In most communities in the United States of America, it is encouraged that young women keep their legs and underarms free of hair. Therefore, it becomes a routine to shave. However, when preparing to shave there are many options to consider. You will want to consider the different types of razors available, supplies that are needed, best time of day to shave and how that fits into a daily schedule, and what to do if there is an accidental cut from the razor. The information below is written for a young woman to read prior to shaving.
How to Shave Your Legs
It is time to learn to shave. First, decide on the type of razor you want to use. The choices are an electric razor, a razor with replacement blades, a disposable razor, or a depilatory cream or gel. When first starting to learn to shave your legs, all options can be awkward or uncomfortable. Consider your fine motor skills. Can you control an electric razor or a disposable razor better? Electric razors are larger and can be held in the palm of the hand. Disposable razors are thinner. You will need good motor control abilities to handle this type of razor, or you will cut yourself. Depilatory creams or gels have exact directions for length of time to leave on the skin of the leg or can burn or irritate the skin. Can you follow a specific schedule of time? Talk with your family member about which option may work best for you. All options will remove the hair from your legs. Shaving may feel awkward at first, but with practice, the process will become easier and more natural. Second, a razor with replacement blades or a disposable razor require shaving cream or gel called wet method. Take time to explore smelling and feeling different creams and gels on your legs to see what textures and smells work for your own sensory needs. If none will work, then using an electric razor will be your only option which is called a dry method.
Based on the type of razor you have selected, purchase items that you need from the lists below. The directions for shaving will be different depending on the type of razor you have chosen. Directions for shaving are listed below the items needed for each type of shaving method. Last and very important, check with a family member/caregiver for advice and guidance as you go through this process until you are comfortable shaving by yourself.
Shaving Using Either Disposable Razors or Razors with Disposable Blades
Items Needed:
• Towel
• Disposable Razor
• Shaving cream or gel
• Moisturizer for after shaving
Instructions: Read First Before Starting to Shave
1. Soak legs in warm water for about 10 minutes (e.g., bath or shower).
2. Think of your leg in three parts: Lower part is below the knee, upper part is above the knee, and the knee. It is easiest when you first start to shave to sit on the edge of a bathtub with your legs inside the tub near the faucet.
3. Apply shaving cream evenly, covering the front and back of your leg.
4. Put razor on your leg with edge of blade next to skin, pressing lightly in an upward motion towards your knee (i.e., Shave in the direction against hair growth). Use short smooth strokes.
5. Lift your razor an inch above the skin between strokes to avoid cuts.
6. Rinse the razor under the tub faucet to get rid of the hair.
7. Move the razor to the edge of the shaving cream. Continue the steps until you have your lower leg completely shaven. You can tell if you have shaven your leg well because it will feel smooth, and you will see no hair.
8. Continue the same method for the upper part of your leg. Some girls only shave the lower half of their upper leg and some shave the entire area. Ask your family member/caregiver what she does.
9. Remember to rinse the razor under the tub faucet after each stroke to get rid of the hair.
10. When shaving your knee, it is best to straighten your leg so your knee will be as smooth as possible. Continue to use an upward motion with the razor. Being careful to pick the razor up off your knee before taking another stroke.
11. When finished, wash both of your legs and apply moisturizer.
12. Rinse razor blade, put cover on the blade, and put away in safe area.
Remember, as you are learning how to shave you will make mistakes, this is part of the learning process. You may nick yourself shaving. If this occurs, stop shaving to take care of the bleeding with a tissue. The first time you shave, you may miss some hairy spots. This is common as you learn to shave your legs. Each time you shave, try your best to use the razor to remove all the unwanted hair on your legs.
Shaving with an Electric Razor
Items Needed:
• Wash cloth and soap
• Towel
• Electric razor
• Spare blades and screens for razor
• Moisturizer for after shaving legs
Instructions: Read First Before Starting to Shave
1. Wash legs before you shave with warm water. This makes the hair removal easier. Dry with towel. Skin needs to be dry before you shave with an electric razor.
2. Shave in the opposite direction from the hair growth. Do not go over the same spots repeatedly. This will cause skin irritation and razor burn.
