Legs for the Game: Do Basketball Players Shave Their Legs?

Do NBA Players Shave Their Legs?

There isn’t a set answer to this question since some players do and some players don’t. In general, though, it’s more common for players to shave their legs during the playoffs when they want to look their best. Some players also shave their legs during the regular season if they feel it will help them perform better.

How Often Do They Shave Their Legs?

Many athletes shave their legs to improve their athletic performance. The theory is that shaving hair makes the skin more aerodynamic and therefore improves speed. Additionally, shaved legs can reduce friction and prevent injuries such as rug burn. Some athletes also believe that shaved legs feel better and provide a mental edge.

While there is no definitive answer on how often basketball players should shave their legs, most experts recommend that they do it at least once a week. However, some players may choose to shave more frequently if they feel it gives them an advantage. Ultimately, it is up to each individual player to decide how often to shave their legs.

What Are the Benefits of Shaving Their Legs?

There are a few benefits that have been associated with shaving one’s legs. For starters, it can help to reduce the amount of friction that occurs between the legs and the synthetic materials of a basketball uniform. This can lead to fewer skin irritations and chafing. In addition, shaved legs may also help to improve the aerodynamic properties of a player’s limbs, which could theoretically lead to better on-court performance.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Shaving Their Legs?

There can be a few drawbacks to shaving your legs as a basketball player. The first is that it can lead to ingrown hairs. This happens when the hair grows back into the skin, causing irritation, redness, and sometimes pain. Shaving with a dull razor can also cause razor burn and bumps. And if you’re not careful, you could cut yourself while shaving.

Shaving Basics

It’s generally accepted that basketball players shave their legs. The main reason for this is to reduce friction between the legs and the shorts during play. This can help prevent skin irritation and infection. In addition, shaving can also help improve the look of the legs and make the muscles look more defined.

How Often Should You Shave?

How often you need to shave depends on a few factors, such as your hair type, the rate of your hair growth, and personal preference. If you have very fine hair, you may be able to get away with shaving only once a week or even less often. If you have coarse hair, you may need to shave every day or every other day to avoid stubble.

What Are the Best Shaving Products?

There are a few different types of shaving products that you can use, and the best one for you depends on your individual needs. If you have sensitive skin, for example, you might want to use a shaving cream or gel that contains aloe vera or other soothing ingredients. If you tend to get razor burn, you might want to try a product with tea tree oil or other antiseptic properties.

For the most part, however, any decent shaving cream or gel will do the trick. Just make sure it’s designed for your specific type of razor (i.e., manual or electric) and that it doesn’t contain any ingredients that might irritate your skin.

As far as razors go, there are also a few different options to choose from. Safety razors are generally the best choice for most people, as they provide a close shave without being too harsh on the skin. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to razor burn, however, you might want to try an electric razor instead.

Shaving Tips

Whether you’re an athlete or not, shaving your legs can be a difficult task. There are a few different ways that you can go about it, and each has its own set of pros and cons. We’ll go over some of the most popular methods so that you can decide what’s right for you.

Prep Your Skin Before Shaving

To get a close, comfortable shave, it’s important to prep your skin before reaching for the razor. Don’t shave right after you get out of the shower—it may seem like the logical time, but your hair is actually weaker when it’s wet. Instead, wait a few minutes for your hair to soften up.


You can also try using a shaving gel or cream to help lubricate your skin and hair. This will help the razor glide over your skin more easily and reduce the risk of nicks and cuts. If you don’t have any shaving cream on hand, try using some conditioner instead—it’ll work in a pinch!

Use a Sharp Razor

A sharp razor is the key to a good shave. A dull razor will tug at your hair and skin, and it’s more likely to cause nicks, cuts, and razor burn.


The best way to keep your razor sharp is to replace the blades regularly. For safety razors (the kind that uses a blade), you can either buy replacement blades or get your razor professionally sharpened. For cartridge razors (the kind with disposable heads), you should replace the cartridge as soon as it starts to feel dull.

Go with The Grain

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re shaving your legs. First, always shave in the direction of hair growth (aka with the grain). Shaving against the grain can lead to irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. Second, make sure your razor is sharp – a dull razor will tug at hair and can also cause irritation. Third, use a shaving cream or gel to help reduce friction and protect your skin. And finally, take your time – rushing through your shave can increase the chance of nicks and cuts.

Moisturize After Shaving

It’s important to moisturize your skin after shaving to prevent irritation. Look for a lotion or cream that contains aloe vera, which will help soothe your skin.

Shaving Myths

There are many misconceptions about shaving. Some people believe that shaving makes hair grow back thicker, darker, and faster. Others think that shaving causes ingrown hairs. Neither of these things are true. In fact, shaving can have a number of benefits for athletes.

Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Thicker

This is one of the most common hair removal myths. Shaving does not make hair grow back thicker, but it may seem that way because the hairs are cut at an angle. When they start to grow back, they may feel coarser because they are blunt at the ends.

Shaving Causes Razor Burn

Shaving can cause razor burn, but there are ways to minimize the risk. Make sure your razor is sharp and use a shaving cream or gel to lubricate your skin. Shave in the direction the hair grows to avoid irritation. And don’t shave too often — every other day should be fine.

You Don’t Need to Shave Your Legs

There is no evidence that shaving your legs makes you a better basketball player. In fact, there is no evidence that shaving your legs has any effect on your performance in any sport. There are some practical reasons why athletes might choose to shave their legs, but there is no reason to believe that it would improve their performance.

FAQs

Basketball players at all levels shave their legs. The main reason for this is to prevent nicks and cuts that can occur during play. Shaving also allows for easier removal of athletic tape. In addition, many players believe that shaving provides a slight aerodynamic advantage.

How Do I Shave My Legs?

Here are some tips for shaving your legs:
-Use a sharp razor. A dull razor will cause irritation and razor burn.
-Wet your legs with warm water to soften the hair.
-Apply shaving cream or gel. This will help the razor glide over your skin and prevent irritation.
-Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it. Shaving against the grain can cause ingrown hairs.
-Rinse your legs with cold water when you’re done shaving to soothe the skin.

What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make when Shaving Their Legs?

-Not exfoliating before shaving: When you don’t exfoliate before shaving, you’re more likely to experience razor burn, ingrown hairs, and nicks and cuts.
-Shaving with a dull razor: A dull razor is more likely to cause nicks, cuts, and razor burn.
-Not using enough shaving cream: If you don’t use enough shaving cream, you’re more likely to experience razor burn, ingrown hairs, and nicks and cuts.
-Shaving in the wrong direction: Shaving in the wrong direction can cause razor burn, ingrown hairs, and nicks and cuts.

What Are Some of The Best Leg Shaving Tips?

-Start with clean skin. Shave in the direction of hair growth to prevent irritation.
-Use a sharp razor. A dull razor will tug at hair and is more likely to cause razor burn.
-Apply shaving cream or gel. This will help the razor glide over your skin and prevent nicks and cuts.
-Rinse your razor frequently. A clean razor will give you a closer shave.
-After you’re done shaving, apply a moisturizer to soothe your skin.