In some cultures around the world, women neither shave their legs nor under their arms. They feel it is unnecessary, and that the hair in those areas is there for protective purposes.
In other cultures, however, shaving the legs is a common, routine procedure. In fact, women who don't remove hair from their legs are ridiculed or even shunned. Girls typically begin shaving their legs during adolescence or their mid-teen years. As women age, however, hair growth slows and leg-shaving may not be as frequent as during the younger years. Some women shave all body hair from the waist down while others remove hair from below the knee, especially if they don't wear shorts or mini-skirts.
Whatever your age or fashion choices, if you shave your legs, here are a few tips that may help to make it easier:
1. Choose a gentle soap or lathering cream. Create a soapy lather and coat one leg at a time. Use enough to see where you've applied it, and fill any gaps that remain, starting at the thigh or knee, depending on your preference. Use warm water to make a lather so your skin won't chill from the cool feel of using cold water.
2. Use a fresh disposable razor or a clean steel one. Rinse before each use to ensure a smooth, clear trimming effect. Always replace the cap over the razor's edge after shaving to keep the razor head clean and sharp. A dull edge is more apt to nick your skin and cause bleeding, or leave an irritating scrape.
3. Either use short upward strokes of the razor or long upward strokes. Work your way around the leg, beginning from the ankle to the knee, and if desired, from the knee to the thigh or torso. Check for remaining lather that can show where you've missed spots. Shave these, too. Then check for random hairs that remain. Use another round of upward strokes or try a downward stroke to catch the rogue hairs until the leg appears clean.
4. Do the same with the other leg, using fresh lather and rinsing the razor first. Then check your toes and lather them as well, brushing each one with a stroke or two of the razor, starting at the base of the nail and returning the razor toward the base of the toe. Check to ensure you've removed all hair.
5. Use a mirror to check the hard-to-see places, like behind your knees, around your ankles, and between your thighs. Wet a washcloth with warm water and remove all remaining traces of lather; this will help to soothe the legs of any stinging sensations or tiny nicks. Pat your legs and feet dry with a towel after completing your shower first, if you plan to take one. Avoid applying creams or lotions until the pores have closed and any minor irritations have healed, about eight hours or so.
The next day apply cream or lotion to moisturize and protect your skin, and to help your legs feel smooth. Depending on how fast your hair grows, you may need to repeat the shaving process twice a week or so, sometimes more frequently in summer if your wear leg-baring styles.
