatments may only slow regrowth, requiring periodic maintenance treatments on an ongoing basis.