It’s likely that you’ve been shaving your legs for a while now, but in case you’re still walking around with bloody bits of TP stuck to your legs or experiencing recurring cases of razor burn and have no idea why, it’s time for a few more pointers. Here are 7 mistakes you may be making and the quick fix for each.
Using a crappy razor
This one seems obvious – but what’s in your shower now? If it’s one of those flimsy pink disposable razors, ditch it and get a good one. Not only do these guys dull easily, but the moisture strip tears away fast, leaving you dragging a dull, rusty blade over your skin with little protection. Choose a multi-blade razor (to reduce the risk of nicks) with a flexible head and rubber grip.
Using a disposable razor blade for too long
Whether you use disposable razors or just replace the blade, once you start to notice that the blades are dull, the moisture strip is no longer in tact, or you feel like you need to press harder to get a proper shave, it’s time to replace it. For most women, this is after about 10-12 shaves.
Shaving right after you hop in the shower
Shaving without letting your skin soak for a sufficient amount of time is a major cause of irritation and razor burn. Make sure you’ve spent about 15 minutes in the shower before you start shaving — this will soften the hair and open up follicles.
Lathering up with soap
Bar soap doesn’t create enough lubrication for a razor to glide easily against the skin. It can be drying on your skin, too. Instead, lather up your legs with a good quality shaving cream to avoid nicks and cuts. Hair conditioner can work as an alternative.
Using someone else’s razor
Any razor can be a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if it’s getting old. For the same reason you don’t want to use the same one you’ve been using for weeks on end, you don’t want to use someone else’s – not your dude’s, your room mate’s, etc. The only thing worse than your old bod-bacteria is someone else’s. Yuck.
Not exfoliating first
The best thing you can do before you shave? Slough off the dead skin cells with a gentle exfoliant. This will make for a closer, smoother shave with no irritation.
… or moisturizing after
A study by Gillette found that 60% of women feel experience dry and irritated skin directly after shaving. Lock that moisture in by applying lotion when your skin is still damp. Hint – keep a bottle in the shower so you don’t forget. apply in the still-steamy bathroom.
