How to shave your legs, underarms & bikini area

You want beautiful smooth legs but where to start? The experts here at King of Shaves have put together a quick and easy-to-follow guide on how to shave your legs, underarms and bikini area leaving you with silky smooth skin whilst minimising unwanted irritation and uncomfortable dryness.

TRY SHAVING IN THE EVENING

Shaving removes dead skin cells and the superficial layer of the epidermis thus reducing your skin’s defences.

If you shave in the morning you are more likely to expose weakened skin to external elements and your shaved skin will feel uncomfortable – so try shaving in the evening instead.

CHECK YOUR BLADE

Use a clean, sharp blade – if you feel tugging or pulling, it’s time to switch to a new razor blade.

SHAVE IN THE BATH OR SHOWER

Warm, wetted hair is three times easier to shave than dry hair. So for best results shave during a bath or shower and ensure you thoroughly wet your hair with warm water for at least three minutes.

We also recommend you exfoliate your skin before shaving as this helps prevent in-growing hairs (caused when a hair curls back under the skin instead of growing outwards).

To remove ingrowing hair, thoroughly (but gently) exfoliate the area and then hold a warm flannel over the area for a few minutes to help release the hair. Then use clean, sterile tweezers to remove the hair and remember to wash the tweezers afterwards. If you suffer with ingrowing hairs around the bikini line then don’t wear tight underwear as this can aggravate the issue.

USE A QUALITY SHAVE GEL

Apply a moisture rich shaving gel or shaving oil to the areas to be shaved and then thoroughly massage it in to your skin.

If you just use soap or water it can result in your skin becoming dry and irritated.

SHAVING THE LEGS & BIKINI AREA

To get the closest possible shave, start at your ankles and shave upwards. From the bottom of your ankle, gently glide the blades up the leg in one smooth stroke.

Take extra care when shaving areas where bone is close to the skin surface, such as ankles and knees.

To avoid nicks and cuts that often occur behind the ankle, flex your heel to stretch the skin whilst you shave.

Around the sensitive bikini area follow the direction of the hairs’ growth to help prevent irritation. Remember when shaving don’t press too hard, let the blades do the work.

SHAVING UNDER YOUR ARMS

Underarm hair grows in different directions and so you will need to shave up, down and across the area.

To help prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs pull the skin tight with one hand, while you shave with the other. You should re-apply your shaving gel regularly as you shave in different directions.

AFTER SHAVING

Thoroughly rinse off any remaining shave preparation from your skin and gently pat yourself dry (don't rub).

Try not to apply or expose skin to anything irritating after shaving – ideally wait an hour to allow time for your skin’s pores to close before applying deodorant, perfume, going swimming in salty sea water etc.

We do recommend you apply a non- or lightly-perfumed moisturiser to help lock in moisture and to soothe and revitalise your skin.