Itchy Legs After Shaving or Waxing: How to Stop & Get Rid of the Discomfort

Itchy legs after shaving normally end up with razor burn and bumps. Poor hair removal methods such as rough waxing can lead to painful itching on the skin. Here’s how to get rid, treat, stop and prevent itching on the legs after shaving.

While shaving is an affordable and quick way to remove unwanted hair, it can have a major drawback: razor burn. Razor burn can be defined as a skin irritation that happens soon after an area has been shaved. It causes a burning sensation and can appear as a red rash. At times, it can be itchy and swollen, too.

Razor burn is commonly associated with men who shave their faces frequently. Women can also have razor burn after shaving their legs and armpits. There are several causes of razor burn, such as using a dull blade, using a hard soap, shaving dry, unconditioned skin and just having sensitive skin

Painful scratching can put even the most rational woman into a fit of frustration and tears. Itchy legs after shaving can happen for a few reasons, one being dry skin.

Sometimes, a rash may even appear after shaving. There are, however, many different ways and techniques to treat and prevent this irritating issue. This article will explore the causes, and how to stop, treat and get rid of the itching.

What causes legs to itch after shaving?

Irritation on the skin can make you feel like scratching. When you scratch, you worsen this feeling, and can easily cause bumps, pimples and sores on legs. But what causes legs to itch from shaving, waxing or hair removal. Improper shaving techniques are top of the list. The condition of your skin before shaving can also cause it to itch.

1. Dry Skin

If you already have dry skin, pressing any kind of object against your skin can cause irritation. This can include doing something as simple as drying off with a towel after showering.

2. Skin Sensitivity

People with sensitive skin are bothered by any possible irritant. Rashes and itchiness on the legs are a common problem for people with sensitive skin.

3. Dull Razors

Using a dull razor can cause you to press too hard on your skin while shaving, causes itchy legs after shaving and possible causing a rash. Dull razors simply do not work as you need them to.

Pushing harder to try and make them work better will only cause yourself discomfort and you will most likely still not get the close shave you are looking for.

4. Razor Burn

Using a dull razor, shaving too close to the skin, and pressing a razor too hard to the skin will cause razor burn. This burn can cause legs to itch just after shaving. This painful issue can also be caused by dry shaving and cold shaving.

5. Scratching

Itchy legs after shaving and rash after shaving legs will make you naturally want to scratch. Unfortunately, although this may soothe the flare-up at that present moment, scratching will only make legs itch worse.

6. Swimming in chlorine water pools

Compounds containing chlorine keep pools and hot tubs sanitary, but exposure to the chemical poses some health risks. Low levels of skin exposure can cause eye and skin irritation.

Higher levels can result in severe burns and ulcerations. Chlorine can also strip away your skin’s protective oils, which can make it dry and itchy.

Exposure to chlorine can cause contact dermatitis, or skin inflammation resulting from direct contact with an irritant. Symptoms may be a red rash and severe itching, as well as blisters in severe cases. The drying effects of chlorine and water may also cause itchiness without a rash.

7. Itching after waxing too often

Waxing removes unwanted hair, making your skin soft and beautiful, but beauty comes at a price. Bumps and red rash after waxing can appear which can last for hours or as long as 3 days, especially if you have sensitive skin.

The bumps are the result of an inflammation of the hair follicles called folliculitis and is unsightly and can cause discomfort.

8. Using too much pressure when shaving

Using a lot of pressure doesn’t actually make your shave any closer. All it does it collect even more dead skin cells in your blades and cause more friction and therefore irritation than normal.

As previously mentioned, your razor should be gliding over your skin, not scraping it. And if it’s not gliding, it’s time to replace it.

9. Irritating shaving cream

Female shaving cream is recommended for both male and female shaving as all products are more mild and gentle than almost any type of male shaving cream. Also, male shaving creams are often perfumed, which will cause stinging and irritation on legs after shaving.

Therefore, to avoid stinging and irritation after shaving it is prudent to use an oil-based cream and not an alcohol-based one.

How to Get Rid of Itchy Legs After Shaving

You can prevent itching and inflammation as soon as you shave. This will go a long way in preventing and getting rid of razor burn and bumps. Some of the home remedies you can use include cold compresses, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera etc. Here’s how to get rid of itchy legs from shaving.

Cold Compress

A cold compress is a very effective and easy way to get instant relief from the burning sensation caused by razor burns. It soothes the area and can reduce inflammation. Plus, it will help reduce redness and itchy legs after shaving, as well as prevent razor bumps from forming.

1. Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel.
2. Place the towel on the affected area for a few minutes.
3. Alternatively, you can soak a cloth in cold water and place it on the affected area for a few minutes.
4. Repeat either of these treatments several times a day as needed.
5. To prevent razor burn, try splashing with cold water on your skin immediately after shaving.

Use apple Cider Vinegar to stop itchy legs fast

Are you looking for a way to stop itchy legs from shaving fast or immediately? Razor burns can be treated quickly with apple cider vinegar. Its anti-inflammatory properties work to reduce inflammation as well as the itchy legs sensation. Plus, the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps prevent infection.

1. Dab a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it on the affected area.
2. Allow it to air dry, and then wash it off with water.

Do this two or three times a day until the burning sensation stops.

Note: Those who have sensitive skin must dilute apple cider vinegar with water before applying it.

Aspirin treatment for shave itch

Aspirin is another easy and simple way to get rid of razor burn very quickly. The anti-inflammatory property of aspirin helps reduce redness and inflammation.

• Put two aspirins in one teaspoon of warm water.
• Let it sit for some time, until it turns into a paste.
• Rub the paste on the affected skin.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Use this simple treatment twice a day to get rid of the discomfort. It will also help you get rid of razor bumps. Note: Those with highly sensitive skin should not use this remedy.

