Using an electric shaver is a quick and painless way to remove leg hair for up to several days. Although electric shavers do not typically provide as close a shave as conventional razors, they offer many other benefits when shaving your legs: They are less likely to cause nicks and cuts, are more gentle on your skin, do not usually cause razor rash and are more cost-effective over time. If this is your first time using an electric razor, allow your skin several weeks to adjust before you decide on a shaving method.
Step 1
Purchase a waterproof electric shaver if you intend to shave while in the bath or shower. These are available at most retail and beauty stores, but they are more expensive than traditional razors. Velvet Dragon also recommends buying a shaver that is suitable for use with shaving gels.
Step 2
Check your blades before shaving and clean or replace them if they are dirty or dull. Dull blades will grab and pull your hair, causing discomfort and skin irritation; and dirty blades can potentially lead to a skin infection.
Step 3
Raise the height of your blade if you are prone to razor bumps. The closer your shave, the more likely you are to develop ingrown hairs and a rash, explains MayoClinic.com. Fortunately, electric razors are less likely to cause razor bumps than disposable razors.
Step 4
Wait until you have been out of bed for at least 30 minutes before shaving. This minimizes skin puffiness caused by overnight fluid accumulation in your legs, and allows you to shave off more of the hair.
Step 5
Lather shaving cream or gel onto your legs if your electric shaver can be used with these products. Gels and creams soften your hair, condition your skin and reduce friction, thereby enabling a closer shave with less skin irritation. If you are using a dry electric shaver, apply an alcohol-based pre-shave lotion to your skin before shaving.
Step 6
Use straight, gentle strokes when shaving your legs with an electric shaver. If you need to apply heavy pressure to remove your hair, the blades are too dull and need to be changed, notes Hudson's FTM Resource Guide.
Step 7
Shave in long, smooth upward strokes when removing the hair from your legs, and avoid shaving over the same area repeatedly. The University of Alabama, Birmingham states that this causes irritation and increases your risk of developing ingrown hairs.
Step 8
Rinse your legs with cool water to stop any bleeding from shaving nicks and to remove gel or soap residue.
Step 9
Apply moisturizer to your legs immediately after shaving them to soothe irritation and reduce itching. MayoClinic.com recommends applying cool compresses to your skin to help prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are using a dry electric shaver, do not wash your face or wet your hair before shaving.
Things You'll Need
- Shaving gel for wet electric shavers
- Alcohol-based pre-shave gel for dry electric shavers
- Moisturizer
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