Sometimes, in a pinch, a quick shave is necessary. But for the silkiest, smoothest legs and pits, slow is best. So often we use quick, short strokes, but your legs should be shaved in long, even strokes from ankle to hip (or wherever you stop shaving). Use a light touch – don’t press down, lest you take off more skin than is necessary – and pay extra special attention to bony areas such as shins, ankles, and knees, at least until those little bandages become a hot accessory.
Your underarms are a little trickier; since the hair there grows in all different directions, you’ll need to shave from top to bottom, bottom to top, and side to side. Again, use long, careful strokes and even pressure. For the bikini line, shave in the direction of hair growth, and try not to repeat too many strokes, as this can cause those unsightly red bumps and irritation. There are products available that are specially formulated to ease, or prevent, razor burn in those – ahem – sensitive areas.
Nix nicks.
If you shave carefully, these painful and unsightly little cuts won’t happen as often … but they’re inevitable at least part of the time. Invest in a styptic pencil, available at drugstores (or pretty much wherever razors and shaving accessories are sold) – its a little stick made of aluminum sulfate. You moisten the tip, dab it on a cut, and it will stop the bleeding immediately. The only downside is that it stings a bit.
If you can’t handle the sting, a little square of toilet paper will do. It’ll stick to your skin, though, so don’t forget to take it off before you go somewhere – it might just be the next most embarrassing thing to having the paper stuck to your shoe.