Women! Never shave your face hair!

Don’t take uncouth cues from Princess Fiona in Shrek II (who shaves her face) or Cindy in Scary Movie (who shaves her face and tongue)! Most areas of the body can be safely shaved, but a woman should never shave her face hair (this includes eyebrows) because the stubble just looks too lousy.

Avoid shaving when your skin is puffy.

If you need to, take a cool shower first to remove some puffiness or run an ice cube over your skin before starting to shave.

Use good products and prepare yourself before each shave.

To shave, you will need shaving soap or cream, a sharp razor, something to scrub your skin before shaving (loofah, coarse sponge, or a washcloth), and a lotion. Good does not mean expensive. There are many products on the market, and many are hokey and advertised a ton. Try travel sizes of products you are curious about to see how they work.

Pay attention to directions of hair growth.

Under the arms and on legs, shave against the direction your hair grows. On arms, back, thighs, pubic area, stomach, and other areas, shave in the direction hair grows. This is less irritating on sensitive areas. To tell which direction your hair grows, take a look at your skin. You will notice that individual hairs sprout out at the root and then continue growing out. Some go down, some head up. This is the direction your hair grows and this is what should guide how your shave. Some parts of your body will have hair growing in one direction while others will have hairs sprouting in another direction. Pay attention.

Take plenty of time when shaving and shave in a bath, if you can.

Baths are warm and really soften your skin. They make rinsing simple, and there is no need to balance precariously as you might in a shower.

Make sure you are using the right type of razor.

Women’s razors are best for body hair (on both men and women’s bodies). This is because women’s disposable razors have two blades and a lubricating strip.

Wash away dead skin each day to stimulate your skin and prevent ingrown hairs.

If you shave regularly, loofah each day in the shower or use some other means to get rid of dead skin (you may try an exfoliant or just use a washcloth). It will also keep your skin smooth and ready for shaving. After taking a shower in which you have scrubbed, be sure to apply a gentle moisturizer.

Tend to any bothersome bumps with loofah, good hygiene and moisturizer.

Many women (and men, if they shave their legs) get bumps on their thighs and upper arms, no matter how carefully they shave. To offset this, try loofah before shaving and in between shaves. Keep the area clean and moisturized. If you find that these bumps still bother you, try a different way of dealing with the hair in these areas.

For stubble irritation, use loofah and wear comfortable clothes.

If you have stubble and can’t shave it off right away, it will be itchy and irritating. Use a loofah to keep the hairs soft and avoid clothing that will rub against the stubble and irritate your skin even more.

Women and Men can both use aftershave!

If you find that you are worried about infection and irritation, try using an aftershave on areas you have just shaved (yes, this includes women and men who shave their bodies). The alcohol in the product will disinfect the area a bit, although it will sting, especially if you have nicks.

So what makes shaving your legs so great?

Well, it’s inexpensive, fast, and painless. It’s simple to do, and no special appointments are needed. You do have to shave every day (or every other day, depending on how fast your hair grows), and you risk nicks and stubble. If you dislike shaving, it may be because you are not doing it properly.

How do I get the smoothest shave possible?

• To get a really smooth shave, be sure to shave in the shower or bath, and make sure your skin has been soaking for at least three minutes, but not half an hour. As a general rule, don’t shave first thing in the morning (when skin is a bit puffy). Wait at least fifteen minutes after waking, after you have been moving around a bit.
• Use a shaving cream, not plain soap or water. Shaving cream prevents your skin from being too dried out and leaves wide streaks, so you can tell where you have already shaved (you shouldn’t go over the same area over and over again – that leads to nicks). If you don’t like the smell of women’s shaving lotions, feel free to use men’s shaving creams for legs – they cost less than women’s shaving creams and work especially well on tough leg hairs. Just be sure to use a cream made for sensitive skin if you are going to be shaving up to your bikini line.
• Shave legs with steady, light pressure using a new razor (one that has no rust and has not been used more than five times). To get tricky spots (like the backs of knees), stretch your leg out straight and rest it securely against some part of the shower or bath so that it does not slip. Then, slowly stretch your upper body and arm towards the leg. Shave these areas much more slowly and carefully. After shaving and showering, apply a light body lotion to shaved areas to prevent dryness. That’s it.

