HOW TO GET A SMOOTH, CLOSE SHAVE
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You've probably had your share of nicks, cuts, and razor burn. Be prepared for silky, nick-free legs this fall! After reading this, you'll probably ask us why we didn't share these secrets with you sooner! After all, wearing your little brother's cartoon Band-Aids was never a cute accessory!

1. TIMING: Never shave first thing in the morning. Wait about 20 minutes after getting out of bed. Shaving just before swimming is also a major no-no, so shave the night before your swim. why? Body fluids puff up the skin while you are sleeping. When you wait, your normal activity allows your skin to resume its normal tautness. This gets the hair shaft in a better position to be shaved. As for shaving the night before your swim, this is because freshly shaved skin is vulnerable to the stinging effects of chlorine, salt water, and some suntan lotions and sunscreens.
2. MOISTURE: Never, ever shave until you have allowed the hair to absorb water for about three minutes in the tub or shower. why? Shaving dry hair results in razor burn and a dulled razor. It doesn't even shave close enough, leaving you with stubble and fuzz. Water plumps up the hair, and makes it easier to cut.
3. LATHER: Always use a moisturizing and silkening shaving cream (like Gillette Satin Care) when you shave. why? This keeps hairs surrounded by moisture which enhances softening and reduces friction. What does that translate to? Soft, silky, super smooth skin with less nicks and cuts!
4. BLADE: Always use a clean, sharp blade made for women why? New blades don't require as much force to cut through the hair as old, dull blades do. This reduces the risk of nicks and cuts because you don't need to apply as much pressure.
5. TECHNIQUE: For legs, use long, even strokes. Shave against the grain and do not apply excessive pressure. Be careful on bony areas such as knees, ankles, and shins. For underarms, shave from right to left, left to right, top to bottom, and bottom to top. For your bikini area, shave in the direction of hair growth and keep repeat strokes to a minimum. why? These tips will help you to avoid nicking and irritation, and to get the closest shave.
6. AFTERWARD: For legs, apply moisturizing lotion on damp skin. Once skin has dried, apply moisturizing lotion once more. Pat an unscented talcum powder on underarms, and wait awhile before applying deodorants or antiperspirants. why? Deodorants and antiperspirants irritate freshly shaved skin.

Thanks: the Visalia Hair Removal Center provided us with information for this article. You can reach them at http://www.visalialaser.com.