Thigh shaving: Should you shave your thighs?

Should you shave your thighs? This is a question some people, sometimes, might wonder about, whether they’re just learning how to shave or rethinking their usual routine. The simple answer is: it’s completely up to you.

Thigh shaving is a personal choice, not a necessity. Some people love the feeling of smooth legs all the way up, while others embrace their hairy thighs, and both options are totally normal. If you do decide to shave, especially the upper thighs or your inner thigh hair, there are a few things you should consider to do it safely and comfortably.

In this guide, we’ll explore why shaving your thighs might feel a little trickier than other areas, share tips on how to shave thighs properly, and help you find the best way to remove inner thigh hair with confidence.

Should you shave your thighs?

There's no rulebook when it comes to body hair. If you’re wondering, ‘do you shave your thighs, or should you just leave them?’, the answer depends on your personal preferences. Here are some of the most common reasons people choose thigh shaving:

For a smoother, more uniform feel with the rest of the leg
To feel more confident in shorts, skirts, or swimwear
To reduce friction from hair when exercising
Personal comfort or hygiene preferences

Shaving your thighs is not for everyone, though. Here are some reasons you might choose not to shave:

You prefer a natural look or don’t find hairy thighs bothersome
You suffer from sensitive skin or irritation from shaving
You’ve had issues with ingrown hairs or razor burn in the past
You’re short on time, and shaving feels like extra effort

Ultimately, shaving above the knee or anywhere on your thigh is entirely optional, and either choice is valid. So, if you’re still interested in learning how, keep reading.

Why thigh shaving can be tricky

The thighs, especially inner thigh hair and the back of the thighs, can be a bit more challenging to shave than your lower legs. Here’s why:

The skin is often softer, more sensitive, and can be more prone to irritation
The hair on the thighs tends to be finer and grows in different directions
It’s harder to see and reach certain areas, especially when shaving the back of your thighs
Chafing and friction from clothes or movement can cause post-shave discomfort

This means technique, prep, and aftercare are even more important when shaving your thighs successfully.

How to shave thighs safely and smoothly

If you’ve decided to go ahead, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shave thighs, including tips for inner thigh hair and shaving upper thighs safely.

1. Exfoliate before shaving

Gently exfoliating your thighs before shaving can help remove dead skin and even prevent ingrown hairs.¹

Use a body scrub or exfoliating mitt
Focus on the inner thighs and the back of the thighs
Don’t scrub too hard and be gentle

2. Use a sharp, clean shaver

A dull blade can increase the risk of nicks and irritation, particularly on the delicate skin of your thighs. It’s important to replace your blades regularly, as doing so not only reduces irritation, but also gives you a much cleaner, smoother shave.

The Philips Lady Shaver Series 8000 is ideal for this, as it’s gentle on the skin, even in sensitive areas like the inner thighs. It removes hair as fine as 0.2 mm and cuts through all hair types while protecting your skin from nicks and cuts.

3. Apply a shaving gel or cream

When shaving your thighs, use a moisturising shaving gel or cream to help glide the shaver across your thighs.

4. Shave in the direction of hair growth

Shaving in the direction of hair growth, or the grain, can reduce irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. When shaving:

Go slowly and gently
For stubborn patches, reapply gel and shave against the grain only if your skin can tolerate it
When learning how to shave the back of your thighs, take extra care and consider using a mirror or sitting down for better control and visibility

5. Rinse and pat dry

Once you’ve finished shaving, rinse off any shaving gel and loose hairs, and pat dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing your skin dry as this can cause irritation.

Aftercare tips for thigh shaving

The key to smooth, irritation-free skin isn’t just in the shave; it’s in how you care for your skin afterwards, too. Here are some post-shave care tips to keep in mind:

Moisturise after shaving with a fragrance-free, gentle lotion
Avoid tight clothing that might rub on your skin for a few hours
Exfoliate 2–3 times a week to prevent ingrown hairs
Skip hot showers or baths immediately after shaving to avoid drying out the skin
Wear breathable fabrics like cotton to reduce sweat and friction, especially if you’ve shaved your inner thighs

Dealing with inner thigh hair: What about alternative methods?

If shaving isn’t working for you, you can still find the best way to remove inner thigh hair using other hair removal methods. See them below:

Hair removal creams

Pros: Quick and painless.

Cons: Can irritate sensitive skin. When using hair removal creams, always read the manufacturer’s instructions and do a patch test when using them for the first time.

Waxing

Pros: Longer-lasting results, up to 3 to 6 weeks.

Cons: Can be painful and lead to ingrown hairs if not done properly.

Laser hair removal

Pros: Long-term solution for reducing thigh hair.

Cons: If you’re getting it done professionally, laser hair removal can be expensive and requires multiple sessions before you start seeing results. Laser hair removal is also less effective for certain hair colours.

Trimming

Pros: A great option if you don’t want full removal

Cons: Hair remains visible but shorter

So, should you shave your thighs? Only if you want to. There’s no pressure either way. Some people love the smooth feel of freshly shaved upper thighs and no inner thigh hair, while others are perfectly comfortable with their hairy thighs.

If you decide to try it, just make sure to prep your skin, use a sharp shaver, and follow up with gentle care. Whether you're shaving for a special occasion or simply because it feels good to you, the choice is always yours.