Body Hair - how much comes off?

[Bolo Grubb]

Fairly dumb question maybe, but why do you all shave? What's the main benefits to you?

The biggest benifit I have found so far with shaving my legs is putting on sunblock. It just seems easier and less messy without hair.

It is much easier to self massage my legs without hair on them.

And since I shave my thighs too I don't have any problems with hair sticking through my shorts.

 

[MaxPrime]

Are Mountain Bikers more likely or less likely to shave than roadies?

When I rode Mountain, I shaved all the time because I got cut up every single race. When you're banging through the woods and trying to pass, you get hit with all those branches and such that make those annoying, little cuts you don't feel. Shaving makes it much easier to keep those clean and heal them up.

I just got into road cycling and was surprised to see shaved legs at the first event I rode in. I have gone that route for a while and gone without shaving, not too big a difference. I started work and have to wear a suit so shaving doesn't have many social implications. My g/f complains that it's annoying if my legs are stubly, but that's about it.

I'd say the best shaving decision I made was the armpits. I have hairy armpits but if I shave them I can use a LOT less deoderant and don't get nasty smells and pit stains. I don't shave my chest unless I'm lifting and the private parts thing is dumb to shave:

If you want to "trim the hedges downtown" - be smart about it. It's a high friction area, and raw skin isn't going to be happy. I use a hair trimmer (I know it's scary) with a 2 or so on it and just keep the hair short, but nowhere close to stubble. It makes the area easier to keep clean and doesn't have that long-ride smell afterwards - the ladies like it too.

 

[youm0nt]

I'm curious as to whether time trialists shave their arms as well; does anyone know?

some probably use those full upper body suits.

 

[9psi]

do you guys shave or wax? becuase i shaved for the first time yesterday, and today? ouch! it hurts! Yesterday afterwards, my legs were dead smooth, but now, i can feel the little tiny hairs and it hurts! And especially when i get the goosebumps it feels like a million needles in my legs! why is this happening? Now i feel inclined to let the hair just grown out again b/c of the pain! its not razor burn or anything like that, it feels like a needle sticking into every single hair folical/pore. HELP! thanks for any and all advice.

I "home waxed" up to the knees, and while it didn't really hurt the first 5 or so rips, the skin went all sensitive and got more sensitive as I went on. I was in agony at the end. Other blokes I know vouch for the salon, regardless of the expense due to having similar experience with home waxing.

I had a crash the next day, talk about good preparation!

I wanted to drink more than was good for me and get my (trusted) brother to do it. My wife won't allow that though. Waxing lasted a lot longer than shaving.

Oh yeah and I'd do the welcome mat before the chest

 

[Red2000SS]

I'm sorry, I just don't get the whole shaving thing. I only shave my face and that's only "in case I crash" LOL... Shaving your legs, arms, chest, or more not only seems extremely girly and/or gay, but a gigantic pain in the A$$ as well. I'm kidding a little so anyone who does shave don't have a cow...

The aerodynamic advantages to shaving is extremely minimal or non-existent for most riders. The whole "in case I crash" argument seems a little weak .... Do you wear a bra or pantyhose "in case you crash" or maybe some kevlar tights - it might provide some protection!!! LOL

None the less, I am so scared of crashing that I will continue to shave my face just in case I ever crash... But I just can't see shaving anything else...

 

[TechJD]

I don't race yet either but I shave the whole leg. You don't have to be in a race to get road rash.

But I dont even shave my face, why shave anything else

 

[Chester1]

I shave my legs because everyone else in the bunch does, and I did not want to be the odd one out. I know it's weak, but there it is. I am used to it now. Admittedly there is the one about crashes and healing which makes sense. I haven't come off since I started with the legs bit, and am in no hurry to test that one. It looks better and feels better.

I go swimming regularly, but I'm sure I'm the only bloke in the pool with shaved legs.

 

[lumpy]

I, for one, am glad to hear that. I hate the thought of pinching and pulling going on in your saddle area.

ha ha .... good one!

 

[lumpy]

Fairly dumb question maybe, but why do you all shave? What's the main benefits to you?

it gives the customers at Starbucks something to snicker about after you leave

 

[so19]

If you're gonna shave/wax, whatever, then to the top of the thighs is the go. When I first shaved my legs I initially stopped at 'short height' on the upper legs and it just looked freaky, so I kept on shaving. But if you want to look like you're wearing a pair of weird-ass "hair shorts", then go ahead and stop a couple of inches above the knees.

As to the question of why we cyclists shave, there's no real reason. Aerodynamics if not the reason (otherwise we'd shave the front of the legs and leave 'em hairy on the backs to create "dirty" air behind us). Hygiene after a crash seems to be fairly nebulous as well. The massage argument probably doesn't hold either - you can still get a rubdown with hairy legs.

Personally, I shave because it makes you look pro, the muscles appear more defined, and it's just a ritualistic part of the sport. Most riders probably wouldn't admit it, but I think vanity plays a major part in the decision to shave or wax. Nothing particularly wrong with that as far as I'm concerned.

