However much, or little, of your body hair you want to remove, to create the best you, is always a personal choice. That’s why we wanted to provide you with the information to help you get a smooth, safe shave every time, wherever on your body you choose to shave.
Preparing Your Skin For Shaving
For any area you shave, there are some key things you need to do to ensure a smooth, clean shave.
Firstly, always, always, always use a sharp razor when you shave. If your razor tugs at your body hair or feels uncomfortable on your skin whilst shaving, then it’s time for a replacement. We always recommend using a single blade razor, such as a safety razor, rather than a multi-blade razor.
Multi-blade razors cause a whole host of problems. This is where the rubber line picks the hair up and holds it so the first blade can cut it, then the second or third subsequent blades cut the hair right after. This results in hair that is redirected out of its natural growth pattern before it is cut, then it falls just below the skin level.
You now have a sharp piece of hair lying below the surface of your skin, trying to grow out at an angle. This sharp, unevenly cut hair can cause ingrown hairs, razor burn, itchy regrowth, and general irritation. This is best avoided if you want a pleasant shaving experience.
Secondly, using the right shaving product will help you have a superior shaving experience. Start by soaking your body in the shower or bath in warm water for at least three to five minutes before you shave to soften your hair follicles and make the hair easier to cut. Once you’ve done this, apply a dedicated shaving product.
We prefer traditional shaving soap, as this lathers up well and coats the skin, allowing the blade to glide over the skin seamlessly. Avoid foaming shaving cream or gel as they generally contain alcohol, artificial colours and gases that can cause sensitivity and strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness.
Remember, your hair doesn’t grow back thicker or faster just because you shaved. The shaved hair remains at the skin's surface, so although it may appear to grow back faster (and thicker) because of the cut, blunt tops, hair thickness and growth is based on genetics and doesn’t change from shaving.
Now you have properly prepared for your shave, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the act of shaving!
How To Shave Leg Hair
After soaking your legs and applying your shaving product, take a clean, sharp razor and dunk it under the water.
Shave slowly in the direction of hair growth using long, steady strokes; try not to go over the same areas too many times. Remember, your hair may grow in different directions, so you'll need to adjust the direction of the strokes accordingly. Rinse off your blade after every stroke to wash away hair and shaving cream residue.
Be extra careful around bonier areas, such as your ankles and knees, to avoid nipping yourself. It’s best to bend your knees when you shave the front of your kneecap and straighten your legs when shaving behind them.
If you feel the need to shave your feet or toes, take extra care as the small areas may be more likely to catch on the razor and scratch you. You may want to sit on the edge of the drained bath or on top of the toilet lid to steady yourself as you shave.
When you’re happy with your shave, rinse off your legs thoroughly, gently pat your skin dry with a towel and apply a moisturiser or oil to prevent post-shave skin irritation and keep your legs beautifully moisturised and soft.
Our Daily Treatment Oil, in our opinion, is the best post-shave moisturiser. It is an antioxidant-rich blend of plant-based oils to soothe, nourish and hydrate your skin and keep pores clear for fewer ingrown hairs.
How To Shave Armpit Hair
Taking a bath or shower, ensuring your armpits are clear of sweat and deodorant, is an essential step in shaving to avoid clogging your razor and get a clean shave. This will not only help the razor shave more effectively, but it will also prevent bacteria from the combination of sweat and deodorant penetrating the skin if you accidentally cut yourself.
Though it’s a small area that will only take a few strokes to shave, underarms are a sensitive area so take some time to apply shaving product so the razor can easily glide over your skin.
Your underarm hair grows out in all directions, so you may have to shave in a few directions for a closer shave. Lift your arm above your head, gently press down on the razor, and shave in light short strokes in all directions, downwards, upwards, and even sideways if needed.
Once you’re done, rinse this area well, washing the area again if needs be, and pat your armpits gently with a towel. As with your legs, apply a moisturiser or oil to keep the skin hydrated and reduce the chance of ingrown hair and razor burn. This is an important step, so definitely don’t skip it.
After you shave, wait a while before you put on deodorant as your pores will be open, and applying deodorant may cause discomfort. It’s important to let your skin rest to reduce the risk of irritating skin.
How To Shave The Bikini Line
Before you jump in the shower or bath to shave your pubic hair, if it’s on the longer side it’s worth trimming it beforehand before you use a razor. You can use a specific bikini trimmer or electric razor to do so, but you can also easily use scissors if you’re careful.
As always, soak the area beforehand to soften the hair and open your pores. It’s even more essential to use a sharp razor when trimming your bikini line as this hair is more coarse than the rest of your body. It may also be beneficial to exfoliate the skin around your pubic area to remove any loose dead skin and hairs.
Apply a thick layer of your desired shaving product or oil and reapply if it washes away during shaving. Using steady strokes, lightly shave the bikini line in the direction of hair growth. If you have a sharp blade, you won’t have to apply too much pressure. Keep in mind how sensitive the skin around your bikini line is, so the fewer strokes the better.
It may feel pretty frustrating the first few times, but take it slow and it will become easier. You can sit on the side of the bath to make shaving a little easier. Once you’ve finished shaving, rinse off the bikini line with cool water and gently pat it dry. Make sure you clean off your razor properly to avoid dulling the blade further.
As with other areas, apply a post-shave lotion or oil to your bikini line after shaving to prevent itchy irritation and dry skin.
Shaving Other Areas Of The Body
Though the legs, armpits and bikini line are the main areas women may shave, some like to remove hair from their arms, stomach/back, or facial area. Let’s take a look at these specific places.
How To Shave Your Arms
As with any other area, use a sharp razor and apply a thick layer of shaving product. Soak your arms in warm water to soften the skin, and consider exfoliating for a smoother shave.
If you have longer arm hair, consider trimming it with an electric razor or a pair of scissors before shaving, this will keep your razor sharper for longer and prevent you from having to go over the same area too many times.
Arms are curvy and often have areas that are harder to see or reach, try shaving in sections to make it easier; such as from your wrist to your elbow, and then from your elbow to your shoulder. Shave in the direction of hair growth, and if your hair grows similarly to your legs you’ll need to adjust the direction of the strokes accordingly.
It’s important to take your time when shaving your arms because of their curves and hard to see areas. Shave in the light, with long, steady strokes, and take extra care around the bonier areas such as elbows and wrists.
You probably know the drill by now, but pat your skin gently with a towel and apply a post-shave lotion or oil to moisturise your skin. We still think our Daily Treatment Oil is your best bet for a post-shave moisturiser.
How To Shave Your Face As A Woman
Before you shave ensure the skin is free from acne breakouts, cuts, or rashes as this will cause further irritations when you shave. Always wash your face beforehand to remove any makeup or dirt for a smoother shave.
Use a gentle exfoliator to prevent ingrown hairs by removing dead skin buildup. Soak your face with a warm, damp flannel for three to five minutes before you shave, to soften the hair follicles and open your pores.
Apply your shaving product on the areas you want to remove hair. Using a sharp, fresh razor blade, lightly press down at a 45-degree angle and shave in short, steady strokes in the direction of hair growth. After your shave, apply a cream or oil to moisturise and wait a while before applying any makeup.