Toothpaste isn't actually an effective method to treat acne, you shouldn't be using 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioners and running your hand through your hair as a claw-come-comb in the gym isn't the same as brushing. But we get it, we're all short on time and money. If you pick up these time-saving, but in the long run naughty habits, they're quite hard to shake.
You may think you're shaving your legs by the book but if you find yourself constantly nicking your skin, scratching ingrown hairs and finding patches of hair here and there, you could well be doing a slap-dash job. Now that it's a scorching 20 degrees outside and we're thinking more and more about shorter shorts and sleeveless dresses it might be time to go back to shaving school.
Your legs shouldn't be bleeding. You shouldn't be coming out in rashes. No bit of you should be stinging and every inch of you should feel smooth as a baby's bot.
If you're a nice and natural kind, we salute you. If you're more of a close-shave Sheila, we're here for you. Here's our simple guide to getting a better shave.
Exfoliate the day before
In-grown hairs are fine hairs that have bent back over and are now trapped under your skin. More importantly, they're unsightly and itchy as hell. Give your legs a gentle exfoliation in the shower using a scrub, like Ren's exfoliating body balm, to get the little blighters out and ready to face the blades. Exfoliation is good for generally shifting dead skin cells and brightening your skin too, just do it a day before so your skin has a chance to recover.
Shave at the end of your shower when your skin is hot
This is a wise tip, so take note. The hairs will be softer after they've been subjected to hot water and the pores will be open, which means you'll enjoy a closer shave.
Always use a clean razor
Your housemate's rusty blades will not cut it, and you'll be spreading bacteria all over your body. Plus a blunt blade means an almost inevitably patchy shave.
Use a gel or foam
This will mean your shave is just overall a much softer and more gentle experience. Creating a foamy barrier between your skin and a sharp blade just makes sense and will prevent the outbreak of rashes. Plus gels and foams mean you can see where you've been!
Be gentle
You need very little pressure on your skin if your razor is new, so go slow and steady.
Shave against the grain of the hair
Hair moves in mysterious ways, but usually shaving upwards, towards your chest (in the case of legs) is the best direction to shave. This will also help prevent ingrown hairs and irritation.
Use an alcohol free lotion afterwards
Avoid overly perfumed moisturisers and alcohol lotions after you've shaved. As mentioned, your pores re-open and your skin is supple, so go for something plain and simple, like Nivea Q10.
Clean and air-dry your razor
Give your razor a good old soak afterwards and leave it to air dry – clogged hairs will mean a poor shave next time. If you have time, get your mitts on some isopropyl alcohol, pour a little bit into a mug, and leave your razor head-down in a few inches of the stuff for 5 minutes to sanitise it.
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