the "why are you shaved" conversation.....

[sexylegsinheals]

So I'm a single guy/CD. I'm curious to know what reason's others give for why they are shaved prior the "Hey I wear women's" clothes conversation pops up.

[girltoy]

Honestly, it doesn't really come up. Most people don't notice, and if they do, they rarely ask about it. I think the one time I was asked about it, I shrugged and replied 'felt like doing it, so I did it.' Funny enough, in my line of work I wind up getting really close to people and have only had 2 comments about my grooming habits, those being 'I really love your manicure! You have fantastic nails!' (they were my natural nails, which I politely stated to my patient, much to her envy) and 'I never noticed how hairy your arms are before...' (from a patient after I had let all my arm hair grow back in).

[franlee]

Never has been an issue for me, I'm a knife collector and constantly sharpening my knives. And when I do this I am alwys checking them on my arm-hair and leg-hair so I keep it shaved off pretty much all the time. And always have.

[GeminaRenee]

Not really an issue here, either... The one time it's come up was with someone I was involved with. She asked, and I just explained that it was something that an ex suggested I try, and that it turned out that I liked it - so I kept on. True story, on all accounts - I just neglected to include any reasons pertaining to pantyhose, LOL.

I spent this past summer shaved at all times, wearing shorts as any normal human being would. No-one said anything about it, or even gave any indication of noticing.

It's really just not that big of a deal.

[I Am Paula]

Watch a movie some time. Young male actors have pit hair and that's it. (don't know about down below, it's not that kind of movie).

[Jenniferathome]

I have had my legs shaved for 2 years and not once has someone asked. There is no question it has been noticed, but frankly, no one cares, it just "is" to most people

[Megan Briana]

After my heart attack, I have learned to keep those areas clear. I was in coma for nearly two weeks. All the lines in (such as groin for angioplasty, a central line, and a few more that i never really knew why) were held with heavy duty medical tape. Now add two weeks + worth of hair growth after they cleared the areas. It was excruciating when the had to peel and cut away the tape.... So in the effort to minimize growth I try to keep it shaved, naired, wax, whatever I can do to slow it down. Thats what I tell people... And yes people have noticed. I am Italian, Syrian, and Scotch, and that makes for some hairy situations.

[AllieSF]

I agree that most people will never notice and those that do, most will not ask. However, it is always a good idea to have a few pat answers for those unwanted surprise questions. I like the one above, "I did it because I felt like it." However, that does not necessarily work for everyone, especially a close friend or family member. My daughter and my granddaughter have eagle eyes and quickly notice when something is different. I am just waiting for their questions when I least expect them. So, stock up on the reasons and excuses now so that you will hopefully remember a good one when asked by someone who will probably not accept, "... cause I felt like it."

[Cristi]

I've shaved my legs for over 10 years, and nobody has noticed. Or if they have, they certainly haven't asked me about it!

If they did, I could just tell them that I'm a cyclist (I am)... but on the other hand, I don't think I need an 'excuse'. I shave my legs because I like to have no hair on my legs. The end.

Shaved legs and pierced ears are two of the biggest 'non issues' out there. Many people, until you shave or pierce, are afraid about some supposed reaction and having to explain yourself to somebody. From everything I've ever heard (and decades of my own experience) it just doesn't happen.

[Samantha43]

I have been shaved for years No one has ever asked. If someone did ask, my answer would be that I don't like to be furry

[Meghan]

It came up in conversation this weekend with out of town relatives. The reason I gave (and is honestly a big part of why): Living in South Florida, it gets hot. Shaving makes by body cool off faster and I like the way it feels.

Anyone who has ever shaved anything knows what that feels like!

Plus, there is a study out there that suggests that women prefer hairless men over hairy men. Evolution is finally going our way!

http://news.yahoo.com/why-women-dont-fall-hairy-guys-remains-scientific-135605900.html

Meghan

[AnneB1nderful]

My wife used to ask me to shave all the time. At the time I was resisting the crossdressing urge. So I told her, "It's not very manly." But the real reason is because it aroused me and would tempt me to crossdress. I never told her the second reason. But, now I've decided to embrace my fem personality. So, I shaved my torso and armpits because its getting colder and will probably always wear long sleeve shirts. But, I may be walking around in shorts. So, I haven't shaved my legs. Your posts have inspired me. I'm shaving everything tonight. Thanks ladies.

