How often should you shave your legs: the beautician answers

Cosmetologist-esthetician of the CIDK network of clinics

The hair removal process must be approached very carefully and carefully in order to make this procedure as safe as possible. Although it seems familiar and simple, it can have its own side effects. How often you can shave your legs so as not to harm your health, perhaps not everyone thinks. The frequency of shaving is a purely individual moment, because it is influenced by many factors: genes, lifestyle, hair thickness and color, hair growth rate, and so on. Your own sense of comfort is also important.

Regular shaving

How often to use the razor, each girl decides for herself, depending on the activity of her hair growth. However, it is important to understand that too frequent use of the machine can lead to such negative consequences as:

• peeling;

• trauma to the skin;

• the appearance of ingrown hairs and inflammation.

Shaving itself is not a beneficial procedure for the body, despite the fact that the blade exfoliates dead cells during the procedure.

How often you need to handle the machine also depends on the area. In the armpit, hair grows twice as fast as in the legs, so you have to pay attention to the armpits more often. Unfortunately, there is no universal and ideal time interval, it all depends on the individual characteristics and the method of hair removal, since different procedures can give a different effect in duration. In the case of using devices with a blade, it is important to allow the hair to recover before the skin above it heals, otherwise an ingrown hair will form, which will not be able to pierce the skin and will begin to develop under it until inflammation develops.

Types of hair removal: pros and cons of each

The most commonly used hair removal products are razor, epilator and depilatory cream. The first on this list has several advantages:

• speed of the procedure;

• lack of pain;

• no need to wait for hair regrowth;

• gentle exfoliation of the skin;

• moisturizing with after shave products.

Cons: the risk of cuts, and the vegetation returns after 2 days.

Epilator it also removes hairs by pulling out their follicles. Thus, there is not only superficial cutting, but also the removal of hairs “from the root”.

• After this procedure, the growing hairs are thinner and appear less noticeable.

• The effect lasts for several weeks.

Cons: the pain, the risk of ingrown hairs and the cost of the device make you want to go to the shaver again.

Depilatory cream will take about 20 minutes, but it gives a long-term result.

Cons: not suitable for all skin types and may cause chemical burns. This method needs allergic reaction testing before use, imposes a limitation on contact with the sun’s rays and cannot be repeated earlier than 72 hours.

The consequences of improper shaving and their elimination

• Irritation

The most common consequence of shaving is irritation. It occurs after almost every procedure. This is a natural reaction of the body, because when shaving, not only hairs are cut off, but also small particles of the upper layer of the skin. To get rid of irritation, it is necessary to follow the rules of skin care: use professional moisturizers, do not press hard on the blade, allow the skin to recover before the next procedure.

• Peeling

This problem can be encountered by people who perform hair removal without moisturizing the skin. The point is, when the skin loses moisture, it dries out and flakes off, causing unpleasant itching and flaking. To get rid of this problem, it is necessary to moisturize the skin in a timely manner.

• Ingrown hair

Ingrown hairs occur most often in areas of regular shaving. This is due to the fact that the skin is injured, and the hair curls and begins to grow in the opposite direction. This problem can be solved at home by exposure to professional oils and creams, as well as in specialized clinics, by laser hair removal or even surgery in especially advanced cases.

• Injuries and cuts

In most cases, cuts and injuries are due to a poor-quality razor or an expired cream. In this type of activity, the key point of safety is attention to the equipment. After damage to the skin, it is necessary to stop further exposure and postpone the procedure until complete healing.

Life hacks during and after shaving

1. Moisturizing and nourishing the skin. Aloe-based gels can be used as a moisturizer. As well as coconut, argan and olive oils. They nourish the skin well and help soften vegetation. This will make shaving more comfortable and safer.

2. Shaving products (gels and foams). These products envelop the skin, creating an additional protective layer, which significantly reduces the risk of cuts. They also contain special oils to soften and moisturize the skin during the process.

3. Frequent replacement of the machine. It is recommended to change the machines at least once a month. This allows the blade to remain sharp at all times and to less injure the skin. A dull razor also skips hairs, which means you have to shave more often.

4. Shave in the direction of the hair. Shaving hairs in the direction of hair growth can significantly reduce the risk of a cut or ingrown hair. And also it allows less trauma to the skin, which will significantly reduce the amount of irritation.

5. After shave care. Do not use alcohol-based products immediately after hair removal. This can cause additional irritation, itching, and redness. It is best to use cooling creams, soothing creams, and aftershaves.

Hair removal is best done as the hair grows. It is recommended to choose the means and method based on individual preferences and based on the type of skin. For a more accurate selection of the procedure, it is recommended to contact a specialist. An experienced doctor will advise on the best way to get rid of unwanted hair in your particular case.