Those who’ve been shaving long enough already know the importance of applying a protective, hydrating layer before each session. It helps reduce friction and the frequency of cuts, rashes, and ingrown hair. However, what happens when you don’t have a shaving gel or cream on hand – can you use a simple Dove soap to shave your legs?
You can use Dove soap to shave your legs if you’re in a pinch; however, it’s not ideal. For most people, soap just isn’t lubricating enough for legs, and hair conditioner, body wash, or coconut oil would all be better alternatives to shaving products in this instance.
Read on as I further explore everything you’ll need to consider before using Dove soap to shave your legs. I’ll dive into the dos and don’ts of the process, as well as some other potentially better alternatives you can try instead, so make sure to stick around until the end.
Factors To Consider Before Using Dove Soap To Shave Your Legs
While shaving-specific products are bound to be ideal when it comes to protecting the skin on your legs from razor damage, we don’t always have them readily available, especially if in a pinch. That’s when many of us turn to alternative solutions, like using Dove soap, which, albeit an excellent cleanser, isn’t marketed for shaving purposes.
So, though practically speaking, using Dove soap for shaving your legs doesn’t present any issues, you’ll want to keep in mind that it may not provide the lubrication and protection that you’re looking for, especially if you have sensitive skin. This means you’ll likely still have to deal with razor burns, nicks, cuts, irritation, and ingrown hair, all of which you were trying to avoid in the first place.
If you’re still considering using the soap, though, here are some of the factors to consider beforehand:
- Your skin type. Those with especially dry or sensitive skin should steer away from this shaving cream substitute entirely.
- Razor type. If you’re working with a disposable razor, for example, the soap won’t be able to provide nearly enough lubrication for your skin, so only consider this approach if you’re using a gentle, high-quality razor.
- Hair type. If you have especially coarse or thick hair, you’ll want to opt for a more lubricating barrier that can keep your skin hydrated even if you have to do an extra run or two with your razor.
- Availability of other options. As you’ll see below, there are far better products you can choose as shaving cream alternatives, so if you have any of those, that’s what you’ll want to opt for instead.
If, after taking everything mentioned above into consideration, you still end up using Dove soap to shave your legs, here are a few steps to follow so that you can keep your legs as smooth and protected as possible:
- Wet your legs with warm water to help relax the skin and soften the hair.
- Create a lather with the soap and apply it generously to your legs, making sure to cover them evenly.
- Using a sharp, high-quality razor (preferably a hydrating one), shave your legs in the direction of hair growth.
- Try your best to avoid applying too much pressure or going over the same area more than one or two times.
- Rinse your legs with cool water to help soothe irritation and pat them dry with a towel.
Though Dove soap isn’t the best choice for a hydrating barrier while shaving your legs, it’s one of the most affordable and easily accessible options you have. As long as you follow the set-by-step guide outlined above and don’t have overly-sensitive skin, you should be okay.
Better Shaving Cream Alternatives
With all that said, I want to note that while using Dove soap can be a good solution every now and then, in the long run, you’ll want to opt for something that’s better suited for a job.
If you don’t want to invest in any shaving-specific products, that’s okay. There are plenty of excellent substitutes out there, so let’s go over them below:
- Hair conditioner – provides a similar lubricating effect as shaving cream.
- Coconut oil or baby oil – both help lubricate the skin and reduce friction.
- Body wash – though it doesn’t offer as much lubrication as the other options mentioned above, it can still be protective enough for your legs (and especially practical if you’re shaving in the shower).
Conclusion
You can use Dove soap to shave your legs; however, make sure to only rely on this approach if you’re in a pinch. Otherwise, you’re better off with more hydrating shaving cream substitutes like hair conditioner, coconut oil, or even body wash.
Moreover, only use Dove soap on your legs if you don’t have sensitive skin or thick, coarse hair. If you have no other options, try to implement the tips mentioned above to achieve a successful, cut-free shave.