Agghh! Ingrown Hairs – How do I tackle ‘em?

If your legs get ingrown hairs by shaving, you may find that using a loofah (a natural sea sponge) in the shower helps. The loofah gets rid of the dead skin that can clog pores and cause ingrown hairs. If you always get bumps on your thighs after shaving, try shaving only the lower half of your legs (the tougher part) and use an alternative hair removal method on your thighs.

If you are someone who shaves often, a kit can make the job easier and more luxurious.

“If you don’t mind smelling like peanut butter for two or three days, peanut butter is darn good shaving cream” (Barry Goldwater, American Politician 1909-1998).

While I personally do not recommend peanut butter for solving all your shaving problems, I do think it is essential to soften hair before shaving. Whether you are a woman shaving your legs or a man shaving your face, your hair needs to be soft in order to allow your razor to cut the hair without damaging your skin. Shaving cream is the best way to soften your hair because it does not clog razors (like soap does) and It’s especially formulated to be gentle on skin.

Take a glance at shaving creams in a drug store and you may feel dazed. There are just so many of them – each claiming to offer the ultimate shaving experience. To choose a shaving cream, you should first understand the different types of shaving cream:

What different types of shaving cream can I choose from?

• Shaving Foam in a Can: This is the standard form of shaving cream. There are about a million different types and brands, but basically all are a foam that can be easily applied to the skin.
• Women’s Shaving Cream: Over the past ten years, many companies have started marketing shaving creams for women. In many cases, these contain extra moisturizers and are made especially for women’s sensitive skin. A can of women’s shaving cream certainly provides a truly luxurious shaving experience, leaving you feeling soft and pampered.
• Shaving Gel: Gel formulas exit the can as a gel, allowing for easier application. Once they are massaged into the skin, they turn into a foam.
• Sensitive Skin Formulas: Many shaving creams claim to be made for sensitive skin. Some even contain moisturizers. If you have sensitive skin, you should read the label of your shaving foam to make sure the product contains no alcohol or scent.
• Old-Fashioned Mug and Brush Shaving Cream: I love this stuff. It comes in the shape of a bar. You wet a shaving brush and rub it over the bar, creating a foam. Then you transfer the foam to your skin. It is a little bit messier than shaving cream in a can, but you can buy beautiful shaving brushes and shaving kits to go with your shaving cream – and these accessories can make you feel really pampered. This type of shaving cream is also great for travelers, since there is no need to worry about aerosol cans of shaving foam bursting or leaking all over packed clothes. This shaving cream also tends to be economical, since each bar lasts for some time.
• Shaving Oil: While not strictly a cream, shaving oil works much like any other shaving cream. It usually comes in a tube or bottle and is applied over skin before shaving. It does tend to be a bit messier than foams because of its liquid consistency. It is great for those with very dry skin, though. It is also easier to control your shave since you can see your skin through the oil.
• Natural Shaving Cream: Some companies (such as Kiss my Face) produce shaving creams that contain natural ingredients. These are generally targeted at those who are concerned about the environment. Many of these products are not tested on animals and contain no animal products.

Quick Question…How Do I Use My New Shaving Cream?

Once you have chosen you shaving cream, be sure to read any directions on the product. If you find your skin is easily irritated, you can rub a little of the shaving foam on your skin and wait a few hours to see if an allergic reaction develops. Once you are ready to start shaving, wet your skin thoroughly for a few minutes to soften hair. Apply shaving cream to wet skin. Use enough shaving cream to cover the area to be shaved completely, but do not pile the shaving cream high. As you shave, be sure to keep rinsing your razor to prevent shaving cream and hair from building up under and between the blades.

What causes shaving bumps and how can I remedy them?

