How to Shave Body Hair

These days, shaving excessive body hair is the norm, with shaved heads, arms, legs, armpits and pubic areas becoming a common sight. By using the proper tools, under the proper conditions, you can achieve a close, comfortable shave with little or no skin irritation.

Instructions

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Apply lotion, vitamin E oil or petroleum jelly to the shaved area to reduce irritation.

Tips & Warnings

• Scrubbing your skin with a loofah or natural sponge after you shave is a great way to reduce ingrown hairs and skin irritations.
• Avoid sharing a razor with someone else, since this is a good way to spread skin infections.