The biggest benefit of shaving is that it's cheap and quick. The downside is the potential for unsightly, painful nicks and razor burn. Ouch. Being up-to-speed on the best way to shave will help minimise these factors. When it comes to your legs, use smooth strokes, and pull your skin taught around your less-firm bikini area. For your underarms, be sure to shave in multiple directions to capture all hair growth.
You'll also need to prep your skin before shaving and take care of it post-shave. Your legs will need a bigger boost of moisture than your bikini or underarms after shaving. When it comes to products, use shave creams and gels to moisturise the area, allowing your razor to glide over the skin. Using a good razor is key too. Electric razors like the Braun Silk And Soft Rechargeable Body Shaver or the Remington Ultimate Bikini Kit trim and shave without nicks and cuts.
Waxing is a flexible solution that can be used on any area, from your legs and bikini to your face. Plus, unlike shaving, it will give you longer-lasting effects, meaning you can get your hair removal done in one hit and forget about it for a few weeks. There is a pain-level factor to waxing which can put some off, but with the right technique and care, you can minimise the distress to your skin.
Always exfoliate before you wax, and make sure the hairs are long enough to pull out. Choose products that are designed for more delicate areas, like your face too, such as Smooth Appeal's Facial Hair Remover Wax. For other body areas, buy a wax, like Surgi Wax's For Bikini Body and Legs. Post-wax lotions like Strictly Professional's After Wax Oil are an essential too, to soothe and condition.
Epilators have become increasingly popular in recent years, but there's no denying that they can be more than a little painful to begin with. Advocates will tell you that this does get better the more you use them however, and they do give you long-lasting hair removal. The trick is to exfoliate first, just like waxing. Often, it's good to do this a day before, rather than on the day. And try a wet exfoliator in a warm shower to reduce pain.
Some versatile products include Braun's Silk-Ǹpil 9 Wet & Dry Epilator, and Remington's 4 In 1 Epilator. Post epilation, always apply a good moisturiser. Ones with aloe or witch hazel work best to soothe skin.
The great thing about hair removal creams is that they're just as quick as shaving and they're pain-free. Although they're not as long lasting as waxing or epilating, they can give you two or three days of smooth skin without the chance of shaving nicks and cuts.
The best approach is to test a small area of skin first, to ensure the product won't react badly with your skin. Always go in the shower too, to avoid mess. Products include Veet's Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin, and Silkia's Hair Removal Cream. Afterwards, your skin should be silky-smooth, and a good slathering of moisturiser will help you look and feel great.
Read more about the latest trends with Body Hair in our Body Hair, Who Cares post!
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