4 Tips For Getting Your Closest Shave Ever

Lazily running a razor across your legs may not always cut it; some days, you’ve got to banish every last hair. Summer’s the perfect time for that: you’re exposed to God and everyone at the pool, and the last thing you want is to have missed a gorilla patch on your ankle.

If you’ve got a tropical vacay or poolside excursion planned, don’t go looking like Robin Williams’ forearms. Here are four tips for getting your smoothest shave ever:

1. Soak your legs in water for at least five minutes before you start shaving. This softens the hair and makes it easier on your razor. Really!
2. Exfoliate gently before shaving to help bring up any hairs that are just beginning to grow. (But don’t exfoliate after shaving – that’ll irritate the already sensitive skin and it won’t be very pleasant.)



3. Use shaving cream or gel (not soap – not even body wash) and a sharp razor. My favorites are Skintimate for Sensitive Skin Shave Gel and the Schick Quattro Razor.
4. After thoroughly shaving, pat legs dry and apply a thick moisturizer within 3 minutes of getting out of the bath or shower. (Warm, damp skin absorbs moisture best.) Avoid scented lotions to keep irritation and redness at bay.