How to Get Smooth Shaved Legs When Hair Is Thick

Your choice of razor is important when shaving thick hair.

Every girl wants her legs to look the best they can, and that usually means smooth and hair free. New hair-removal methods may come and go, but shaving remains one of the easiest and most affordable ways to remove hair from your legs. When you have thick hair, though, shaving can sometimes be a challenge. By making some adjustments before you put the razor to your skin, you can assure that your thick hair will be removed, leaving you with nothing but smooth skin.

Things You'll Need

• Razor
• Lubricant
• Lotion

Instructions

1. Soak your skin in water for at least 10 minutes. The easiest way to do this is to wait until the end of your shower or bath to begin shaving your legs. By doing this, you give your hair the opportunity to soften a bit, and getting the hair soft is essential to a smooth shave.

2. Wait until your skin does not have any goosebumps. Shaving over goosebumps, or goose pimples, can cause razor burn.

3. Use a new razor. Razors begin to dull after the first use, so replacing your razor frequently gives you the smoothest shave. Some women prefer using a razor with replaceable heads and some prefer using disposable razors. The choice is up to you. Try using several different brands to see which one works best for your legs.

4. Cover your leg from knee to ankle in a lubricant, like hair conditioner or shaving cream. Hair conditioner works well because it softens the hair further and helps the razor glide over the leg. Some women prefer shaving cream or soap, but keep in mind some soaps can leave a sticky residue on your skin, so test different types of soap to find one that works. Precisely what you use for a lubricant isn't as important as making sure the razor runs smoothly over your leg.

5. Shave your leg in sections. Consider the area from your ankle to knee as one section and the area from the knee to hip as another. Lubricate and shave your leg, moving against the direction of hair growth, one section at a time. Use slow, steady strokes to avoid nicks or missing areas. Repeat this process on the other leg, lubricating each section prior to shaving it.

6. Moisturize your legs with lotion. Keeping your legs moisturized will make the surface of your skin smoother than it would be otherwise, allowing the razor to glide smoothly over your leg the next time you shave.

Tips & Warnings

• Store your razor outside the shower. The moisture in the shower allows bacteria to grow, which can irritate skin.

References

• "Woman's Day" magazine; 5 Tips for a Flawless Shave; Melissa Matthews; July 2010