:)
Anne

[Meghan]

My wife used to ask me to shave all the time. At the time I was resisting the crossdressing urge. So I told her, "It's not very manly." But the real reason is because it aroused me and would tempt me to crossdress. I never told her the second reason. But, now I've decided to embrace my fem personality. So, I shaved my torso and armpits because its getting colder and will probably always wear long sleeve shirts. But, I may be walking around in shorts. So, I haven't shaved my legs. Your posts have inspired me. I'm shaving everything tonight. Thanks ladies.

:)
Beth

Yay Beth!

I hope you, like I, will never go back! The feeling of freshly shaved legs against the bed sheets rates up there with one of the best sensual feelings on earth. Seriously!

Meghan

[AnneB1nderful]

:o
Oh how embarrassing. Can't believe I signed my name Beth. Don't know where that came from (Think song, Beth, by KISS was playing in the background. Thanks for the encouragement Meghan.

Anne (not Beth) :heehee:

[Meghan]

:o
Oh how embarrassing. Can't believe I signed my name Beth. Don't know where that came from (Think song, Beth, by KISS was playing in the background. Thanks for the encouragement Meghan.

Anne (not Beth) :heehee:

Anne, I totally understand! Sometimes, brainfarts just happen.

I like to use names in posts and that was the one that seemed most like what you wanted to be called..

In any event so glad that you are taking the plunge. Please let us know how it goes!

Meghan

(PS - don't forget to get the top of your feet and toes. It's easy to miss them).

[Barbara Ella]

I am completely cleared, and wife initially told me that I could shave if it felt right. When she saw it, she felt sad, the old her man is not there syndrome. Funny thing is she cannot stand hair on my face. Used to sleep naked, now i use a nightshirt just to avoid her getting a bit down when she notices.

No one has noticed but her, but at my age, the hairs are gray and thinning, so not a lot there to notice anyway...lol

Barbara

[newfem]

Again, it's never been noticed by anyone not in the know and I have close interactions with hundreds of people a week.

[AmyGaleRT]

Not long after I told my fiancee, I fetched my Venus Breeze back from storage and gave myself the complete treatment: legs, arms, underarms, and chest. It felt wonderful.

Truth be told, I seem to have less hair on my legs these days than I used to, so getting rid of it didn't make that much of a difference visually. And I never have had much hair on my chest. I thought people might notice the arms and hands, but so far they haven't. Even my fiancee hasn't really noticed until I mentioned it, and she sees me every day.

If anyone did notice, I'd just say it's to help my treatments for itching, which I do sometimes get, so that's even partly true.

- Amy

[a1stephie]

This is a good topic. I only ever used to shave on and off for dressing once in a blue moon, if the outfit required it. Since I have been going out more in dresses and skirts this summer, for a while I had to stay smooth for several months. My wife noticed the smooth feeling in bed the other night and liked it...as with everyone else here too, well, most of you at least, no one else commented at all. I even forgot they were not hairy any more and I prefer it this way now. Not sure I can be bothered to maintain it perfectly all the time, but I think I will make more of an effort now.

Funny thing, I had to have an EKG the other day at the docs and they put the little electrode stickies on my lower legs- sure made it a lot easier with no leg hair when they peeled them off. The nurse did not even blink an eye. She'd probably seen it all before. And at the end of the day, I think most people avoid direct personal questions these days. They may think it, but they're not as likely to say it. I live with my inlaws at the moment and they've seen me in shorts all summer - not a single comment :)

[AnneB1nderful]

Meghan,

There have been a few times I almost signed my male name. Just so new with this. Yet, it feels so natural. But, when I really think about what I'm doing, it seems overwhelming and unbelievable.

Anyway. I'm clean shaven and smooth. However, had a few stragglers. It's really a good thing this body is not a hairy beast. Wow! My legs feel...feel...like a woman's legs.

Can't wait to put them in stockings. But, gotta go to sleep. Work in the morning.

Very nice chatting with you.

- Anne

[Cynthia Anne]

I shave my legs because hairy legs are icky! Besides that when wearing a skirt hairy legs don't go together!

