shaving your legs–the DOs and DON'Ts

For many, the arrival of warmer weather will mean choosing to shave legs more often. I was surprised to learn that legs were the primary area of concern for most when it came to shaving irritation. Issues such as razor burn, ingrown hairs, nicks, inflammation and small white bumps are common. Switching to a safety razor is a great first step to avoiding the afore-mentioned unpleasantness, but there is more to it!

TRY TO INCORPORATE THE FOLLOWING: 

/ wait 2-3 minutes before you start shaving to allow you and your skin to acclimatize. 
/ always exfoliate your legs immediately before shaving. Our agave cloths are great for this, but a wet washcloth or anything else mildly abrasive should do the trick.
/ make sure to use oil or soap to help your razor glide smoothly over your skin.
/ avoid awkward positions–there is nothing worse than throwing your leg against the shower wall and hoping it will stray–opt for a stable foothold such as the tub ledge. If you have a standing shower, consider placing a small stool in the corner.
/ let the weight of your safety razor do all the work for you. There is no need to apply any pressure. 
/ when shaving areas prone to nicks (ankle, shin bone, and kneecap), try lightly grasping your razor in your fingertips. This is an extra safeguard against unknowingly applying pressure. 
/ if you prefer to shave with soap, apply oil to damp legs before you exit the shower. Ensuring skin is hydrated immediately after shaving does wonders to avoid irritation.
/ change your razor blade often. 

THINGS TO AVOID:

/ never EVER dry shave.
/ don't shave in a rush.
/ if you notice you have goosebumps, or alternatively, if you’ve been soaking in the bath for a good long while, don’t try to shave. Both scenarios can lead to irritation.
/ don’t continue shaving if you feel a tugging sensation. This is a sign that your razor blade is dull. Put it aside and wait until you’ve swapped in a fresh blade.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it's a good start! If you have a specific question or issue, feel free to leave a comment (chances are someone is dealing with the same thing!) and I’ll do my best to address it.