There are many reasons for shaving your legs, as well as different ways and tools. Maybe you're just a girl who likes smooth legs, or maybe you're a competitive cyclist looking for every aerodynamic advantage. No matter the reason, the fact remains that it is an embarrassing and clumsy process, fraught with danger and contortions. The best way to shave your legs is up to you - how much hair you have, how long it takes to grow, and what you have been taught (if you have been taught). If you need to learn, read this guide for tips on how to get silky smooth legs.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Razor
Step 1. Get your razor
Make sure it is clean, sharp and undamaged. If you have fine hair, you can use the same blade multiple times. If you have thick hair, you can only use it a couple of times. If you are unsure, as soon as you feel that the razor is not sliding well or pulling the skin, it is time to change it.
Step 2. Get in the shower, or the tub if you are more comfortable
Wash as usual before shaving. Your skin needs to get wet for 3-4 minutes, but not too much, otherwise the follicles will start to swell preventing a close shave.
Step 3. Sit down
If you are taking a shower, sit on the edge of the tub. If you are taking a bath, place one foot against the wall. Your leg must be bent so that you can easily reach your ankles.
Step 4. Apply the depilatory cream
Try to use something that has a moisturizing factor. Emollients help soften the skin and using a fragrance-free product prevents the risk of skin irritation. It also helps you to buy unisex products.
Step 5. Start with the ankle
Start at the bottom of the leg and, making long strokes, shave against the grain. Don't be in a hurry, it's not a race and you don't have to cross any finish line. Better to make slow and regular passes than shred yourself.
Run the razor all over your leg and don't forget the inner and outer thighs
Step 6. Shave your feet
Repeat the process on the feet carefully: depilatory cream, gentle shave, rinse. Shave the top of the toes and the instep. The skin here is thinner than on the legs. Be very careful!
Step 7. Rinse
Once you have finished one leg, rinse and repeat the whole process with the other.
Step 8. Check if you have missed any points
Run your fingers all over your leg. If you find any spots that you skipped, shave them off and continue the inspection. When you are satisfied, rinse, dry and enjoy your smooth legs.
Step 9. Hydrate
Use a medical oil, moisturizer, or ointment to reduce or eliminate the red spots that occasionally appear after shaving.
Method 2 of 4: Electric Shaver
Step 1. Wash your legs
Hair needs to be hydrated and straight, ready to be clipped.
Step 2. Check that the shaver is clean and functional
Dirty razors do not shave well and may pull the hair, leaving a trail of red dots and "ouch" or various curses. Always use a clean razor.
Step 3. Press the razor gently against the leg
Check that all heads are touching your leg at the same time. This will allow you to shave well with minimal effort.
- You don't have to press too hard while shaving; just a gentle touch and the razor will run along your skin. If you press too hard, you will flatten the hair and the shave will not be smooth. Plus you will ruin the blades very quickly.
- A gentle touch makes shaving easier and prevents skin irritation.
Step 4. Hold the razor flat against your leg
Holding it at an angle could irritate the skin and leave hair behind.
Method 3 of 4: Waxing
Step 1. Make the hair grow
For waxing to be useful, there must be hairs long enough for the wax to adhere. They must be at least 1 cm.
Step 2. Exfoliate
A couple of days before waxing, use a mildly abrasive body scrub to exfoliate your legs. Do this in time to avoid any irritation.
Step 3. "Powder" your legs
Just before waxing, rub some talcum powder on your legs. The powder will absorb the oil on the skin and help the wax adhere better. P.
Step 4. Warm it up
Heat the wax as indicated in the instructions on the package. Be careful not to heat it up too much - wax burns can be very painful.
Step 5. Sit in a comfortable chair
Sit on an easy-to-clean surface - waxing can cause some confusion. Apply an even layer of wax. Hold the applicator at a 90 ° angle and apply the wax in the direction of hair growth. Don't forget your feet!
