Shaving your legs can be a hassle and a half. It’s time-consuming, messy, and sometimes painful. And if you’re not doing it right, you can end up with redness, bumps, cuts, and ingrown hairs that make you want to hide your legs forever. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most common shaving fails you’re probably making when shaving your legs and how to fix them for a smooth and flawless finish.
- You’re using a blunt razor:
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One of the worst things you can do when shaving your legs is using a razor that is old, dull, dirty, or damaged. A crappy razor can drag on your skin, cause nicks and cuts, and increase the risk of infection. You should always use a fresh blade that glides smoothly over your skin and rinse it off after every stroke to wash away shave gel residue and body hair. If you have very light hair, you can use the same blade repeatedly, but if you have coarse hair, you may only get a few shaves out of a blade. Once you feel the blade pulling or catching when you shave, it’s time to toss it.
- You’re shaving on dry skin
Another shaving fail you might be making is shaving your legs without wetting them first. Shaving on dry skin can cause friction, irritation, and razor burn. You should always wet your skin with warm water for about two to four minutes before shaving to soften it and open up your pores. This will help you get a closer and more comfortable shave.
- You’re skipping exfoliation
Exfoliating your legs before shaving can make a huge difference in the quality of your shave. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells that can clog your pores and trap hairs under the surface, leading to ingrown hairs and bumps. You can use a loofah or a body scrub to gently exfoliate your legs and prepare them for shaving.
- You’re not using shaving cream or gel
Shaving cream or gel is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity when shaving your legs. Shaving cream or gel creates a protective layer between your skin and the razor blade, helping it glide smoothly and preventing cuts and irritation. It also moisturizes your skin and reduces friction. You should apply shaving cream or gel generously to your legs and spread it evenly. Try to find something that has moisturizers in it and is scent-free to lower the risk of skin irritation. You can also use water-soluble skin cream instead of traditional shaving cream; it may be kinder to your skin and frees you from having to buy gender-based shaving supplies.
- You’re shaving in the wrong direction
The direction of your shave matters when it comes to getting a smooth and close shave. For the best results, you should shave against the direction of hair growth, starting from your ankle and moving upward. This will help you remove more hair in one stroke and avoid stubble. However, if you have sensitive skin or are prone to razor burn, you may want to shave in the same direction as hair growth instead, as this will be gentler on your skin.
- You’re shaving too fast or too hard
Shaving your legs is not a race to the finish line; it’s a delicate process that requires patience and care. If you shave too fast or too hard, you can end up with cuts, nicks, irritation, and missed spots. You should take your time and make smooth, even strokes with light pressure. Don’t rush or press down too hard on the razor; let the blades do the work for you.
- You’re forgetting about knees, thighs, and ankles
Some areas of your legs are trickier to shave than others, such as knees, thighs, and ankles. These areas are bonier or curvier than others and require more attention and caution when shaving. To avoid accidentally cutting yourself or missing hairs, you should adjust your leg position and angle of the razor accordingly. For example, when shaving your knees, try bending your leg to better shave the front of your knee cap, and then straighten your leg when shaving behind. When shaving your thighs, don’t forget about your inner and outer thighs; only shave hair you think is unsightly. When shaving your ankles, be careful not to nick yourself on the bone and shave around it gently.
- You’re not moisturizing after shaving
The final shaving fail you might be making when shaving your legs is not moisturizing them after you’re done. Shaving can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it dry and irritated. You should always apply a moisturizer or lotion to your legs after shaving to hydrate, soothe, and protect your skin. Look for a moisturizer that is alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic to avoid further irritation or clogging your pores.
Tips for smooth legs and arms after shaving:
If you want to keep your legs and arms smooth and silky after shaving, here are some tips you can follow:
- Shave regularly
The more often you shave, the less hair you’ll have to deal with and the smoother your skin will be. However, don’t shave every day, as this can irritate your skin and cause ingrown hairs. Aim for two to three times a week, depending on your hair growth and preference.
- Use a razor with multiple blades
A razor with multiple blades can give you a closer shave than a single-blade razor, as it cuts more hair in one stroke and reduces the need for multiple passes. However, don’t use a razor with too many blades, as this can increase the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs. A three- or four-blade razor is usually enough for most people.
- Rinse your razor frequently
Rinsing your razor blade after every stroke will help you wash away shave gel residue and body hair, and prevent the blades from getting clogged or dull. Use clean hot water to rinse your razor and keep it wet.
- Replace your razor blade often
A dull or rusty razor blade can cause more harm than good to your skin, as it can drag, pull, cut, and infect your skin. You should replace your razor blade as soon as you notice any signs of wear and tear, such as nicks, rust, or dullness. Depending on how often you shave and how coarse your hair is, you may need to change your blade every few shaves or every few weeks.
- Exfoliate between shaves
Exfoliating your legs and arms between shaves can help you prevent ingrown hairs and keep your skin smooth and soft. You can use a loofah or a body scrub to gently exfoliate your skin once or twice a week, depending on your skin type and sensitivity.
- Moisturize daily
Moisturizing your legs and arms daily can help you maintain their hydration, elasticity, and smoothness. You should apply a moisturizer or lotion to your skin every day, especially after showering or bathing, when your skin is damp and more receptive to moisture.
Shaving your legs doesn’t have to be a chore or a pain; it can be a fun and rewarding experience if you do it right. By avoiding these common shaving fails and following these tips, you can achieve smooth and flawless legs and arms that will make you feel confident and gorgeous.