Let’s be honest, starting to shave can be a massive pain in more ways than one. There are all those pesky skin irritations, not to mention the little nicks and cuts that don’t look so good and seem to burn for ages.
Having these less than desirable results is what turns shaving into a chore that we try to avoid for as long as possible. For some of you who have already been shaving for a while, it may have even become the bane of your existence.
However, by learning how to shave correctly, you can take this part of your beauty regimen and make it a more enjoyable experience. Not only that, but you will have a more successful outcome. Knowing how to shave your legs simply requires mastering a few basic steps.
All you need to do is follow this step-by-step guide and you will soon be shaving your legs like a pro.
If you have ever been confused about how to shave legs without ending up with itchy legs after shaving this will have you covered. You will also be able to achieve your much sought after super-smooth shave that you have been striving for.
So reach for your razor and your shaving cream or gel, and let’s get you shaving like a pro. Make the following twelve tips the foundation of the leg-shaving portion of your feminine skincare routine.
Soften Your Skin
If you’re on the quest to learn how to shave your legs the correct way, you should always start by hopping into the tub.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), before you begin shaving your legs, you should thoroughly wet your skin and hair to help soften it.
That means the days of attempting to shave your legs when your skin is dry are over! The AAD states that this can scratch your skin and make it feel rough. I have covered this in detail in the article about why dry shaving is a mistake. You can read that article here.
Instead, get into the bathtub or shower and wet your skin before picking up your razor. In fact, save shaving for the end of your time in the tub or shower so you can be sure that your hair and skin are as soft as they can be.
Exfoliate Before You Shave
Exfoliation is vital for a clean and smooth shave.
When you shave smooth, exfoliated skin will be easier and more effective, because your razor will be able to get to the root of your hair and give you the closest shave possible. What’s more, your razor won’t get clogged up by dead skin cells.
If you need some help in learning where to start when it comes to exfoliating, read my article on how to exfoliate from head to toe.
Save Shaving For Last
What I do is exfoliate first. Then I wash myself including my hair. Only after I have applied my conditioner or hair mask do I reach for my shaving gel and razor. If you do the same it will give your skin plenty of time to soften.
Lather Up With Shaving Gel Or Foam
Remember, shaving dry skin is a bad idea as this can cause irritation. Shaving your legs while your skin is wet is a far better option.
You may have noticed that when your legs are quite smooth it is like water falls away from the skin. So just wetting your skin won’t be enough as your skin will already be too dry by the time you have made the first stroke with your razor.
After getting your skin wet in the shower or bath, the AAD recommends applying shaving cream or gel. This will keep your skin moist and can help to prevent you from cutting your skin while you’re shaving your legs.
Use The Right Products
If you keep getting shaving bumps and have ever wondered how to get rid of thems, pay special attention to this tip.
Like I mentioned earlier, the AAD recommends using shaving cream or gel when shaving.
Many girls reach for bar soap, their body wash, or even conditioner in place of using shaving cream.
Your shaving gel or foam has been formulated to lift your hair and protect your skin. Using the wrong shaving products you are risking seriously irritated skin, nicks, and razor bumps.
Rather be safe and use the product that has been specifically designed to make your shaving experience easier.
Use A Fresh Razor
Do you know that razor that has been in your bathroom for ages? It’s time that it got replaced with a new one.
The AAD recommends using a disposable razor or one with a disposable blade, and to make sure that you replace the razor or blades often.
According to the AAD, when shaving your legs a razor will have a life-span of five to seven shaves. New blades help to minimize irritation caused by dull blades.
I keep a pack of razors in stock so that I always have a new one on hand whenever I need a replacement.
Follow The Direction Of Your Hair
Now let’s move to a subject that has heated debate. Should you glide your razor in the direction that the hair grows or in the opposite direction?
When it comes to shaving your legs, the AAD advises shaving in the direction that your hair grows. Going against the grain is one of the leading causes of ingrown hairs.
Be Gentle With Your Sharp Blade
The AAD says you shouldn’t press too hard with your razor, as this can leave you with irritated skin. Be gentle especially when you’re using a new razor.
Take Your Time Don’t Rush
You are not in a race with anyone. There is no prize for being the fastest at shaving your legs.
I find that rushing almost always leads to nicks and cuts. The chances are that you will miss spots and end up with an uneven shave.
What I do is apply a hair mask or conditioner to my hair before shaving and rinsing off once I’m done. Instead of standing around and staring at the clock, waiting for those five-plus minutes to pass, I get to do an unrushed shave.
Moisturize Your Legs
Moisturizing your legs is vital after you have shaved. It is even more important if you are prone to having itchy legs after shaving.
You don’t want to put in all that effort just for your legs to be dry. Apply hydrating body lotion or body butter to give your freshly shaved skin the moisture it needs.
Continue to moisturize your legs after your shower/bath on the days when you aren’t shaving to keep your skin soft and feminine.
Relocate Your Razor To Somewhere Dry
Where you store your razor plays a major role in how well you shave your legs.
Keep your razor in a dry space in an upright position in order to help keep bacteria from forming on the blades. The last thing you want is to risk an infection.
What’s more, the dampness causes tiny rust spots on the leading edge of the blades, making your razor a whole lot more blunt next time you need to shave.
Give Your Legs A Break Between Shaves
I know that you may be tempted to shave your legs every day. Ideally, you should try to give your legs a break from your razor in between shaves.
Just like if you exfoliate too often, you can irritate your skin. There might be some microscopic cuts in your skin and daily shaving will make those worse.
Trust me, your legs will still look smooth if you shave every second day and keep them moisturized.
How To Remove Hair From Other Areas Of Your Body
So, now that you know how to shave your legs like an expert you might contemplate other areas of your body. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind.
If you are shaving your underarms… the same steps for shaving your legs apply. If you want a smooth, seamless shave, exfoliating, using a new razor, and moisturizing are all steps you’ll want to take. I always use a brand new razor blade for my underarms.
If you are shaving hair on your arms… your leg-shaving expertise can be applied once again. Follow the same steps as you use for your legs.
If you are shaving hair on your intimate areas… I never ever use anything other than a brand new blade in my intimate areas. That is the last place I want to risk getting an infection.
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