Aloe Vera cure for itchy legs

Aloe vera is another great choice for soothing the itch on legs after shaving and razor burns. The soothing, as well as the cooling nature of aloe vera, will give you instant relief from the burning sensation and inflammation. Also, aloe vera will keep the skin moisturized, which speeds up the healing process.

We recommend Aloe Vera gel for skin by FineVine (Check price on Amazon).

1. Extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe vera leaf.
2. Rub the gel on the affected skin.
3. Allow it to dry on its own, and then rinse it off with cold water.

Follow this treatment two or three times daily for two to three days.

Black Tea

The black tea bags that you use to make yourself a cup of tea can also help get rid of razor burn. The tannic acid in tea helps reduce redness and inflammation.

1. Moisten a black tea bag in warm water.
2. Allow the tea bag to cool or put it in the refrigerator for five to 10 minutes.
3. Rub the cool tea bag over the affected area for two to three minutes.

Repeat several times daily as needed.

Honey

Known for its antibacterial properties, honey can also be used to soothe itchy legs after shaving. It can reduce swelling and inflammation, as well as keep the skin moisturized. Plus, honey can prevent the area from becoming infected.

1. Apply some honey directly on the irritated skin.
2. Allow it to air dry and rinse it off with cold water.
3. Alternatively, you can mix together one-half teaspoon of honey and one tablespoon of plain yogurt.
4. Apply this mixture on the affected area, allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
5. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Baking Soda

Another old-fashioned home treatment for itchy legs from shaving is baking soda. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, baking soda has a soothing effect on the skin. Plus, it helps relieve itching and reduces redness.

1. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda in one cup of water.
2. Soak a cotton ball in this solution and apply it on the affected skin.
3. Leave it on for about five minutes, and then rinse with cool water.

Repeat two or three times daily as needed.

Cucumber to soothe itchy legs

The hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties of cucumber help deal with razor burn symptoms quickly. Plus, cucumber contains vitamins C and K, two important ingredients for relieving pain and itchiness.

1. Slice a fresh cucumber and put the slices in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
2. Rub the cool cucumber slices gently on the razor burn for 10 minutes at a time.
3. Repeat at regular intervals until the skin heals.

Alternatively:

1. Puree half of a cucumber and mix it with one-quarter cup of milk.
2. Put the mixture in the refrigerator to cool.
3. Apply it on the affected area.
4. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water.

Use this treatment twice daily for two days.

Tea Tree Oil

Being rich in antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil is another good choice for getting rid of razor burn quickly.

1. Add five drops of tea tree oil to two tablespoons of water.
2. Apply this diluted solution on the affected skin.
3. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water.
4. Do this twice daily as needed.

Alternatively:

• You can add two or three drops of tea tree oil to one tablespoon of olive oil.
• Apply it on the irritated skin and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

We highly recommend 100% Pure, Undiluted Essential Oil from NaturoBliss (Check price on Amazon)

Oatmeal

The soothing and anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal will help alleviate inflammation and skin irritation to reduce the discomfort of razor burn.

1. Mix equal amounts of finely ground oatmeal and plain yogurt, and then add a little honey.
2. Apply this mixture on the affected area.
3. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
4. Use this treatment once or twice daily for two to three days.

Cream for Itchy Legs After Shaving

Not all shaving creams are equal. Like any beauty product, different shaving creams are designed for different kinds of skin. If your skin is dry and irritable, then stay away from products that contain alcohol or fragrance

• A moisturizing cream increases the skin’s ability to hold moisture. It penetrates deeply into the outer layers of the skin to restore the balance of lipids and to help prevent moisture loss. What creams do we recommend? A great choice would be Moisturizing Skin Cream from Vanicream (available on Amazon)
• Any cream containing shea butter and cocoa butter, almond oil, lanolin among others which provide deep hydration. What are our recommendations?
  • Raw Unrefined African Organic Grade A Ivory Shea Butter cream
  • NIVEA Cocoa Butter Body Cream – 48 Hour Moisture For Dry Skin 
  • QUEEN HELENE Almond Scented Massage Cream
  • Lanolin Cream for Dry, Irritated & Normal Skin
• Olive oil – yes, the kind used for cooking – is one of nature’s best moisturizers. It is high in vitamin E and antioxidants that maintain skin’s elasticity. It can be used as a lubricant when shaving as well as being used in place of baby oil or lotions. Olive oil has been used for thousands of years for many cosmetic uses.

How to Prevent Itchiness

Exfoliate. Many people are guilty of skipping this super-imperative step. In fact, you should be doing it both before and after you shave. It may seem like a waste of time, but your skin will be smoother and less prone to redness and irritation.

When you exfoliate before, it aligns your hairs for a uniform shave and sweeps away the dead skin, allowing for a closer shave. When you do it after, it unclogs your pores (from the shaving and creams, etc.) and prevents ingrown hairs (that cause razor bumps).

Always use a shaving lubricant. More on the specifics of creams and the like later, but using something to hydrate your skin is an absolute must. Do you feel like you’re being yelled at? Good! Always use shaving cream. Our recent favourite shaving lubricant is King of Shaves Alpha-Gel Shaving Gel (Check the price on Amazon)

Do not ever shave with just water. Soap and water is okay, but a cream designed especially for sensitive, to-be-shaved skin is best. And when you shave the same area twice, be sure to reapply.

Shave in the direction of your hair growth. Use razor strokes that go downward. Applying pressure with your razor against the grain of your hair causes irritation and bumps. Generally, this means down.

Shaving against the grain allows for a closer shave, sure. If that’s what you want, go for it. But the likelihood of your skin getting irritated increases exponentially when you do so.