[Beverley Sims]

My problem with shapely hairless legs (I don't have to shave them) is when I wear shorts some cheeky women say I bet you would look good in a bathing suit.
The time I answered in the affirmative I found myself in a suit in five mins flat.
Of course I was objecting to this treatment most vehemently. :)

[BOBBI G.]

Meghan,
Add this to your list. My reasoning, other than the obvious, is I don't like the sour perspiration aroma that seems to hang on every hair on the body. I'm also from South Florida (WPB area). I've only used it once or twice, and women seem to understand this.

Bobbi

[Daisy41]

It's also never come up for me. If where though, I'd say: It keeps you cooler (truth). It feels cleaner (truth). I just hate body hair (truth).

[Michelle (Oz)]

My only bad experience with full (OK not totally) hair removal was with my wife. No one else has commented - not one.

My wife is dealing with the absence of hair but I doubt will ever be happy. It is just impossible to go out en femme with hairy arms, legs, etc. and the feeling of smooth skin is just the best.

I have promoted my epilator to my top draw so it is visible.

[linda allen]

Meghan,

There have been a few times I almost signed my male name. Just so new with this.

You can include your name in your signature line (on the forum). That way, it's automatic. Like mine.

[stephNE]

I shave them in the fall and winter months when many days I am wearing pantyhose. There is not much worse than seeing leg hair poking thru the hose.

[Vickie_CDTV]

I just tell them when going through my electrology training they needed someone with lots of hair for people to practice on, and gosh darn it they got carried away.

Seriously though, you could find a medical excuse for doing it, either real or imagined, but I don't recommend lying to someone you want to form a relationship. You could be honest and tell them it helps intensify intimacy, which is at least a "reasonably male" and plausible reason.

[Ressie]

My legs are nearly hairless, so what hair is there I don't shave during the summer. I have one weekly meeting close up with others and everyone wear's shorts during the summer. I have to admit I don't want to be put on the spot with that question.

[Cheryl T]

I've been shaved nose to toes for years and have never been asked why I do it.
I was so afraid that all my friends (who have no problems speaking their minds) would be all over it and not a one said anything. Maybe they were afraid of the answer they might get, who knows. All I know is that I'm so glad I got rid of all that unsightly fur and can enjoy being smooth and soft all over.

[kimdl93]

In more than a decade, I've never been asked.

[Jamie001]

I don't understand why this question is asked over and over again at least once per week! There is only one answer to the questions: Tell anyone that asks that you like having shaved legs, or arms, or whatever. That is all that you have to say. No need for any excuses like I fell under the lawnmower and it cut-off all of the hair on my legs. You need to remember that they are your legs and that you have the right to shave them. Also, it seems that most of the crossdressers have it wrong regarding shaving. You really need to shave in the sprint and summer when your legs are exposed the most and people will see them. It seems that some crossdressers only shave in the winter when their legs are not exposed. This doesn't make any sense. Actually it is best to shave year-round. It is very difficult if not impossible to be feminine with hairy legs. Hairy legs are the epitome of masculinity and need to be shaved.

[cathie pantyhose]

rarely comes up...but I live in Boulder county Colorado which is cycling USA where all the serious cyclists (including me) seem to shave or wax. For me it's all over so very obvious. I had a woman tell me on Pearl st the other day I had better legs than her in shorts. I was cool with that after all I do ride to enhance my legs. Even my arms are clean. Not from shaving mind you but from my epil...weeks of smooth = ahhhhh

[Ceri Anne]

My daughter and wife noticed the hair dissappearing. Arms trimed short, chest smooth etc. My origional excuse was I have an ointment I apply to my chest that gets sticky in hair. Over time it evolved to "I like the feel of smooth skin" plain and simple, no problems. My wife first got that notion from me when my back hair started to grow out, I hated it big time, and even had her wax it. I recently got an epilator and am planning on having her epilate my back......so hard to reach that part.

[minalost]

Been epilating my legs (arms and chest too for that matter...) for a couple of years now and like most other here I've never been asked - and I wear shorts all summer long in drab.

