By
eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- Scissors
- Electric razor or beard trimmer
- Shaving gel or cream
- Warm water
- Razor
- Petroleum jelly
- Lotion
- Vitamin E cream
Step1
Choose the right type of razor to shave your body hair. Avoid cheap single-blade disposable razors that easily nick or cut you, or may not offer as close a shave. Use a razor that has at least two blades, and opt for a brand that has a moisturizing strip along the top of the head for maximum comfort.
Step2
Use scissors or an electric beard trimmer before a razor if the body hair you want to shave is longer than a quarter of an inch. Beard trimmers are especially effective if they have adjustable blades, which can help to get you most of the way to the skin before you start using the razor. If you use a pair of scissors, make sure that they have been sharpened.
Step3
Pick the right type of shaving gel or foam that will help to lubricate your skin before you shave. Using petroleum jelly, lotion or hair conditioner may help to soften body hair that is especially coarse.
Step4
Soak the area you want to shave in warm water for at least three or four minutes before applying gel or cream. Shaving in the shower or tub may be the best way to accomplish this.
Step5
Shave your body hair with the razor. Go slowly, applying little or no pressure on your skin and rinsing the blades after every stroke. If you do have to apply pressure for a close shave, the blades may need to be replaced.
Step6
Rinse the shaved area with cool water to help close the pores of your skin, which will help to reduce irritation. Avoid applying antiperspirant, cologne or perfume to the area for at least 30 minutes after you shave your body hair.
Step7
Apply lotion, vitamin E oil or petroleum jelly to the shaved area to reduce irritation.