Step 6. Rip
Tighten the skin with one hand and remove the strip with the other. Tear it off in the opposite direction of the hair growth. The slower you tear it, the more pain you will feel.
- Keep your hands as close to the skin as you can when tearing. It hurts less. Remove all the wax.
- Place a damp washcloth on your legs if you feel the need to, to soothe any irritation.
Step 7. Remove all wax residue from the skin
Wet a cotton pad with oil and rub it on your legs.
Step 8. Apply an antiseptic
After waxing, use a topical antiseptic or spray (containing salicylic acid) to disinfect the area, avoid ingrown hair, and soothe irritation.
Method 4 of 4: Chemical Hair Removal
Step 1. Make sure the skin is clean and free from cuts or cuts
The chemicals dissolve the keratin at the base of the hair.
- Having clean skin will make it easier, as oils on the skin or hair will not allow the product to work well.
- Having intact skin will avoid irritation regardless.
Step 2. Soften the hair
Put a warm sponge on your legs to soften the hair. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes. Dry your legs when you're done.
Step 3. Apply the cream generously, covering any hair you want to disappear
Do not massage the skin: these products do not need it.
Step 4. Follow the instructions
Leave the depilatory cream on for the time indicated on the instructions. Don't leave it on longer, it could irritate or even burn your skin.
Keep a timer handy so you don't let it run for too long. If your legs are burning before it's time to remove it, rinse immediately
Step 5. Clean
After you are finished, remove the product using a plastic scoop (if included in the package) and rinsing.
Use a damp cloth with downward motions. This will remove any remaining hair and clean your legs completely
Step 6. Avoid irritation
Try not to use harsh products or treatments for a couple of days after using a hair removal cream.
Advice
- Passing an ice cube on your legs after hair removal will make them smooth as glass.
- Use a body scrub before shaving to eliminate dead cells and optimize hair removal.
- Be especially careful when shaving your knees.
- Clean the tub when you are done, don't even leave a nap.
- If shaving against the grain causes you constant irritation, try shaving in the direction of hair growth. You will have a coarser, but less irritating hair removal.
- Don't use the electric razor the first few times. You will only get scratches and sunburns.
- You'll get a better result with a new, sharp razor - change it often.
- The first few times you use the razor, don't apply too much pressure until you know how much you need. If you press too hard you will cut yourself, so take it easy. Start light, and if that doesn't work, press a little harder.
- Conditioner is a great substitute for hair removal cream or gel because it moisturizes while you shave, so you don't need a moisturizer afterwards.
- If you want smooth legs but don't have a shower or tub available, cover your legs with a thick layer of moisturizer and then shave for super smooth legs. Rinse the hairs in the razor in a cup of water or with a cloth.
- Once you've gotten into the habit of shaving, a razor with built-in shaving cream bars is perfect for underarms and legs, and you don't need the gel! This is a good way to save money, by the way.
- If you are not used to razors and are afraid of cutting yourself, you can buy products from Lycia or Veet (you don't need razor blades, they leave your legs smoother and longer than traditional shaving).
- When shaving the back of your thighs remember that hair may grow in different directions there and in the buttock area. Feel the direction of hair growth with your hand and shave in the opposite direction.
- The only difference between women's razors and men's razors is the shape of the handle and the colors.
Warnings
- Don't shave dry!
- Don't let your sister, your friends, mom aunt or anyone other than you use your razor.
- If you burn yourself with a razor, do not put a scented cream: it will burn.
- If you cut yourself, wash the cut and put a band-aid on it.
- Go light on your knees, ankles, hips and other “bony” parts of your body to avoid cutting the outer layer of skin.
- Use a shower cream (such as Nivea) after hair removal. Moisturizes and will make your legs beautiful.
- Avoid cuts and cuts, and use a light touch to avoid scrapes and razor burns.
- If you don't use a moisturizer after hair removal, your skin will become dry and “tight”.
- If you have sensitive skin, use a mild soap instead of the hair removal gel to avoid irritation.