[Laura912]

To males who question the shaving, simply ask, "why are you looking at other men's legs to see if they are shaved or not?" If the SO approves, does not matter what the others say. In the winter it is a lot easier to prevent dry skin if the legs are shaved. The moisturizer works better not being blocked by hair. That's my theory and I'm sticking with it. :battingeyelashes:

[DonniDarkness]

IF they ask just say this: "Because i like to"

All they need to know.

-Donni-

[heather1968]

Just tell people that you are a swimmer or bike racer

[Jamie001]

Just tell people that you are a swimmer or bike racer

NO NO NO! Don't ever lie because it will just cause more shame and denial for you! Tell them that you like having smooth legs or you don't like hairy legs. It is really none of their business.

[SometimesDiana]

As people mentioned, it really doesn't come up often. If it does... I just say, "cycling." Not only does cycling provide a great cover story for shaving, but it keeps me thin and keeps my legs and butt toned.

[shycheri]

I get waxed from the neck down about every 4 or 5 weeks and no has ever asked me about it.First time at the waxing salon was a bit awkward at least for me but now the gal and I just chat away oblivious to the fact that I am naked and working on hairless.

[Starr]

I have stated this in other post but in case everyone didn't see it.. i am shaved all over.. including arms.. i wear shorts to work.. and my hair is long and cut in a fem style and at work i wear it up in a high "girl" pony tail.. with bangs.. my nails are long and i keep them polished with clear polish and i know most everyone notices all of this, however no one has said a word.. or ask a quesion about it.. and no one even treats me any different then anyone else.. they may have guessed i am trans.. but no one seems to really care.

[STACY B]

Done told yall once ,,, Paint ya Dam toe nails an no one will say nothing about your Shaved Legs !! Gotta shell shock um ,,,,,

[Leah Lynn]

I haul a bulk product that's dusty and stinks. Combine that with a sweaty mat of hair, and it's one big nasty. So, I shave my entire body. No lies, no bs. And only one guy asked, because he was thinking about doing it for the same reason.

[Eryn]

Nobody has ever asked me! If they did, I'd say "That's a rather personal question!" and leave it at that.

[GG7irish]

So i'm very new to this.....but that is what started the conversation with my boyfriend I asked him why he shaved the hair on his arms. I guess i am just curious.

[DebbieL]

So I'm a single guy/CD. I'm curious to know what reason's others give for why they are shaved prior the "Hey I wear women's" clothes conversation pops up.

The only time I've been openly asked the question was once, by my niece. She asked "Why to do you shave your legs?". She was about 14 and had already started shaving her legs, so I asked her "Why to you shave your legs?", and she gave me a number of good reasons, mostly around liking the way it looked and the way it felt. I said "That's why I shave mine". It was all the answer she needed.

More often, people just assume that you are a cross-dresser and choose not to talk about the elephant in the room. I started shaving my legs regularly in 1982, about a month before my son was conceived. It was late summer, and I was wearing shorts pretty regularly on week-ends. Again, it was something that people observed and chose not to comment on. When I did share, they weren't shocked at all, many women wanted to know if we could go shopping together, one even asked me on a date - even though she knew I was married.

I told my wife in 1980 before we got married, lied about accepting it, and then tried to discourage it after the wedding. I found out 12 years after I told her that she was never OK with it and that she lied about accepting in and that she never accepted it, she had fallen in love with me, and hoped I'd just grow out of it.

When I got divorced, I was actually quite surprised at how many women were actually seeking me out when they saw my hairless legs. Several figured out that I was transgendered and actually encouraged me to dress on dates. These dates led to introductions to a few women who were VERY interested in the fact that I was transgender - 3 of them ended up LIVING with me, 2 of them AT THE SAME TIME!

The main reason I did not transition in 1992 was because my ex-wife was threatening to have my visitation revoked or "supervised visitation" unless I stopped the transition. Today, I have to admit that I regret that decision. I ended up barely seeing the kids anyway. Even the phone conversations were monitored by my ex-wife, to make sure the kids didn't say something that would get her or her husband in trouble.

Since you are single, go ahead and shave your legs, and show them off. Wear short shorts and tennis shoes in the summer. You might get some giggles and titters, but you might be surprised how many women will actually seek you out and be genuinely interested. Keep in mind that to a bisexual man or woman, a transgender is the best of both worlds, without having to cheat.

