Do you immediately reach for the razor the moment you hop into the shower? If you’re thinking yes, you’re making a mistake. Shaving isn’t exactly the highlight of any woman’s day, and it’s perfectly reasonable to want to get it over with, but if you follow this advice you will have smoother, happier legs and skin.

End Your Bath/Shower with a Shave

Let yourself relax and meditate for a moment when you first step into the warm rushing water. Allow the heat and steam to open up your follicles and pores and soften your hair before grabbing the razor.

Remember to Exfoliate Your Skin

Dead skin cells clog up your razor; it’s as simple as that. A clogged blade can lead to cuts and razor burn- ouch! If you want to get that clean, close shave use a sugar or salt scrub (I prefer these sugar scrubs) every day.

Use Shaving Cream

I will admit that I don’t always do this, and I usually live to regret it. There is a reason for these lathery creams though, it adds moisture to your skin and allows the razor to glide gently and easily over your skin, avoiding nicks and cuts. DO NOT use bar-soap! This actually dries out your skin provides little lubrication leading to more cuts. REMEMBER: Not all shaving creams are the same. There are different creams for all different skin types – read the labels.

Buy New Blades

Expensive razors are all well and good, but if you aren’t replacing the blades regularly you razor won’t do you any good. After anywhere from five to ten shaves blades are ineffective – causing blotchy hair patches, bumps, and possibly bacterial infections.

Shave Before You Sleep

Did you know that shaving your legs at night will make them more smooth in the morning? While you are asleep, your legs swell slightly, upon waking the inflammation goes down and the hair retreats deeper into its follicles.