 

[capwater]

Started shaving years ago when I was into bodybuilding hardcore. Liked it and never stopped. Been into road riding about 4 years (after several mtb) so it seemed like a good idea to keep it going. I shave full leg up to the package, full chest/back and arms down to the elbow cuz you need a bit on the forearms. Triple blade razors are the only way to go. A few extra minutes in the shower every couple of days (I'm a hairy Italian) does the trick. Not to sound like a girlie man, but being clean shaven sure feels good under the sheets at night!

 

[closesupport]

Forgot to add, I also play rugby, if you shave your legs and play rugby (specially in the front row where I play) you best have a good reason. A chest and armpit shave may just get you a beating
Fair to say that rugby blokes here mabey a little homophobic and body shaving is generally see as feminin, exception is Cyclists. Bit like a bloke wearing a skirt better be Scotish (yes I know they are Kilts)

whats wrong with wearing skirts or dresses, don't be so closed minded or homophobic, its fun, but as for shaving a chest. i personally hate chest hair, since i love to feel the missus tongue glide....... im sure you can imagine the rest, but damn it feels better.

when i used to swimm i used to remove pretty much everything, well less the never regions. but i have grown to detest chest hair. i like to keep my veiny calves under a good length layer of hair, since they at times look pretty abnormal especially as i get more and more dehydrated.

 

[closesupport]

I don't race yet either but I shave the whole leg. You don't have to be in a race to get road rash.

I've been considering that also. That pinching and pulling caused me some issues after a 50 mile ride. I had to do 40 the following day and I was more than a bit uncomfortable. If I can just keep my wife from freaking out...

its the extra few inches in appearance to the length your after ain't you.
yes we've seen the add too, increase your penis size in seconds.. get the BIC out... saddle pinching, that what you tell her.............lol maybe you'll be saying it pinches hair from you bum hole when you whipe and that needs shaving too.

plus its usually only what a women reffers to as bikini line that needs removing to stop that, no need to loose the whole hog.


GOT YOUR NUMBER!!!!

 

[heheheha]

I do it because a) it's the "roadie" thing to do, b) When MTBing mud doesn't stick to the hairs and drive you crazy with an itch, c) you get a wicked tan.

As to WHERE I shave to...Just up to where the hair stops Legs only. Naturally for me the further up my leg you went less hair was there...The only thing is I am now too afraid to stop; I can just imagine shaving for years and then stopping and suddenly ending up with ten times as much hair as I had to begin with...I also seem to naturally resist razor burn. IfI miss a while I will use the electric shaver followed by the ol Schick in the shower...

 

[Meek One]

Since 92 I cut (shave to some) my hair as short as clippers will allow...basically looks like 2 day stubble. Originally I shaved it but got way too many cuts. That said, I take the same approach to my pits and clip them. I workout in the gym regularly and I can't stand looking at some guys hairy bush under his arms. Since I started riding and want to look fast , I clip the leg hair too. I did my whole leg, but got a ton of ingrown hairs (sux), so now am going to do shorts down since it's getting colder anyway and don't have to look properly groomed at the pool.

 

[SpearSlinger1]

Body Hair - how much comes off?

Of me? None. Only when I shave my mug in the morning or get a haircut.

Somebody else? As much as they want.

 

[DocLobster]

Been mountain biking for a couple of years, along with casual road riding. Now started track racing and i think the hair is coming off. Spending ever more increasing time on the saddle and getting cut more frequently to boot. But really from my MTB experiences its just to increase cleanliness, no more bug carcasses strewn throughout my leg hair!

 

[hsg]

the way i see it, hair doesnt help any so it's gone.

 

[bluboy4_us]

Here's my take on the deal. With shaving, the hair grows back faster. With waxing, the hair stays gone longer but you have to let it grow bac some before you can wax again. Plus, the effect of the adhesive (wax) being yanked off the skin causes irritation and waxing can be messy. The alternatives are either no hair removal of wearing a latex glove while the hair is pulled out manually. It's less messy than wax but you still have to let the hair grow back some before you can do it again. As for how much comes off, I like the sensuality of bare skin. I can feel more during intimate moments. this includes the private parts. I haven't considered the bug factor but I believe that hair can slow the flow of sweat and bare skin assists it. This is one of the reasons I remove the hair from my chest. It feels cooler.

 

[less'go]

I feel like I just discovered sliced bread: It's a depilatory (sp?) device that RRRRIIIIPPPPS the hair out at the roots, at an amazing speed, and with minimal discomfort.

Cost about 60 Euros (what, 70-75 bucks?) and works on all body parts. Had been using wax at home up until now, but I'll never go back. There's no setting up, warming up, waxy mess, etc., and it's a very little machine (made by Braun), in a handy-dandy carring pouch. You can take it anywhere. It even has an exfoliating head that you can use in between times to ward of those nasty ingrown hairs.

Really, I would recommend this type of appliance to anyone, I don't know why I waited so long. I'm going to try it out on my man's back asap! I've been wanting to wax those stray hairs for years.