3. To shave knee, straighten it to make the skin smoother then shave over it pulling the skin taut.
4. When finished, gently rub your hand over your leg. If your leg feels smooth all over, you are done shaving. If you feel a rough area, you need to shave that area again.
5. Wash legs and apply moisturizer.
6. Clean razor.
If you have special sensory needs or challenges, you might want to slowly begin desensitizing yourself to this process. You might also find that certain types of razors are better suited for your sensory needs. For example, an electric razor may make a sound that is painful and distracting for you to hear. If that is the case, then try using a non-electric razor. On YouTube is a video created by an occupational therapist showing the steps for using an electric razor which can be found at: How to Shave Your Legs Using an Electric Razor (2017), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BJdsG_FRX4
Using Depilatories (Cream or Liquid)
Depilatories are a way to remove hair from the skin's surface of your legs only. Some common brands are Veet, Nair, or GleeBee. This method should be used under close supervision. The hair dissolves and can be washed or wiped away. This method lasts several days to two weeks. It works quickly and is easy to use around areas of the leg with curves (e.g., knees and ankles). Be sure to follow the label instructions specifically. It is important to try the product on a small area you want to remove hair for a practice session, especially if you have sensitive skin. The chemicals from the product may cause an allergic reaction on your leg which will look like a rash, itching, or burning. Follow the directions on the package for this small area of the leg to experiment if the product is right for you. Then wait 24 hours to see if the area is still not red, itching, burning, or stinging. If it is okay, then apply the depilatory cream to the entire leg as stated on the directions. Applying depilatories can be messy and many people dislike the odor. Depilatories may not be as effective on people with coarse hair. Apply the depilatory with a family member watching for advice and guidance as you go through this process until you are comfortable using the product by yourself.
Shaving Underarms
When shaving underarms, many women use an electric razor, a razor with replacement blades, a disposable razor, or a depilatory (cream) to shave their underarms like they do for their legs. Some manufactures (e.g., Gillette Venus, Nair Cream) have how to shave your underarm videos that may be a good resource for you.
Overall Tips
• Change the blade or switch to a new razor about once a week to avoid using a dull razor. A dull razor can cut you easily or cause a rash.
• Some women prefer a razor specifically designed for girls; others prefer a man’s deposable razor. This is a personal preference.
• Whether you're shaving your legs or armpits, go slowly. These are curvy areas of your body with lots of angles which can be tricky to shave. It can be easy to cut yourself if you move too fast.
• Before releasing the blade from the handle, be sure to notice which way the blade was placed so you can put the new blade in correctly.
• Some women shave their legs and underarms daily, some weekly, and some monthly. What amount of hair on your legs is comfortable for you?
• Do not shave when skin is irritated, sunburned, or you have broken skin.
• If you’re nervous about cutting yourself with a disposable razor, you can try an electric razor or depilatory instead.
• Remember where you have shaven your legs if it is difficult to see your hair (e.g., blond, or just starting to grow), try using Crayola bathtub crayons to draw straight lines down your leg about an inch apart. These lines will wash off. Place the shaver on the lines as you shave to guide your shaving around your entire leg.
Women have a few other options for removing hair from their body. Always talk to an adult caregiver before trying a new hair-removal option. These are some of the other options:
• Tweezing is an option for isolated hairs. Tweezing can harm hair follicles and make hairs even more stubborn. Isolated hairs should be cut with scissors instead.
• Waxing is a longer-term, somewhat painful option for removal of hair across wide areas, such as legs or hair around the bikini line. Some people have their underarm hair or facial hair waxed. The procedure can leave skin temporarily red and irritated.
• Electrolysis uses electricity to destroy the hair follicle and prevent the hair from re-growing. The technique, which can be painful, is used primarily for facial hair.
• Laser hair removal is effective for fair-skinned individuals with dark, coarse hair and is an increasingly popular, expensive option. It is less painful than electrolysis and may offer permanent hair removal.
Dubie, M. (2021). Teaching a young woman to shave. Retrieved from https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/teaching-a-young-woman-to-shave.html.