As much as I love the sunshine, the beach, and every rooftop bar in sight, the maintenance that comes with summer is not my favorite thing in the world. Shaving, for me, is basically the worst of it, so I’m constantly searching for tips. First of all, it takes FOREVER. I personally choose to shave my legs, arms, and bikini line in the summer, so I’m basically in the shower for three hours on a shaving day. Then, I get sick of shaving for so long—so I skimp and rush and end up cutting myself, making my shower a bloody mess. But shaving doesn’t necessarily have to be a giant production. We’ve rounded up our favorite tips to save you time, stress, and band-aids.
1. Don’t be afraid of men’s razors
As much as I love my favorite Athena Club razor, sometimes I just want something that will do the job a little quicker and more efficiently. That’s where a men’s razor comes in. The blades in a men’s razor are packed a little tighter than in a women’s razor. Think about it: men sometimes have some thick beard hair, and this thing is meant to go on their faces. They need something powerful but also gentle and nick-proof. Men’s razors can also be easier to use, as they’re meant to navigate the contours of the face. It’ll glide perfectly around the knees and ankles.
2. Find a razor you love
It’s important to find a razor that works for you and your skin concerns. Our editors love this one, which features five spaced-out blades that were tested to perform for how people actually shave. Not only does it give a smooth, ultra-close shave, but it features a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum strip to prevent bumps and irritation.
Source: Athena Club
3. Use specific tools for your bikini area
Shaving my bikini area used to be an hour-long event, but with this, I’m out the door and heading to the beach ASAP.
This razor is GENIUS for the bikini area. One side is a five-blade razor that works beautifully on your legs and underarms as well. The real magic is in the other end of the razor though, which is a built-in trimmer that can be used in the shower.
Venus pulled through with the first razor designed specifically for pubic hair (and they're not afraid of calling it what it is: pubic hair!). Editor-tested and approved: this razor is sharp as hell without worrying me that I'll cut myself in the absolute worst place to cut myself. Unlike other razors, I experience no irritation with this. Game-changer.
If you find every razor leaves you irritated with nicks and ingrown hairs, a safety razor like this one might be your best one. It's ultra-gentle, but still gets a close shave.
4. No shaving cream? Put down the soap
Soap is the WORST thing you can use if you want soft skin after the shave. Not only is soap a lot more drying on the skin, generally a body soap contains ingredients that will dull the blades on your razor. Conditioner, coconut oil, a thick body cream, or body oil work so much better in a pinch, without the risk of ingrown hairs, nicks, and cuts. When you do have shaving cream, I say go for one that’s thick in consistency rather than in a gel formula. Those generally moisturize while you shave, leaving you extra soft.
5. Exfoliate
This is a pretty well-known tip, but it has to be said. I do this every time I shave, and not only does it make my skin feel like a baby’s bottom, but it also gets rid of all that dead skin that’s preventing me from getting the closest shave. My favorite method of exfoliating is using a sugar scrub because it’s quick, easy, and makes the least mess.
6. Shave at the end of your shower
Since I first learned how to shave my legs, I’ve been shaving as I leave my conditioner on for the 2-3 minutes the package says. However, one of the best tips I’ve learned (especially for shaving my bikini area!) is to have my shaving be the last step in my shower. The hot water and steam from your shower are slowly opening up your pores and cleansing the top layer of your skin, so shaving after the steam has had a chance to do its thing makes sure you’re getting as close as possible to the hair follicles. It also makes sure there’s absolutely no dead skin, dirt, or grime that could be clogging the razor, which could eventually dull the blades quicker than normal.
7. Shave downward first, then upward
Every single shaving tip I have ever read is to shave in the direction of the hair growth. Does anyone actually do that?! Not me. Instead, I begin by shaving in the direction of the hair growth, and then I’ll do some strokes with the razor moving upward. This actually does prevent some of the irritation that comes with shaving against the grain while actually getting rid of some of the hair.
Source: Jess Kirby
8. Shave east to west on your knees
The number one place I’m prone to accidentally cutting myself with my razor is my knees. The key, however, to getting the closest shave on your knees is to shave in multiple directions rather than just up and down. If you’re shaving east to west, make sure that your knee is bent to prevent any nicks. Then, straighten your knee and shave in the direction of the hair growth to get any strays you might have missed.
9. Use short strokes to prevent cutting yourself
Another way to prevent cuts is just simply by going more slowly. Rather than shaving all the way up the leg in one swipe, shave in short strokes. This also helps you catch every last hair and prevents you from having to go back and do more strokes that cause irritation.
10. Sanitize your razors
Keeping your razors clean is key to making sure they last long (get your money’s worth!), and you’re also making sure you’re not putting something covered in bacteria onto your skin. Gross. This starts right after you finish shaving by holding your razor under hot water for about 5-10 seconds and checking to make sure there isn’t hair stuck in any of the blades. You can also rinse with some rubbing alcohol to make sure the blades are sterilized. Then, dry your razor with a towel, toilet paper, or paper towel. If water sticks to the blades, it can cause them to rust, which we definitely don’t want. In a hurry? Hit it with your blow dryer.
11. Moisturize immediately
As soon as I get out of the shower on a shave day, my arms, legs, and bikini area are immediately covered in a thick cream that will reduce the redness, prevent itchiness, and smooth my skin. Moisturizing right after a shave adds the moisture back into the skin that you took away from all the exfoliation. My favorite trick is to use an in-shower lotion right after I turn my water off, and then I top it with my favorite body moisturizer. You’ll be glowing.
12. Prevent razor burn
Razor burn is the WORST way to kill my post-shave vibe. (You know what I’m talking about right?! The feeling after you shave when you feel like you just accomplished the biggest task on your to-do list and your skin is so smooth you just want everyone to touch it?) My favorite way to prevent this is with a little bit of tea tree oil. Not only is tea tree oil incredible for acne, but its antiseptic and antibiotic properties can also alleviate irritation from your shave. Rub a small amount on the areas you’re prone to razor burn right after shaving before you moisturize, and you should be smooth sailing.
This product went viral on TikTok for being the best solution for razor burn. Read our editor's full review on it here.
13. Protect from the sun
Don’t let the post-shave high distract you from this crucial step. After shaving, your skin is supple, exfoliated, and your pores are ready to take on the day. Therefore, your skin is really sensitive to the sun. I know you know to put sunscreen on your face, but it’s just as important for the rest of your body.
14. Store your blades
The bathroom is the most humid, bacteria-collecting area of your home, and the last thing you need is your razor blades collecting any of that. The easy way to store blades is in a zippered bag away from any type of moisture, but you could also opt to keep them out of the bathroom altogether.
15. If all else fails, laser hair removal!
I wish I could say the temptation of laser hair removal doesn’t get to me. Yes, shaving is inexpensive and relatively easy, but sometimes, you just need the reassurance that you’ll never have to shave your bikini line again.
