6 biggest mistakes when shaving legs with a razor

Among the most popular hair removal methods is razor hair removal. Great ally for women looking for practicality, razor hair removal is fast, painless and can be very efficient.

But the tool needs to be used correctly. According to dermatologist Helena Zantut, the blade removes a superficial layer of the skin and can cause minor trauma, such as cuts and ingrown hairs.

To leave the skin smooth and free of blemishes and irritations, check out below 7 common mistakes when shaving and learn about essential care to ensure efficient results.

1. Shave your legs as soon as you get in the shower

Many women want to get rid of their hair right away and, as soon as they get in the shower, they use the razor. But dermatologist Helena Zantut advises waiting about 15 minutes in the shower before starting the process. This time is enough to open the follicles and, in addition, the skin will be more hydrated and the blade will slide better. It is also not advisable to wait much longer than this time: in this case, the skin can wrinkle and swell, making it more difficult to cut the hair.

2. Do not use anything to slide the blade

No matter the rush, you should never shave your legs “dry”. It is essential to lather them with shaving cream or even a moisturizing cream to ensure that the blade slides easily over the skin. Thus, you avoid cuts and aggressions. Even hair conditioner can be effective for this purpose. Just avoid bar soap, which doesn’t create enough lubrication to easily glide the blade against your skin, increasing the chance of cuts.

3. Use single-blade appliances

They can be a big deal if you’re out and about, but avoid using appliances with just a cutting blade. Instead, invest in better, four- or five-blade devices. They cost a little more but are more efficient as they allow you to glide more easily through difficult areas like your knees and ankles. It’s worth the investment!

4. Not changing the blade frequently

Blades can be reused between 5 and 10 times. After that, they get old and ineffective. In addition to making hair more difficult to pull out, they are more likely to cause swelling and redness, and contain bacteria, which can potentially cause infections. Therefore, always use new blades.

5. Scrape Up Before Shaving Down

In the first pass of the blade on the legs, pass in the direction of hair growth (down), and only then in the opposite direction. And, if you have sensitive skin, you shouldn’t even do the second step. . Dermatologist Helena Zantut explains that while shaving against the hair results in a closer cut, this method also increases the possibility of irritation and ingrown hairs.

6. Not preventing and treating ingrown hairs

It is common for the waxing process to cause ingrown hairs, and if left untreated, they can turn into scars. To avoid swelling and redness, try to use a body scrub about twice a week on the shaved area. To treat them, you can use warm compresses on the affected area – the heat will help to relax the area.