Shaving Tips from a Klutz

My husband once told me that I needed to stop trying to shave my knees and ankles off. It is not like I was trying to make myself bleed, I just got really clumsy when it came to razors and my flesh. I am 35, and it has taken me that long to figure out how to shave without all of the blood.

Take your time.
The majority of my shaving mishaps have been caused by rushing through the process. You can speed through the rest of your shower ritual, but even on the busiest days, application of razor blades to your skin requires you to slow down. Concentrate, and use long even strokes to accomplish the task.

Find the right razor.
I have been through thousands of razors, (and thousands of bandages), in my lifetime. I have tried them all from the cheap discount store razor to the top-of-the-line versions. Finally, I decided that the razors my husband uses are best suited to my legs. No two pairs of legs are alike, so choose the razor that is right for you, then stock up. One tip, avoid the razors that are surrounded by a bar of soap. They are hard to maneuver around your curves, and they rarely provide a close shave.

Soak before you shave.
Soaking in a warm bath tub for a few minutes prior to shaving will not only have a calming effect, it will also soften the skin and hair. This will result in a smoother shave.

Exfoliate your skin before you shave.
By removing dead and dry skin prior to shaving your legs, you are less likely to need bandages after your bath. Dry skin and flakes can cause the sharp edges of the razor to catch, causing nicks and cuts.

Use a good shaving cream.
Soaps have a drying effect on the skin, and body washes do not provide a thick enough lather. Using a cream or gel especially formulated for shaving will provide a slick surface for smooth hair removal. Shaving cream also allows you to see where you are shaving so that you don't go over the same area more than once. This means there is a smaller chance of razor burn. In a pinch, your hair conditioner can also be used for a smoother, lubricated shave.

Change your razor often.
Dull razors result in painful nicks and cuts. If you shave daily, replace your razor once a week.

Moisturize after shaving.
Using a quality body lotion after shaving softens the skin, and that makes subsequent shaving sessions easier. If you do end up with some razor burn, apply some of your stick deodorant to the area to decrease the discomfort.

I hope this helps you to avoid some of the scars that are a common result of shaving accidents.