Shaving Your Legs, the Pain-free Way

When it comes to shaving my legs, I have sensitive skin. I used to end up bleeding no matter what I did! Shaving my legs became a chore to avoid, regardless of how my legs might look.

Recently, I found the key to shaving my legs painlessly and (almost always) bloodlessly. I had to take a cue from old-fashioned men's shaving techniques. No, I'm not using a straight razor! It's all about the lather.

The old-fashioned method, which many men still use, involves using soap to create a nice, foamy lather, using a brush to apply the lather, and then shaving. It's actually not that much more difficult or time-consuming, and gives a great result.

This works just as well for women. Of course, I've tweaked the procedure to make it work for me, and to make it more enjoyable.

First of all, I do shave in the shower. It makes rinsing easier. It is possible to do this outside the shower, though, if you make a thick enough lather. Once in the shower, get thoroughly wet, and then turn off the water, both for the savings and so that your lather won't wash away.

Use a good quality soap to make a lather. I've had the best results with old-fashioned, cold process soap (not the "modern" bar soaps from the supermarket). Real soap contains no detergents and is less drying. I get my Shampoo and Shaving Bars from Blue House Soaps (www.bluehousesoaps.com). Most Blue House Soaps are scented with 100% natural essential oils, so I'm getting an aromatherapy experience as well. It helps make shaving less tedious!

You can make a soap lather with a cup and brush (and many people swear by this), but I've been OK without doing that. Just rub the soap bar over your leg, and then on your hands. Rub the leg briskly with your hands to create a shampoo-like lather, and then shave. I just use a Gillette Daisy disposable razor, nothing fancy.

Turn the shower back on, rinse, and finish your shower. Afterward, be sure to apply a body moisturizer to your legs.

I still get an occasional bleeding spot, but they are easily taken care of by propping my feet up for a few minutes until the bleeding stops. It's just another opportunity to relax.

If you are interested in the cup and brush shaving method (for women or men), you can find more information and supplies at Em's Place Wet Shaving and Toiletries (www.emsplace.com).

Forget about gels, creams, foams, and fancy razors. Old-fashioned soap lather will give you an effective and enjoyable shaving experience.