While shaving is a painless approach to removing body hair, the results depend on how well you shave. To get a smooth shave, you must glide the razor in a specific direction. This aids in preventing bumps, razor burns, and ingrown hairs. Read this post to learn how to shave your legs properly and avoid some common blunders. So, scroll down to see how to get the smoothest legs ever! While shaving against the direction of your hair growth may provide a clean and close shave, there is the possibility of injury, irritation, and cuts. Shaving your legs upwards can form razor bumps and ingrown hair, leading to discomfort and a shabby appearance.
How To Shave Your Legs Perfectly
1. Take A Shower Before Shaving
Taking a shower, either with warm or cold water, helps soften the skin on your legs. You can shower five minutes before shaving. The aim is to soften the skin on your legs for an easy and quick shaving process.
2. Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliation will help get rid of the dead skin cells on your legs. These dead cells, which accumulate around the hair follicles, can clog the razor and impact the outcome. Use a scrub or loofah to remove the dead layer of skin. It will enable your razor to strike closest to your skin while shaving without being obstructed. However, do not shave immediately after exfoliation to avoid skin irritation.
3. Avoid Shaving First Thing In The Morning
Your legs can be puffy in the morning due to reduced blood circulation during sleep. Try moving around or perform light exercises to get the blood flowing. You can shave your legs in the latter part of the day when you are not likely to face this issue.
4. Invest In A Quality Razor
Use a multi-blade razor to achieve smooth, perfectly shaved legs. Shop around for the best available options and find a razor that suits your needs. Get a product with an ergonomic handle that protects your skin while lifting the hairs. You can also find several options with moisturizing strips on the blade to help reduce the friction from shaving motions. Embrace a razor that gives you the most comfortable experience, especially when you shave the thighs, bikini lines, and other sensitive areas.
5. Use A Fresh And Clean Razor
Never use an old and dull razor for shaving. It might cause skin irritation and itching and reduce the impact of each stroke. Replace your razors after every five to six uses. Keep your razors in a clean, damp-free, and hygienic environment. It is a good idea to keep your razors covered and disinfect them before and after every use.
6. Use A Gel Or Cream
Always lubricate your legs with a gel or cream before using a razor. Applying a lubricant helps the razor glide smoothly and evenly on your skin. Do not skip this step to avoid irritations and cuts, ingrown hairs, and leg stubble. A shaving gel or cream also helps add moisture to the skin and soften the unwanted hair. Pro Tip: You can also use a hair conditioner as an alternative to shaving cream.
7. Apply A Moisturizer
After shaving your legs, apply a thin layer of moisturizer to soothe the skin. Opt for variants that do not contain harsh chemicals and artificial colors or fragrances. Anything with aloe vera or shea butter should do the trick – soothe your skin and prevent dryness.
8. Rinse Your Razor
End your leg shaving session by rinsing the used razor. Disinfect your razor after every use and let it air dry. Do not wipe the blades with a towel or tissue. This can damage your razor and reduce its efficiency. Always store your razor in an upright position to avoid the buildup of bacteria on the blades. Check out our next section on how to get a smooth shave without causing ingrown hairs to take over your skin.
Shaving Tips To Prevent Ingrown Hairs
Shave downwards in the direction of your hair growth. This means going from top to bottom while shaving your legs. Shaving against the grain might damage your skin, cause inflammation, and increase the chances of an infection. Do not press hard. Glide the razor on your skin in small and gentle strokes to avoid nicks and cuts. Apply a shaving gel, foam, or cream to reduce the friction between your skin and the razor. Exfoliate your skin before shaving to get rid of dead skin cells and clear the pores. Don’t shave the ingrown hair.
Note: Do not pull or pluck ingrown hair. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid shaving until the infection subsides. Scroll down to know whether it is best to shave legs when wet or dry.
Is It Better To Shave Your Legs Wet Or Dry?
The best way to shave legs is to run a razor on damp skin. Since your skin is softer when wet, it becomes easier to remove the hair. Running a blade on dry skin might increase the chances of nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs. It can also prevent getting a close shave on your legs. Why are my legs prickly after shaving? The closer you shave to the roots, the smoother the skin. However, if the legs have a layer of dead skin cells, the razor may not slice the hair smoothly, irritating the follicles and giving you prickly skin. Therefore, always exfoliate your legs a few days before shaving, and do not use a dull razor. What happens if I don’t shave my legs? Not shaving your legs prevents inflammation, razor cuts, and the risk of infection. So, skipping the razor is fine, as long as you keep exfoliating the skin with dry brushing and scrubbing to promote better moisture and product absorption. It is a personal choice. You should do what makes you comfortable. At what age should I start shaving my legs? There is no particular age for shaving. However, ensure that you follow the right instructions to avoid infections, bumps, and cuts. Is it OK to shave legs with a razor? Yes, shaving your legs with a razor is okay as long as you do it safely and carefully.