Hiding who you are just creates more problems later in relationships. If you find yourself being threatened (I see that you are in Mississippi), then you may want to consider moving to a "Friendly" area, usually larger cities are better, or suburbs of those cities. Have you been out in public yet? Have you ever been threatened or attacked for being transgender (sissy, fairy, queen...) or for being perceived as gay? Look for places where there are large GLBT populations, even in your own area. You may be surprised at how much acceptance you get.

Don't try to hide your "secret" and then end up being 50 years old regretting that you spent all those years lying to everyone you knew.

[sandra-leigh]

I never did have over-much leg hair, and when I started having spontaneous hormone changes it started thinning out. Now that I am on HRT, I have to search around to find visible hair on my left leg, and only a small-ish patch on my shin has visible hair on my right side, so I now have less leg hair than a lot of women have. My wife did ask the couple of times I shaved it when I there was still enough to shave (and expressed dislike), but she doesn't seem to pay any attention now that there is nothing there.

(My wife missed an amazing number of clues, but back when I did shave even a test patch on my arms or legs, she would notice pretty quickly and object.)

Clarification: when I say "visible leg hair" for what I have now, I am talking about what can be seen if I pull my leg up and have a look for hairs that have visible width from that distance. My remaining leg hair (non shaved) only provides some vague shadowing even just from arms length -- I only have about 20 of them.

[CorsetAngel]

If another male asks, simple re-direct the question back to them, and say; "Why don't YOU have yours shaved?" That will shut them up real fast, and most likely end the conversation.

[TinaMc]

One word - alopecia. Note: It won't work if you have stubble of any kind.

[~Joanne~]

I have had only one person (co-worker -GG) actually ask if I shaved my legs and I came back with the "why are you always checking me out? Interested?" and the conversation died on the spot. This past summer I was having a conversation with a GG friend about hygiene and deodorants, don't remember how it came up but showed her my shaved armpits and her reply was "I wish doug shaved his, they stink really bad".

Now I have been completely shaved now for over a year except for my arms. I cut them down to a #1 with a trimmer. No one has really noticed or said anything including my GF. If you haven't shaved yet, just out of fear, you should. do it slowly till there is nothing there if you are worried.

[Aylineira]

I was "caught" by a GG friend of mine and before I was able to say anything, she quickly said that she'd never tell anyone that I shaved. I kept thinking... why??

In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with shaving your legs as a male. What's wrong with the "I like them shaved" line? It's the truth.

Funny thing is, my wife thought that I would start to grow tired of shaving my legs... but after so many years, I still shave them and am still loving it.

[Wildaboutheels]

the "why are you shaved" conversation..... in REALITY... rarely if ever comes up as constantly attested to here. Over and over and over and...

CDers probably make up the vast majority of people on the planet obsessed with body hair and even then, most CDers can't even answer/remember THE most basic "traits" of even their closest friends. VVV

http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?181882-I-guess-a-lot-of-you-WoS-s-are-getting-GIDDY...&highlight=

[Cristine]

All I know is that every time I shave my legs, arms and body, when I slip on a silky nightie.....OH MY.....Heaven!!!!!!

[CynthiaD]

I shave everything from the ears on down. The question has never come up, but if it did, I wouldn't feel like I owed anyone an explanation.

[~Seana~]

My first question would be, why are you looking under my dress?

[Bootsiegalore]

Chaetophobia......

[Jana]

I went through the same thing. I had all my explanations ready the first time I shaved. Guess what? The questions never came! That's right, either people don't care, or don't have the nerve to ask. And after all, they shouldn't anyway. It's your body, have fun with it!

[kymmieLorain]

In the 10 years I have been shaving I have yet to be asked about my hairless legs. I don't worry about it anymore. If other don't like it tough caca.

Kymmie

[Rhonda Ann]

I missed this one, sorry I started another about "Who shaves their legs" I just started shaving about 3 weeks ago, now I am a fanatic about it. It is the best feeling ever. I like going a few extra days with out shaving then the sensations is mutiplied when I do shave. I also shave my chest and underarms. Not much on the chest anyway LUCKY ME!

