This Is Why You’ve Been Shaving Your Legs Wrong Your Whole Life

#1

It's something women do several times a week but have you ever stopped to consider that you could be shaving completely wrong?

An expert has shared her foolproof tips for getting the closest shave ever - and claims it will make your legs smoother than ever and stop that pesky and painful rash from appearing.

As Venus' beauty ambassador, Nathalie Eleni, explains: 'Shaving technique is important, but there’s more to achieving soft, smooth, hair-free skin than a few strokes with a razor. What you do before and after the shave is just as important.'

#2

The biggest mistake? Grabbing the razor before you have a shower.

Dr Alyssa Dweck told Greatist: “The best time to shave is toward the end of the shower when your skin is the most hydrated.

“The hair is softest then, so it will respond best to the razor.”

To avoid skin irritation, ingrown hairs and microcuts – tiny open wounds that leave you vulnerable to infection, she advises throwing away your razor blades as soon as they get dull.

#3 Shaving the legs first thing

Upon hopping into the shower if I'm embarking on a bit of de-hairing I usually get right down to it.

Not cool: Apparently waiting 'til the end of your shower is kinder to the legs as the steam and heat from the water opens up the pores, softens the hair and makes the legs far more amenable to being shorn.

#4 Using an Old Razor

Old razors have dull blades which make it more difficult to get a close shave, and can even cause razor burn. What's even worse is that old blades harbor bacteria. You definitely don't want to be cut by a razor that's covered in germs. Knowing when to switch out your razor depends on how often you use it and how well you clean it. A good rule of thumb is if it ever starts to feel like it's tugging at your skin rather than gliding across it, it's probably time for retirement.

#5 Going the WRONG direction

This one seems incredibly basic, but it turns out that as the proud owner of very sensitive skin I've been going the wrong way the whole time.

Not cool: If you have sensitive skin going against the hairs (shaving upwards) can be too harsh. Shave downwards (with the hair) and repeat if the results are not smooth enough.

#6 Not Exfoliating First

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is forgetting to exfoliate the skin before shaving and whilst most people who do remember do this as they hop into the shower, Nathalie says it should actually be done the day before.

'Exfoliate the day before shaving to release hairs trapped under dead skin, this is help avoid the risk of ingrown hairs,' expert said.

#7 You don’t replace your razor often enough

Two signs will tell you if you need to replace your razor blade. Either the blades on your razor will look dull, or the moisturizing strip at the top will have faded. If you shave with a blunt razor you are more susceptible to cutting yourself. Plus, old razors can carry bacteria, which can lead to infection. As a general rule, you should use your razor about 10 times before you replace the blade. “Using a low-quality razor…forces you to overstroke the same area multiple times, a common compensating behavior that can cause irritation,” says dermatologist Jodi Levine, MD.

#8 You Shave with Soap

In a pinch, shaving with soap really isn't the worst thing, but if you can help it, don't do it. Regular bath soap is drying. Since shaving also dehydrates and irritates the skin, pairing the two is almost ensuring an irritating time. If you don't want to pay for shaving cream, just use conditioner instead.

#9 You Don't Moisturize After

Expert says you should rinse skin thoroughly after shaving, and then pat skin dry - but you should never rub the water off completely.

'Don’t rub skin harshly and don’t dry off completely. The extra water on your body will be sealed in as you apply moisturiser, helping to eliminate dry, flaky skin, especially on freshly shaved legs so you can achieve a healthy goddess glow.'

And if you nick yourself when shaving, don't bother dabbing it with a piece of a tissue as this won't work. Instead, soak a cotton pad in freezing cold water and press firmly over the cut.

'This,' explains Nathalie, 'constricts capillaries and helps stop bleeding, the cooling prevents inflammation and calm the surrounding skin.'

#10 You use a single blade disposable razor

Razor blades work like this: The first blade is designed to lift the hair, and each subsequent blade is intended to cut the hair lower and lower on the hair shaft, giving you the closest shave possible. So for the smoothest legs it’s best to use a four- or five-blade razor.

#11 Timing Matters!

The time of the day matters too. If you like a morning shower, you may have to change to night-time to get the closest shave possible. In the morning, your skin is rested and slightly swollen, so the hairs on your legs don’t stick out as much as they do during the evening. But perhaps the most vital piece of advise to take away is to stretch your skin as you shave. This creates a flatter surface, allowing you to reach closer to the skin with your razor.