Perfect your shaving technique
Shaving is the go-to method for 83% of UK women. ‘It’s instant,
portable and, if you have sensitive skin that might react to wax
or creams, it’s a safer bet,’ says Wilkinson Sword’s Laura Brown.
BEST IF
YOU HAVE
A LOW PAIN
THRESHOLD
1
2
60.7
MILLION
razors and
razor blades are sold
in the UK every year*
86
S M O O T H S T RO K E S
‘When it comes to legs, start by
shaving downwards, following the
hair growth,’ says Laura. ‘Shaving
against the growth increases the
risk of nicks.’ For your bikini line,
Frances says, ‘Apply an extra-thick
layer of shaving cream and use one
hand to pull skin taut, guiding the
razor with the other hand.’ For
underarm hair, adapt your
technique to shave up and down
and then across, as hair grows in
multiple directions.
L AT H E R U P
Don’t skimp on shaving cream.
It softens hair and allows the razor
to glide. ‘Always lather against the
direction of hair growth,’ says
Frances. For sensitive skin, opt for
fragrance-free products.
1 Gillette Satin Care Sensitive
Skin Shaving Gel 200ml, £2
(£1/100ml), is packed with
soothing aloe vera.
2 Gillette Venus Comfort Glide
with Olay Razor, £7.50 (left),
This five-blade razor has built-in
moisture bars.
FAC E FAC T S
Shaving is one of the quickest and most
effective ways to remove facial hair,
although not with a traditional razor.
‘I prefer to use a dermaplane or Asianstyle safety blade to remove facial hair,’
says Nadira. ‘The blade cuts through hair
at an angle without risk of nicks. It also
exfoliates your skin as you shave.’ Great
for tackling peach fuzz and stray hairs, but
if you’re uncomfortable using a blade, be
assured that the latest facial shavers for
women use the same technology as men’s
shavers. ‘These mini devices are quick and
won’t irritate skin,’ says Frances. Check
in store for a range of shaving products.
Wilkinson Sword Intuition Ultra
Moisture Razor, £7 (left), has a
four-bladed razor with a pivoting head
and moisture bar.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
‘Your razor should skim over your skin without the
need for pressure,’ says Nadira. Minimise irritation
by avoiding self-tan or body creams for at least
24 hours after shaving. Always apply a soothing postshave lotion to cool and calm skin, and replace razor
blades regularly.
*
Calcot Spa
Cotswolds
Super Gentle
Smoothing Mitt,
£3.50. Buff skin
before shaving
and keep ingrown
hairs at bay.
WORDS KARENA CALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY PIXELEYES, TRUNK ARCHIVE, GETTY IMAGES
Source: Statista.com Product availability in Wales is subject to local Covid-19 guidance
S OA K , S T E A M A N D E X F O L I AT E
‘To get the closest possible shave, use a gentle body scrub or mitt
beforehand,’ says makeup artist and skincare expert Nadira V Persaud.
‘And shave towards the end of your shower or bath, as the skin will be
more supple and the hair softer.’