• Some of these bumps are caused by shaving over closed pores, so be sure to shave only after soaking in very warm water, which opens pores. This will also prevent you from having goose bumps, which can produce a red rash if you shave over them.
• Other bumps are caused by bits of skin that get run over by the razor. Be sure to exfoliate your skin before shaving by rubbing with a loofah or washcloth. This will give your skin a smoothness that will allow the razor to glide right over your skin – creating no bumps.
• Sometimes, ingrown hairs (caused by shaving) cause an inflammation that results in red bumps. This is most likely in areas where your hair is coarser or curly (such as the bikini line and upper thighs). Ingrown hairs are often caused by shaving below the surface of the skin. To prevent these red bumps, consider switching to a single blade razor on areas where these bumps crop up, and shave with the direction of hair growth in these areas. Exfoliate your skin before shaving and in between shavings (once a day). Run over affected areas with toner or with aftershave (but do not use these products near the bikini line) to disinfect the skin after shaving. Avoid putting lotion on right after you shave (when you could clog pores). Instead, wait an hour or two and then apply a very light, scent-free lotion to combat dryness and to soothe the bumps.
• Many of these red bumps are caused by irritation. Shaving slowly and using plenty of shaving foam can help offset the problem.
• There are many products on the market that claim to eliminate these bumps. Some are little more than astringents. Try these products only if someone you trust recommends them.

Shall I avoid shaving any area that has shaving bumps?

Yes. Trying to get rid of hair while your skin is irritated will just irritate the skin more. You could even get a nasty infection, so just let the hair grow a bit. If the little red bumps become really bothersome, consider talking to a dermatologist, who may recommend a product.

What if the bumps still won’t go away?

If you get these bumps no matter how scrupulously you follow the proper shaving technique, consider switching to another method of hair removal.

Once you have chosen a good time, follow the basic shaving process:

• Soak skin for about 3 minutes in warm water to soften the hairs and reduce possible razor burn. Rub your skin with a loofah or coarse sponge in order to get rid of scaly skin (which clogs your razor and keeps your razor from cutting hair). Scrubbing with a sponge or loofah also makes the hairs on your skin stand up, making them easier to shave.
• Next, lather shaving foam or cream over your skin. This is a really necessary step, since it lubricates skin well and prevents irritation. Plain soap can dry you skin and clog your razor, making a good shave impossible. Shaving creams are not very expensive, and you don’t need to buy the women’s-only foams. If you find they smell too saccharine, you could always try a no-name men’s brand designed for sensitive skin.
• Gently run the razor over your skin, using smooth and firm strokes. Go slowly, and slow down even more around knees, on the backs of legs, and under arms. To shave under your arms, lift one arm high, creating as smooth a surface as you can under your arm and shave with your other hand. If you are shaving your bikini line, hold the skin taut with your hands as you shave to prevent nicks. As you shave, shaving foam will be stripped away, leaving clean patches of skin. Avoid going over this already-shaved skin again. If you notice that there are still hairs in already-shaved areas, you likely need a sharper razor.
• Once you have finished shaving, rinse off the remains of the shaving foam and pat your skin dry. Apply a soothing lotion (unscented is best) to your skin. If you have shaved under your arms, avoid putting antiperspirant or deodorant on right away.

If you follow Hairchick’s advice on how to shave, you will have perfectly smooth shaved skin – every time!

What products do I need to get started?

• A good razor. Try to buy disposable razors first, since they are inexpensive and you can try lots of different types. You also don’t have to learn to snap in blades or use an electric shaver. Don’t just buy a razor because you like the handle or because you liked the ad. Go for a razor that has a lubricating strip and is designed for women. Beyond that, it is essential that it is sharp. Just make sure you don’t borrow someone else’s razor or lend yours. This is because razors harbor all sorts of bacteria, and often keep bits of blood and skin after a shave. That’s just another good reason to use a disposable razor and to replace it often.
• Some small bandages, just in case you nick yourself. You may find some thin white sticks in the drug store which promise to stop nicks. They work by basically stopping up the cut. You may want to try one of these, since they only cost a dollar or two.
• A good shaving cream or foam. There are many on the market, but try to look for one that comes in a can (so it’s easy to use) and has a scent you can live with. Many are made for sensitive skin or contain extra moisturizing products.
• A body lotion to soothe your skin after shaving. Try to find one that is unscented, light, and soothing, since your skin may be irritated at first.
• A washcloth, loofah, or body sponge. This will soften your hairs and create a smoother shave.

How much will this cost?

You may have some of these things at home already. In any case your shopping trip will cost no more than $20 in all.

Shall I ask my friend, sister or mom for help?

