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2torial #0655:
Learn2 Shave Your Legs (Continued)
Bare it all!
OK. The time is now. If you've prepared your
legs properly, this step should be a breeze. Good
light and a place to prop your foot will make the
hard to reach spots more accessible.
Wet shave:
Wet the razor. Some light and a sure grip helps
maneuver around curves and bones. No need to apply
pressure: just use the weight of the razor. Shaving
in the direction hair grows can eliminate chronic
razor burn and reduce inflammation of the pores.
Rinse the razor frequently in hot water to remove
hair and shaving potion.
Begin shaving around the ankle with short,
delicate strokes, drawing in toward the bone. Watch
what you're doing. (One technique is the "skin
tug": press with your fingertips a portion of skin
that's unlathered or already shaved, push it down
towards your ankle and then shave the portion above
it. This helps the hair stand off the skin and also
produces a flatter shaving surface.) Then, with
longer strokes, draw the razor from above the ankle
to just under the knees. This is the easiest part
of the leg to shave--but it's vulnerable to
carelessness. Easy around those shin bones!
Next the knees. Take a good look. Then bend the
knee slowly and watch how it changes, for example,
where curves fill in or bones recede. It only takes
a few moments. Shave the flattest (easiest)
sections first, then bend the knee as needed to
expose other flat, easy to shave areas.
When you're finished, use your fingertips to
feel for places you missed. Look closely at knees
and ankles. Touch up if necessary.
If you nicked yourself, bring out the styptic
pencil. Moisten the tip, then dab on the wound.
Treat deeper cuts as you would normally.
Rinse your legs well. Pat dry with a soft towel.
Dry shave:
For a traditional razor, adjust the
razor--if you have the option-- for your hair type.
Grasp the razor firmly but be flexible. Flip the
"on" switch.
Start by slowly edging around the ankle. Then
move upward, going against the direction of hair
growth. If your shaver has three rotating blades,
circular movements are best. With a straight-bladed
razor, try long repetitive strokes. Knees can be
difficult, especially if using a facial shaver;
feel free to maneuver both to best effect.
For a rotating coil system: For best
results using a rotating coil (or similar) system,
follow the manufacturer's instructions. Note that
wider movements can help prevent ingrown hairs.
Also, a daily loofah or brush routine will prevent
clogged hair follicles, reducing the incidence of
ingrown hairs. Coarse and curly haired legs are
most at risk. Step
3
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