Prevent annoying ingrown hairs
5. Shave against the direction of hair growth on your legs
Well, duh! You already know that shaving against the direction of hair growth on your legs gives you the smoothest finish. And you know ingrown hairs, hair regrowth that curls up beneath the skin's surface, isn't usually a problem for legs.
6. Go with the grow in your bikini area
Shaving against hair growth, though, can be a problem in the sensitive bikini area where skin is usually creased and the hair is usually -- er -- not straight. Ingrown hairs are almost guaranteed unless you go with the grow. Still, the direction you choose should be whatever works for you, says Zupkosky. And in the underarm area, shaving in several directions can actually deliver the smoothest results. Try exfoliating gently each day with a wet shower scrubby to help prevent ingrown hairs.
7. At the first sign of dullness, switch to a new blade
"A sharp blade moves easily along skin," says Mazerolle. "A dull blade can catch on skin or a bump and, combined with any pressure you're exerting on the razor, is still sharp enough to result in nicks or cuts."
According to Zupkosky, women change blades after about 10 shaves, on average, but you're the best judge of when to ditch your old blade because frequency depends on the coarseness of your hair as well as its growth rate.
8. Moisturize
Slather legs with a simple moisturizing lotion within three minutes of patting away excess moisture from your shower. Simple means without glycolic acid, retinol, salicylic acid, SPF or self-tanner -- wait 15 minutes to half an hour before using those; they can sting freshly shaved skin, as can deodorant or anti-perspirant on just-shaved underarms.
Now get out there and bowl 'em over with your so-smooth pins.
Janine Falcon is the founder and editor of Beautygeeks, a site about stuff that delivers best-you beauty and style.
Page 2 of 2
Well, duh! You already know that shaving against the direction of hair growth on your legs gives you the smoothest finish. And you know ingrown hairs, hair regrowth that curls up beneath the skin's surface, isn't usually a problem for legs.
6. Go with the grow in your bikini area
Shaving against hair growth, though, can be a problem in the sensitive bikini area where skin is usually creased and the hair is usually -- er -- not straight. Ingrown hairs are almost guaranteed unless you go with the grow. Still, the direction you choose should be whatever works for you, says Zupkosky. And in the underarm area, shaving in several directions can actually deliver the smoothest results. Try exfoliating gently each day with a wet shower scrubby to help prevent ingrown hairs.
7. At the first sign of dullness, switch to a new blade
"A sharp blade moves easily along skin," says Mazerolle. "A dull blade can catch on skin or a bump and, combined with any pressure you're exerting on the razor, is still sharp enough to result in nicks or cuts."
According to Zupkosky, women change blades after about 10 shaves, on average, but you're the best judge of when to ditch your old blade because frequency depends on the coarseness of your hair as well as its growth rate.
8. Moisturize
Slather legs with a simple moisturizing lotion within three minutes of patting away excess moisture from your shower. Simple means without glycolic acid, retinol, salicylic acid, SPF or self-tanner -- wait 15 minutes to half an hour before using those; they can sting freshly shaved skin, as can deodorant or anti-perspirant on just-shaved underarms.
Now get out there and bowl 'em over with your so-smooth pins.
Janine Falcon is the founder and editor of Beautygeeks, a site about stuff that delivers best-you beauty and style.
Page 2 of 2