Yes it’s a good idea to get a friend, older sister or mother to help you at first. Who knows, they may have some useful tips. If you want to go it on your own though, be sure to go slowly, and start with the easiest-to-get-at parts of your body, like your shins. Move on to more difficult parts once you see how shaving works. If you’re really nervous, you could do what one of my friends did: shave an orange or a lemon! It lets you see how it’s done, and you can get a sense of how lightly you press by using this (admittedly weird) method.

What is the proper shaving technique?

• Soak hairs to be shaved for at a few minutes with very warm water (you may find that doing this in the bath is easiest).
• Scrub your skin lightly with the loofah, sponge, or washcloth.
• Apply the shaving cream to the body part you are going to shave. Then, make sure the area is as flat as possible (if you are shaving the backs of your knees, keep your leg stretched out; if you are shaving under your arms, lift one hand high).
• Slowly shave, using light strokes of the razor over your skin. Run over your skin just once with the razor (your skin will easily become irritated if you go over the same area again and again).
• Once you are done, rinse off your skin and pat yourself dry.
• If you notice any stinging or cuts, you have likely cut yourself. If you notice bits of blood, blot them with a tissue and apply a bandage over the cut.
• Finish off by applying a lotion to your skin to prevent your skin from becoming dry and scaly.

That’s it! If you followed HairChick’s Must-Read, you are now officially experienced in the most popular method of hair removal and you have perfectly smooth legs.

Smooth skin that shows no obvious stubble or bits of hair is what anyone who has ever wielded a razor really wants from their shave. Uneven shaves happen, and they seem to be caused by anything from a blunt razor to poor technique. Sometimes you get a close shave one day only to give yourself a jagged and bumpy shave two days later.

Six easy tips for a close shave:

1. Create a perfectly smooth surface. Yes, this means doing away with dead skin. You will need to scrub gently with a loofah or body sponge, but if you find it too abrasive, try a liquid body scrub. The best liquid body scrubs contain tiny beads that gently rub and then dissolve. If you have very long hairs on any area of your body that you are about to shave, trim them.
2. Shave at the right time. Avoid just after you have woken up, since your skin will be puffy then. To get rid of puffiness no matter what time you shave, take a cool shower or run ice over your body just before starting your shave.
3. Use the right tool and technique. To get a close shave you need to move slowly and carefully, using plenty of hot water and a good cream or foam that offers plenty of lubrication (quit snickering) to provide a buffer between your skin and the razor. If you aren’t already using a razor with two blades, make the switch. Avoid going over the same area twice with a razor – this will make the result more bumpy and far less smooth. To be as close as possible, shave against the direction of hair growth and use the lightest touch you can.
4. Give yourself some post-shave TLC… What you do afterwards can help ensure a smooth result. After shaving, splash skin with cool water, rinse off any shaving foam, and pat your skin dry. Apply a light lotion to your skin. If you still find you did not get as close a shave as you would have liked, wait at least a day before shaving again. This will give your skin a chance to rest and will help prevent nicks.
5. Be prepared for minor catastrophes! If you do get any nicks or scrapes, throw out your razor (you likely need a sharper blade) and spot-treat the problem by blotting with a tissue or going over the area with damp styptic pencil or stick (available at any drug store). For larger cuts, apply a bandaids or bandages.
6. Keep up the good work! Depending on how much stubble you can accept, to keep a close shave you may have to shave every other day, or even every day. If you find that your hair grows fast and you need to shave often, be sure to keep your skin well protected and supple by applying a apply a rich body lotion at bed time.

Even if you shave regularly, you won’t always get a completely perfect close shave, since skin changes from day to day and even a bit of inattention while shaving can cause scraggly missed patches or a nick. Still, if you follow the proper technique and apply these tips, your skin will be extremely silky almost all the time – and smoother than a gravy sandwich!

What do I need to know before I start Brazilian Shaving?

• Brazilian shaving needs to be done very carefully and with a good razor, especially since cuts around the pubic area hurt very much and take a lot longer to heal. If you want to give yourself a Brazilian shave, you need to remember that pubic hairs are much coarser and tend to be curlier than hair on the rest of the body. This makes shaving more difficult and makes ingrown hairs very possible.
• You should begin a Brazilian shave by trimming as much of your hair as you can, getting as close to the skin as your (without cutting yourself!). This does two things: First, it makes the hairs easier to shave. Secondly, it allows you to see what you are doing as you shave.
• You will need to gather a large mirror, a good razor (a disposable that has been used once works best), plenty of moisturizing shaving cream or foam, and a clean washcloth.

