Whether you shave once a week, every day or just on special occasions, removing unwanted hair should be effortless. Forget about painful bumps, ingrown hairs, redness and irritation. With the right shaving regime, you can achieve silky smooth skin (without the hassle).
How often should you shave your legs?
There’s no hard and fast rule. Honestly, it’s up to you. Some people like to shave every day, while others prefer to do it on special occasions. Stick to a schedule that works for you and your skin.
If you prefer silky smooth skin all the time, it could be worth shaving your legs every day or a few times a week (especially if you have fast-growing hair). Just remember to follow a good shaving routine to keep the irritation at bay.
Tips for smoothly shaven legs
So, how should you shave your legs? While it might seem quite straightforward, there are some key steps to bear in mind to avoid irritation. With the right routine, you can enjoy ultra-soft legs every time you shave.
Soften your skin in warm water
We all know that dry shaving is a big no-no. Shaving without water can cause a lot of irritation and redness, which will affect how smooth your legs feel (nevermind causing discomfort and pain).
While it’s always a good idea to shave with water and a soothing cream, you might want to start your shaving routine by soaking your skin for 5-10 minutes. This helps soften the hairs, making it easier to get a smooth shave. You don’t have to run a bath every time you shave either; a warm shower works just as well.
Gently exfoliate
Gentle exfoliation is an important step in your shaving routine. Exfoliating before shaving helps remove any dead skin cells, letting you get closer to the hair for a smoother shave. Plus, it helps rejuvenate your complexion for a beautiful glow.
Remember to choose a gentle exfoliating scrub because a harsh product could cause irritation. Our cruelty-free Pre-Shave Scrub is your go-to. It features natural walnut husks and soothing manuka honey to prep your skin ready for the next step.
Use a soothing shaving cream
Before you set razor to skin, remember to use a soothing shaving cream. It’s tempting to skip this step or to use some old shampoo you’ve found in the back of the cupboard. Using a dedicated shaving cream helps keep your skin hydrated while reducing blade friction, which is important for achieving silky smooth legs. Plus, shave cream helps you see where you have shaved, reducing the need to go over the same area.
We love our cruelty-free Shave Cream. As well as plenty of natural ingredients to hydrate your skin, it includes cationic technology to lift the hairs and encourage a close shave.
Use a sharp razor
Using a dull blade is the biggest barrier to a close shave. As well as not cutting the hair as effectively, a dull blade can lead to irritation, redness and ingrown hairs. We always recommend using a fresh, sharp blade when shaving your legs. It’ll help you get super-soft legs every time.
A razor subscription service is a great way to make sure you have fresh blades to hand. At ffs, you can customise your razor subscription to arrive as regularly as you want. Our precision SmoothGlide blades are German-engineered and include a lubricating vitamin E strip to keep your skin feeling silky.
Avoid too much pressure
With sharp, fresh blades, you don’t have to apply loads of pressure to get a close shave. Swipe the razor gently across your skin in long movements to get the best possible shave, taking extra care around your knees and ankles.
Applying too much pressure makes it more likely you’ll experience irritation, cuts and redness.
Shave in the direction your hair grows
Let’s be honest. You’ll get a closer shave if you go against the direction your hair grows. However, it’s a good idea to start in the direction your hair grows. This is less harsh on your skin, and you may not need to go against your hair growth at all. If you feel you need it, use plenty of shave cream before shaving against your hair growth.
If you have very sensitive skin, it’s best to always shave in the direction your hair grows to avoid irritation.
Take your time
We’ve all been there. Whether you’re rushing to get ready for date night or having an emergency shave before work, it’s not always practical to spend ages shaving. But if you can, try to schedule your shaves for moments when you have a bit more time. You’ll be less likely to nick your skin and more able to get a closer shave.
Moisturise after shaving
Don’t skip the aftercare! After your shave, always apply a hydrating post-shave balm. This will help reduce any potential irritation and keep your skin looking healthy and glowing. We love our hydrating Post-Shave Balm, which features manuka honey, almond oil and cocoa butter as hero ingredients. You’ll find that your silky-smooth feeling lasts longer between shaves too!