There is a lot of confusion around shaving, especially amongst women. From believing that shaving makes the hair grow back thicker to thinking it makes the skin darker, there are a lot of shaving myths that need to be busted. But there is a lot more to shaving your legs than you think.
You think you might have nailed the technique over the years, but trust us, there is a lot more that you still don’t know. We have curated a detailed guide on how to correctly shave your hands, legs and body for a smooth finish.
Don’t look for cheap razors
If you think that you can invest in the cheapest razor that you could get your hands on, then please stop doing so right now. Always invest in a good quality razor, as that will give you great value for money.
Some of the things that you need to consider before buying a razor are the number of blades, if it has a rotating or stationary head and also if it comes with a moisturising strip. The higher the number of blades, lesser pressure you’d need to shave, and the moisturising strip will ensure that the razor glides effortlessly, while the rotating head won’t get stuck on those tricky areas, like knees and ankles.
Shave in the shower
This might seem like a no-brainer for most people, but all of us at some point have dry shaved because we were in a rush. And that is extremely harmful to your skin as it causes rashes and irritation. Always ensure that you’re in the shower and your skin and hair are thoroughly damp and hydrated before you start shaving.
Get yourself a shaving cream
Using your soap or conditioners are great hacks for an emergency or for when you genuinely run out of shaving cream, but using them on a regular basis is a big no-no. This is because shaving creams and gels have been specifically formulated to work in sync with your razor and your skin. Plus, they're extremely hydrating and lubricating.
Exfoliate regularly
Never again think that scrubbing your body is a useless, self-pampering activity. Trust us, it is as important as exfoliating your face. This step as helps smoothen out your skin texture, buffs away dead skin and prevents ingrown hair. Regularly exfoliating the skin on your body will unclog blocked pores and prevent the appearance of ingrown hair.
Change your blade often
Being lazy or stingy with changing your razor blades is a sure-shot way to skin damage as it could leave behind cuts and irritation. Which means, you might as well start waving goodbye to the smooth and close shave you want. Set a reminder to change your blades after 10 uses. But if it is difficult to remember the number of uses, then do it at least one a month without fail.
Stretch your skin while shaving
For an extremely smooth shave, always keeps your hands and legs completely straight. This will stretch your skin and ensure that the razor glides effortlessly.
Moisturise right after
This is one of the most important, but highly ignored steps. After shaving, always slather on a generous amount of a soothing and hydrating moisturiser. This will lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling silky smooth.
Written by Urvi Dalal on Dec 04, 2019
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!