When you think of self-care and beauty rituals, shaving probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. For the most part, it’s one of those tasks we hurry through as quickly as possible, leaving us with scraped knees and bleeding ankles. And let’s not even mention the ingrown hairs and razor burn.
Shaving is considered an art form for men, where they luxuriate in the latest foams and visit their barber for a close shave. While we don’t have to go overboard just to shave our legs, there are quick ways to up your shaving game so you step out looking and feeling smooth and not like Carrie.
1. Pick quality.
A disposable razor from the drugstore might be a reliable quick pick on a vacation drug store run. It doesn’t belong in your regular routine. You don’t need 600 blades on your razor either. What you do need is a sharp, high-quality razor that delivers a close shave without dulling after a few uses.
If you’re forgetful of your razors or don’t know what makes up “quality” then consider a subscription service like Billie. For $9, they send you a starter pack (check out the review here) and refills for your razor on a set schedule based on how often you shave. That way, you always have a fresh razor and know precisely when to change your old cartridge.
2. Prep your skin.
Don’t start your shower with a shave session immediately. Wash your hair and face first, and even your body. Then exfoliate well! This ensures you scrub off all the dead skin cells that can clog your razor and cause ingrown hairs. Plus, it lifts the hairs away from the body, prepping them for a quicker and closer shave.
While you don’t need to aggressively exfoliate every single time you shave, do a gentle rub with a loofah and ensure all the oils are washed off from your skin before starting to shave. Then use a rich cream to shave. While foam might seem like the natural choice, it’s actually less effective than a cream, which ensures your skin is moisturized enough for a shave with no tugging.
3. Post-shave care.
Rub a rich oil, or moisturizing cream, all over after you shave! Make sure you’re using something fragrance and alcohol-free so you’re not left with stinging skin. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, use a treatment on those areas, like your bikini line.
Enjoy the smooth skin!
