In summer, the high temperatures and the vacation season bring those shorts and skirts out of the closet. Some women prefer to wax their legs and others opt for the practicality of the razor, so I’ll give tips for both options.
However, I do recommend waxing more (especially if you have a lot of hair). It does hurt a little, but it lasts longer — and unless you’re allergic to the product or fall into inexperienced hands, it will irritate your skin much less. Let us begin!
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1. Choose the right time and place
I know this is sometimes not possible because of an unexpected departure or trip. But especially with waxing, try to avoid doing it on the days near your menstrual period, because you are more sensitive to pain at that time of the month. If you shave and are planning to go to the beach, don’t shave on the same day, because the sun and salt water will make your pores very red and irritated.
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Always try to do it the day before (preferably in the afternoon so that your skin rests throughout the night), and don’t hurry. Find a moment when you can take the time to eliminate the little hairs calmly and do it in a place where you are comfortable, whether you’re going to shave or head to a salon that has all of the hygienic conditions and good references.
2. Prepare your skin
The day before shaving or waxing, gently exfoliate your legs first to remove dead skin and any hair that may be hidden or embedded. In addition, it is also good to apply a little natural oil (it can be olive, coconut, or argan) so that your legs are ready for the hot wax or razor.
3. Say no to soap
Many women shave with the same soap they use to bathe, and this is not only unhygienic but also will dry out your skin. It’s best to use shaving creams or even your hair conditioner to create a super moisturizing layer between your leg and the blade.
4. Stretch the skin
If you shave or wax at home (if you go to a salon, the specialist should know this), always stretch the skin of the area with your free hand. In the case of waxing, do it just before pulling off the strip so that it comes off more easily and without a lot of pain. If you shave, stretching will make the surface more smooth and uniform to reduce the possibility of cuts.
5. Take care and moisturize!
After you finish with the whole process, just as you do when cleaning your face, tone the skin on your legs to close the pores (you can do it with rose water) and then apply moisturizing lotion throughout the area to keep it soft. Are you unable to apply toner at that time? Then wait about two hours before moisturizing. It’s important for you to close the pores first because if not, the lotion may sting a little.
Also, try to use a neutral lotion without so many fragrances or additives (it can also be aloe gel). Finally, if you use a razor, don’t forget to clean it with a little alcohol and dry it very well so that it does not rust and you can use it again without any problem.
This article was originally published in the Spanish Edition of Aleteiaand translated and adapted here for an English-speaking audience.
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