How do I give myself a Brazilian Shave?

Begin by setting up the mirror so that you can see what you are shaving. Next, soak in a very warm bath or shower for at least five or ten minutes. Soak the washcloth in hot water (as hot as you can stand it) and apply it over the entire pubic area for a few minutes to soften the hairs further. Apply a generous amount of shaving cream, and start shaving in the direction your hair grows, starting at the top of your pubic hair and working downwards. If you need to go over an area more than once, apply more shaving cream, but avoid going over any area more than twice, because you will get cuts. To get at all the side hairs, you will need to lean way back and keep your legs apart. You will also need to pull the skin taut as you shave to keep the skin from moving and to provide you with a smooth surface. If you are giving yourself a Brazilian shave for the first time, you may need to give yourself two sessions to get the area perfectly smooth. After you are done shaving, rinse the area in cool water and wear loose fitting cotton underwear (or no underwear at all, if you are headed to bed) to give your skin a chance to rest.

Is there anything else I should know?

Once you start to shave your hair this way, you will have to keep shaving in order to avoid painful stubble. The first time you shave, you may find the area gets very red and irritated. Stop shaving until it heals then shave again. With time, you will see less redness and eventually you will be able to achieve a perfectly smooth shave.

Brazilian shaving is your no 1 sensation … just feel that fresh air as you walk on by!

Last Thoughts

My personal recommendation for pubic hair removal is using Revitol Hair Removal Cream. Read my review to find out why it was awarded ‘Editors Choice’ for best hair removal product.

What do I need to consider before I take it all (or some of it) off?

First, be sure that you are ready for the commitment of shaving. Depending on your hair and the level of smoothness you want, you will need to shave every few days, every week, or even every day. You will also need to keep shaving if you want to avoid stubble (which not only looks odd but which itches like crazy – all over your body).
Next, decide which areas you want shaved. Some people shave their necks, chests, legs, underarm’s, stomachs, shoulders, pubic areas, backs, hands, and even feet. Others just want to tackle some of these areas. If you want to get at hard-to-reach areas like the back, you will need to recruit a friend or professional to help you. Trying to do it yourself could lead to some nasty nicks.

Razor poised – are there any shaving techniques I should be aware of?

Definitely! Once you are ready, be sure to review the following proper shaving techniques. You will be using the same process of soaking, lathering, shaving, rinsing, and applying lotion as women use when shaving their legs, but with a few differences:

• Start with an easy-to-shave area (like your legs) in order to get used to shaving before moving on to trickier areas.
• If you have folds on your stomach or back, moles, or scars, you need to be very careful around these areas, since you could really damage your skin with a razor. If you have folds of skin, pull them taut before shaving the area. If you are shaving where there is a mole, shave around it (as closely as you can) and tweeze any hair on or very close to the mole (yes – this will hurt – but it will keep you from the possibility of ending up at the doctor’s office with severe bleeding). If you have a scar, be sure to shave very gently around and over the area. If the scar sticks out a bit, proceed the same way you would with moles.
• If you are shaving sensitive spots like shoulders, stomach, and chest, use a razor that you have already used on other parts of your body. A new razor may cut you on areas where the skin is very thin.
• If you have long hairs in some places, trim them a bit using the little scissors that come with manicure kits. This will keep your razor from being clogged and will help give you a smooth shave.
• After you have shaved you body, parts of it will be irritated (especially the first few times you shave). Keep your hair-free skin protected and cared-for. Use a body lotion to prevent dryness and use a sun block to keep skin safe. Keep skin very clean and wear loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibers like cotton if you notice that your skin has become red or irritated. Avoid shaving again until your skin has completely healed. If you work out, wash sweat off right away to prevent painful rashes. Remember: your hair is part of your body’s natural defense system. Once you take it away, you need to take greater responsibility for your skin. If you aren’t prepared for the commitment, keep your hair.
• If you want to shave your entire body, you will need to change razors during the process, as the blades will dull. You should use between 3 and 5 razors if you are shaving every hair on your body.

These tips should keep your body silky-smooth … no matter where you shave.