[Rhonda Ann]

DITTO @ Cristine

[Bootsiegalore]

I had one guy at a prior workplace look down at my arms and say "So I see you shave your arms...." very condescendingly.... I just replied "I shave my groin too. Do you want to see it too?" He never said another word because the 2 onlookers laughed their asses off at him. It was quite amusing.

[Carol Elizabeth]

[I just replied "I shave my groin too. Do you want to see it too?"]

I love that line, may I use it if I am ever asked if I shave my legs?

[divamissz]

Nobody ever has said a thing about my shaved arms or legs. And I don't go around in public shirtless so that's not an issue.

[secretgurly]

I shave my legs & my wife has accepted my reason - I just told her I don't like body hair! I want to shave my chest too, but she keeps asking me not to & telling me how 'manly' it makes me!! Not what I want to hear :(

Any good advice for convincing wife to let me shave my chest is most welcome - thanks x

[Alicew]

Been clean from neck down over 12 months now and it took 9 months for any one to notice and i walk round all day every day in shorts of some kind.Took a friend to notice in the end at a family BBQ many comments were made and much ridicule which is par forth course in my family but not a single comment since told them i like it and that was it.
Probably helps no one ever sees my body except my legs but its probably asumed shaved legs rest goes with it .

Thats they see my legs not my legs see my body =)

[JennyLynn]

secretgurly....did the same with my wife. Luckily only have about 6 hairs on my chest that needed shaving. Just not a hairy girl!! She thought the leg thing was a bit weird, but she's ok with it except in the summer when we wear shorts. Then it's back to hair...yuck!

[Bowmanls2]

I used to race bicycles and everyone shaved their legs. I just kept doing it!

[RachelPortugal]

Not a conversation that often arises. Although earlier this summer my wife was unable to cut my hair and shave the back of my neck as soon as I would normally have liked, so my neck was quite hairy. This led to a friend saying that she did not realise I was hairy, she was used to seeing smooth arms and legs. My wife just told her that I was really hirsute but that she preferred me to be smooth all over.

More recently, whilst on a big family holiday some of the women were bemoaning the fact that they had to do so much more grooming than men, such as shaving their legs and armpits. I interjected and told them that I shaved my leg, telling them it was more medical reasons as my doctor had suspected the hairs harboured irritant fibres that caused ecsema, which is quite true. I also mentioned that I shaved my underarms as well, because it is more hygenic.

I don't see there being any issue for a man, CD or otherwise, to have smooth legs, underarms or anything else for that matter. If the truth be known, I expect most people actually don't give a damn either.

[Sarah-Ann]

In my line of work, I m often standing higher than my co-workers, for my legs to be easily noticed, ( I load and unload trucks, as well making deliveries). So the other day a co worker was outside, while I was in my shorts, looked at my legs and asked, " Are your legs shaved?" "Yes they are," I replied. "Why?" he asked, " because it feels cleaner, and I hate hair below my neck," was my answer. My coworker, looked again at my legs, said ok, shrugged, and walked off. We haven't mentioned it since. It generally isn't that big of a deal for men to shave their body hair, and most people will not be looking at your body long enough to even notice. If anyone asks, simply tell them it feels cleaner, or you don't like hair. No sense in divulging your personal life to a perfect stranger, nor is it truly much of their business anyway. If you don't get all red in the face, look them straight in the eye, and explain it as if it is the norm, and there is nothing wrong with it, most will simply shrug, and leave it at that.

[tabithavalentine]

Anne, I went through the exact same situation. Shaving everything once at the request of my wife is what got me to finally slip on a dress for the first time.

Back to the topic...now that I've changed jobs, I'm not worried about people asking me anymore. If they did, I'd just say my wife asked me to, because she does like it that way.

[Jamie001]

The shaving conversation is mainly a conversation in a crossdresser's head. People really don't care and it is none of their business. This thread comes-up at least 3 or 4 times per month without fail. It is like a broken-record. I think it would be a great idea for Moderators to post the shaving conversation thread as a sticky so that 3 or 4 threads don't get started every month asking the same questions and getting the same responses.

[PretzelGirl]

What? You aren't man enough to have no hair on your legs?

https://www.google.com/search?q=firewalking&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=9hw&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=qGqdUK64O4GFyQGn8YHIBQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAA&biw=1280&bih=932