How to Shave Your Legs

Many women dread the return of summer, when their leg-shaving skills (or lack thereof) are put on display. Remember, not everyone loves a hairy legged damsel, so dust off your razors and read on. Below are some helpful shaving tips to get you through the season nick-free.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hand And Body Lotion
• Women's Razors
• Women's Shaving Creams

1. Shave in a warm shower or bath, if possible.
2. Wait a few minutes before starting to let the leg hair soften. If you take only showers, wait until the end of the shower to shave.
3. Sit on the ledge in your shower, if possible. If your shower has no place to sit, raise one leg against the wall of the shower and balance carefully.
4. Apply a small amount of shaving cream, rubbing it into a thick lather and spreading it over your leg. Avoid using soap in place of shaving cream, as it will dry out your skin.
5. Place the razor at the base of your ankle and pull gently up over your entire leg. If you experience severe razor burn, try shaving in the same direction as the hair growth. You may not get as clean a shave, but you'll avoid raising red bumps.
6. Rinse the blade between every stroke, and be sure to keep the razor wet while you're shaving.
7. Shave the entire leg until you've removed all the shaving cream.
8. Rinse.
9. Repeat for the other leg.
10. Pat dry and moisturize.

Tips & Warnings

• Having your legs waxed at a salon is a nice alternative that also reduces overall hair growth. One drawback is that you'll have to wait for the hair to grow out before you can wax again'this can take 6 to 8 weeks. Expect to pay about $25 for a half-leg wax.
• Dull blades can cause razor burn on sensitive skin.
• Shaving areas where bone is close to the skin surface, such as ankles and knees, can result in painful cuts and nicks. If you cut your leg while shaving, get out of the bath quickly, as the hot water will increase blood flow. Dab the wound lightly with a styptic pencil. It will sting slightly, but the bleeding will stop. A touch of toilet tissue can also do the trick.