Does Shaving Make Hair Grow Back Thicker?

Products like Nair are fine too. "Nair is the same as shaving. The difference with Nair is it melts the hair," says Nigro. "It's a personal preference. The effect on the hair is the same."

Some women may prefer waxing, which can decrease hair growth over time because the pulling traumatizes the roots so much, says Nigro. And some women use another pulling method, called threading, which is popular in Indian salons.

Going for a pedicure? Or for a swim in your local lake? Shave the day before, not the day of, because shaving exposes your skin to bacteria. Immediately after shaving, bacteria from a pedicure tub or a lake can get under your skin more easily. "The day you shave, you should be more careful with what you put on your skin," says Nigro. "Every time you shave your leg, you make tiny little openings all over the place."

© 2007