Fashion

6 Shaving Hacks You Haven't Tried Already

by Taylor Fuller

I remember the first time I was allowed to shave my legs. I had been begging my mom for years, but she just kept on telling me that I was too young. Once I was allowed to shave them, I realized getting a smooth shave on my legs sans irritation just meant I now needed to find ways to make shaving easier, and the novelty quickly faded. If you choose to go au naturel, you should completely feel free to rock it with pride. But if you prefer a smooth shave, there are also ways to make shaving hair easier, faster, and much less annoying.

Making sure I'm shaving quickly (but thoroughly) is always my goal, as I like to take quick showers. (When it's time to shave, it can sometimes double my shower time.) Shaving in the winter becomes even more grueling, and (full disclosure) I sometimes don't shave my legs (hello pants!). No one is seeing them, so why even bother? But, I'm sure that many shavers can agree that there is nothing like the feel of a newly shaved leg. So, if you're looking for some shower-transforming shaving hacks, let me try to help you make shaving fun again — by reaching for a few great shaving creams, razors and other products that will make you feel great.

1. Find A Shower Head That Makes Shaving Even Easier

Aquagenix 24 Function Shower-Head-Handheld Shower Combo, $22, Amazon

Sometimes I don't want to shave while I'm in the shower. If I haven't shaved and I've decided to wear something that shows off my legs, I like to just quickly shave my legs in the bathtub or sink. Of course, this can cause a whole lot of mess. A great solution is to invest in a shower head that also has a handheld option. Then you can rinse off excess shaving cream without making a mess. Gone are the days of flooding your bathroom just to achieve that silky smooth skin!

2. Exfoliate With A Body Scrub To Get Skin Ready For Shaving

Baebody Coffee Scrub, $18, Amazon

I feel as if I have always known that you're supposed to exfoliate your skin before you reach for the razor. But, this is a step I often forget. Exfoliating your skin will help to remove dead skin cells, allowing you the closest shave ever. You don't want to exfoliate after you shave because you'll end up irritating your skin. Find a scrub that has natural exfoliants in its ingredients, like coffee and sea salt. A scrub that also has a moisturizer like olive oil will help intensify the smoothness of your skin.

Fruit Shower Puff (4-pack) , $11, Amazon

So, lather up that loofah, and apply a natural scrub to buff, then start shaving. Use a loofah (aren't these ones that are shaped like different fruits the cutest?) to spread the scrub and feel the effects of softer and smoother skin.

3. Use A Shaving Cream That Goes Beyond Typical Drugstore Options

Kiss My Face - Lavender and Shea Moisture Shave, $10, Amazon

I think at this point I've tried every shaving cream that you can find at a drugstore. And they work okay, but I want to be wowed. A 4-in-1 shaving cream with ingredients like vitamin E, lemongrass, aloe, coconut oil, lavender, and shea butter, you'll have way less chance of irritation after shaving. One user even said, "If I lost everything and had to live out of a backpack, this product would be in my bag. One of my top favorite items ever. Until you try this product, you won't understand." So, why not give it a try?

4. Invest In A Razor That Actually Works

Parker 29L Women's Long Handle Butterfly Safety Razor, $30, Amazon

Put down the name brand razor, and stop paying four dollars per blade. It's time to revert back to the ways people shaved in the past — with a safety razor. These razors are designed to give you the closest shave you can imagine with the use of one blade that won't cause nicks. They take a bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you'll never go back to triple or quadruple bladed razors again. One user said, "I am extremely satisfied with this lavender handled razor...There is only one problem. Keeping my husband from using it."

Double Edge Safety Razor Blade Variety Pack (100 Blades), $20, Amazon

So, make sure to stock up on some blades — especially if the chances are high that your partner will end up borrowing your razor on the regular. It might take some time to find which blade you prefer, so purchase a variety pack to test them all out.

5. Eliminate Pesky Ingrown Hairs With A Serum

Art Naturals Smooth Touch Ingrown Hair Removal Serum, $17, Amazon

Ingrown hairs are the worst. Especially around your bikini line. Say goodbye to ingrown hairs and razor burn with a serum that not only gets rid of those annoying bumps, but also eliminates the chances of them occurring again. This formula is full of natural ingredients like tea tree oil, menthol, and aloe vera, which helps open up and clean pores, while soothing any bumps that might already exist. Chamomile and jojoba oil also provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory remedial effects.

6. Moisturize Skin With All-Natural Ingredients

Hempz Original Herbal Body Moisturizer, $12, Amazon

After a nice clean shave, the last thing you want to do is make your body feel greasy. So, reach for a moisturizer that has all-natural ingredients and will leave your skin feeling smooth after applying. This moisturizer is full of essential fatty acids and key amino acids, which provide your skin with natural proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. It's made with 100 percent pure organic hemp seed oil, too, which will leave your skin feeling soft all day long.

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Images: Fotolia (1); Amazon (8)