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What Are the Best Tips for Leg Hair Removal?

Anna T.
Anna T.

The best tips for leg hair removal normally depend on what method is used. People remove hair in a variety of different ways, including shaving, waxing, and using depilatory creams. When leg hair is removed through shaving, it's useful to make sure the skin is moisturized and that the razor being used is not dull before beginning. People who wax for the purpose of leg hair removal should carefully follow all the directions on the product they use because waxing can be painful when done incorrectly. Depilatory cream tends to work best when applied just after a hot shower or bath, which should cause the pores on the legs to become larger temporarily.

Shaving is probably the most popular method of leg hair removal. The best results may be achieved from shaving when the skin on the legs is soft and the razor used is sharp. Leg softness may be achieved by exfoliating the skin prior to shaving and then applying lotion. The shaving process should be done slowly and carefully, and hair removal is typically most successful when shaving is done in the opposite direction the hair grows. Shaving too quickly with a dull razor on skin that hasn't been adequately prepared for hair removal is likely to result in small cuts and razor burns.

Shaving is the most common type of hair removal.
Shaving is the most common type of hair removal.

Many people choose to wax instead of shave for leg hair removal. Waxing is often done by professionals inside salons, but there are also waxing kits available for people to use inside their homes. Regardless of whether waxing is done at home or in a salon by a professional, leg hair should first be allowed to grow out as much as possible for three of four weeks prior to the procedure. The legs should additionally be very clean before the wax is applied, and this may be achieved with just soap and water or with cleaning solutions included inside waxing kits. After as much of the leg hair as possible has been waxed off, a soothing lotion should be smoothed over the legs to help with the redness and irritation that is likely to occur after hair removal is complete.

Many women use moisturizing soap, instead of cream, for shaving.
Many women use moisturizing soap, instead of cream, for shaving.

Depilatory creams are available over the counter at most retail stores that carry hair removal products, and they work for removing leg hair by chemically dissolving it. The directions for using depilatory creams should be read thoroughly and followed exactly prior to use. People who opt for depilatory creams should initially prep their skin before applying it. Taking a hot shower or bath just before applying the cream is generally a good idea because the heat should cause the pores on the legs to expand. When the pores are open, the leg hairs are typically looser inside their follicles, which ultimately makes them easier to remove.

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

@fify-- If you're cutting yourself and getting razor burn while shaving, that means you don't have the method right. It could also mean that you have a bad razor or that you don't use enough shaving cream.

You could always use hair removal cream. It's hard to get that wrong.

turquoise

@fify-- Have you tried an epilator? It's a small hair removing gadget that removes hair from the roots as you run it across your leg. It is painful, but much less painful than waxing. The new ones on the market have special ends that help reduce the pain. You can also use a numbing gel with it if you want.

The great part about epilators is that the results last as long as waxing but there is no mess and it's done quickly. I've been using an epilator on my legs for a few years now. In the beginning, I thought that it was painful. But I'm used to it now and I barely feel a thing.

fify

I hate shaving and waxing as hair removal methods. Shaving is easy and fast, but I almost always cut myself. Or I get razor burn or ingrown hairs. Shaving also does not last long, hairs grow back in just a few days.

Waxing lasts much longer but I can't stand the pain. It also takes longer to do and I don't have the patience for it. I think I need to look into laser hair removal but I know that it's kind of expensive.

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    • Shaving is the most common type of hair removal.
      By: Artem Furman
      Shaving is the most common type of hair removal.
    • Many women use moisturizing soap, instead of cream, for shaving.
      By: samantha grandy
      Many women use moisturizing soap, instead of cream, for shaving.
    • Waxed legs are often smoother than freshly-shaven legs.
      By: pixarno
      Waxed legs are often smoother than freshly-shaven legs.
    • A hot bath causes leg hairs to become looser inside their follicles, which makes them easier to remove.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      A hot bath causes leg hairs to become looser inside their follicles, which makes them easier to remove.