The Steps


Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Prepare your skin
Step 2:
Bare it all!
Step 3:
Aftercare: Soothe your skin



Helpful Tips


Ingrown hairs can sometimes be tweezed from the skin's surface. Don't dig. Infected ingrowns should be treated by a doctor.

Persistent irritation, characterized by tender, raised red bumps, may indicate infection. If it lasts over a week, see a doctor.

Caught without shaving potion? Rub a little oil-free hair conditioner over prepped skin, then follow with a lather made from a mild shampoo. Proceed as usual.

Relax. Take your time. Practice. Then teach your best friend.

 

Style and Grace


2torial #0655:
Learn2 Shave Your Legs (Continued)

Step 2Bare 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. Go 2Step 3



 

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