What to look for in a razor
For many, silky legs result from regular dates with a razor, the most popular means of women's hair removal in Canada according to a recent survey by razor-makers Gillette Venus.
"We've watched thousands of people shave in our facility," says Pamela Zupkosky, blade and razor claims technical leader at Boston, MA's Gillette World Shaving Headquarters. That's where Gillette researchers study consumer shaving habits and observe that, "Everyone shaves differently."
Still, there are a few universally key techniques for getting the best shave. You might think you've got your smooth moves down, but maybe could do with some top-to-toe, cutting-edge tips.
Still, there are a few universally key techniques for getting the best shave. You might think you've got your smooth moves down, but maybe could do with some top-to-toe, cutting-edge tips.
1. Choose your blades based on your needs
If you're blessed with fine, sparse body hair, a four- or five-blade razor could mean you'll get to skip a shaving day or two. If you've inherited furriness from your forefathers, go straight to the five-blade type: you'll get a few extra stubble-free hours, which you may appreciate for certain -- ahem -- occasions.
"A razor with built-in shave lubricant is convenient when you're at the gym," says Sylvie Mazerolle, a Schick spokesperson and pro esthetician/makeup artist, with celebs like Catherine Zeta-Jones on her résumé. "But you might want a smaller shave head for detail work, like around ankles -- and, yes, the tops of your big toes."
2. Shave in the shower
A few minutes under running water softens hair, which Zupkosky describes as tough and thick as copper wire, making it easier for the razor to slice through. But don't wait too long, she adds. After about 15 minutes in water, skin swells in a waterloggy way, up and around the hair shaft; and swollen skin keeps you from getting a close shave.
3. Use a shaving gel or cream -- or steal his shaving oil
Shaving gel, cream or oil keeps hair soft throughout the clearcutting process. Shaving lubricant also helps the blade to glide over the skin, which reduces the possibility of skin irritation such as razor burn. "Don't use soap," warns Mazerolle. That post-soap squeaky-clean feel is great for dishes, but not great when you need a blade to glide comfortably over skin.
Try: The Body Shop's For Men Maca Root Wash Off Shave Oil.
4. Create a flat shaving surface
You wouldn't shave behind your knees without straightening your legs, and you already know to lift each arm high and pull bikini-area skin taut to avoid hurting tricky areas. Your razor choice can help create a flat surface too, says Mazerolle. A bigger four- or five-blade head, such as one with attached lubrication bars or one surrounded by solid shave cream, helps to smooth out skin as you shave, the way an iron smoothes as it moves along fabric.
Click to continue for four more silky-smooth shaving tips...
Page 1 of 2
If you're blessed with fine, sparse body hair, a four- or five-blade razor could mean you'll get to skip a shaving day or two. If you've inherited furriness from your forefathers, go straight to the five-blade type: you'll get a few extra stubble-free hours, which you may appreciate for certain -- ahem -- occasions.
"A razor with built-in shave lubricant is convenient when you're at the gym," says Sylvie Mazerolle, a Schick spokesperson and pro esthetician/makeup artist, with celebs like Catherine Zeta-Jones on her résumé. "But you might want a smaller shave head for detail work, like around ankles -- and, yes, the tops of your big toes."
2. Shave in the shower
A few minutes under running water softens hair, which Zupkosky describes as tough and thick as copper wire, making it easier for the razor to slice through. But don't wait too long, she adds. After about 15 minutes in water, skin swells in a waterloggy way, up and around the hair shaft; and swollen skin keeps you from getting a close shave.
3. Use a shaving gel or cream -- or steal his shaving oil
Shaving gel, cream or oil keeps hair soft throughout the clearcutting process. Shaving lubricant also helps the blade to glide over the skin, which reduces the possibility of skin irritation such as razor burn. "Don't use soap," warns Mazerolle. That post-soap squeaky-clean feel is great for dishes, but not great when you need a blade to glide comfortably over skin.
Try: The Body Shop's For Men Maca Root Wash Off Shave Oil.
4. Create a flat shaving surface
You wouldn't shave behind your knees without straightening your legs, and you already know to lift each arm high and pull bikini-area skin taut to avoid hurting tricky areas. Your razor choice can help create a flat surface too, says Mazerolle. A bigger four- or five-blade head, such as one with attached lubrication bars or one surrounded by solid shave cream, helps to smooth out skin as you shave, the way an iron smoothes as it moves along fabric.
Click to continue for four more silky-smooth shaving tips...
Page 1 of 2
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