Professional hair removal is great, but when
you don’t have the time or funds to visit a technician, you can tackle the job
on your own. Shaving at home is both easy and inexpensive. Here’s how to get
top-quality results every time you shave.
First, exfoliate. Shaving will remove dead skin cells along
with hair, and these tiny cells can clog your razor blades, compromising the
closeness of your shave and making you prone to nicks if you increase pressure
to compensate. Exfoliate first, and you’ll remove most of these dead skin
cells. Exfoliating may also help you avoid ingrown hairs.
Get wet. Shower
or bathe first, then shave. A good soak can help soften up your hair follicles,
priming them for shaving. Never pull a razor across dry skin — the skin is
likely to snag on your razor and you’ll create a nick.
Add moisture. A
shaving cream, gel, or lotion with added moisturizer will combat dryness and
help prevent nicks. Check the ingredients for alcohol and steer clear of
products that list it toward the top, since alcohol dries out your skin. A
good-quality cream, gel, or lotion is especially important if you’re shaving
the thin, sensitive skin of your bikini line.
Choose the right razor. You’ll want one that’s comfortable for you
to grip and use. Pivoting heads are popular and are especially useful in uneven
spots like kneecaps and underarms. Multiple blades may give you a close shave,
and lubricated strips help combat dryness. Whatever you choose, you’ll need to
replace the razor or the blade regularly to keep your shave close and
nick-free. Be sure to store the razor in a dry place after showering to help
extend its life. And, of course, replace a razor if you see any sign of rust.
Take a step in the right direction. You’ll often see advice that recommends
shaving in the direction of hair growth. And that’s best for avoiding nicks and
razor burn. But an opposite-direction shave — for instance, up from the ankles
when you’re doing your legs — will give you a closer cut. And it’s nearly
impossible to shave underarm and bikini-line hair in the direction of growth,
since those hairs tend to grow scattershot.
Moisturize after you shave. You can’t show off those super-smooth legs
if their skin is scaly or flaky. Moisturize to keep them looking and feeling their
best.
You’ll
have to decide how often you need to shave. Everyone’s hair grows at different
rates, so you might need a daily shave, while your friend gets away with every
three days. And some women use shaving as their only hair-removal method, while
others may shave to touch up between waxings. Of course, there’s the
“out-of-sight/out-of-mind” technique secretly popular in the winter months,
when body hair is buried under layers of clothing. But you’ll likely feel
fresher and more attractive with your body hair removed.
