Smooth, sexy gams are great, but the upkeep? Exhausting! Every Lazy Girl's summer beauty routine just got a little easier, thanks to these expert tips for making your next shave last longer.
#1. Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate
Get silkier skin and a closer shave. "Exfoliating brings hair completely
out of the follicle, helping strands to get on the same growth cycle,"
explains Hibba Kapil, owner of Manhattan green spa, Hibba NYC. Stems
will stay smoother longer, since your razor reaches the tiny hairs that
are normally trapped under dead skin. Look for products with salicylic
acid or fruit enzymes for optimal results.
#2. Begone, Oil
The reasons keep stacking up to spend time on a thorough, pre-shave
scrub. Exfoliating removes any oils that are sitting on the skin's
surface, letting your razor get as close as possible.
Read More: Get bikini-ready with these products!
#3. Use a Brush
Fascinated by the rough-looking brushes that dot barbershop
counters? The took, often called a badger brush, is primarily used on
your guy's face...which doesn't mean you can't give it a spin, too! "You
really get the closest shave with gel and a brush," says Dr. Debra
Jaliman, cosmetic dermatologist and author of Skin Rules. Use it to rub
shaving cream in.
#4. Pick the Best Razor
According to Kapil, all razors are definitely not created equal. Women
who suffer from dry skin should pick up options that are made with
moisturizing strips; ladies who suffer from sensitivity issues will do
best with a pick crafted specially for their concern. "For the sleekest
results, always use a razor with multiple blades," she says.
Read More: Learn how you can get sexy summer legs!
#5. Go Against the Grain Along with making sure hair is well
hydrated before beginning, Dr. Jaliman recommends shaving against the
growth of your strands and using a fresh razor every time. We know that
it might sound indulgent, but if it means less shaving, heck, we'll try
it. If constantly tending to your stubble stresses you out, the doc
suggests looking into at-home hair removal systems, like no!no! Hair.
#6. Go Old-School
The method we're most intrigued by comes courtesy of Kapil's
grandmother. "For excess facial hair, apply a mixture of besan and
turmeric with a little water and rub it off once it dries," she
explains. "To reduce the amount of fuzz on your legs, try a combination
of lemon, sugar, and honey. Microwave the formula on high for two or
three minutes, and spread a thin layer over your legs."
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#7. Try Soy
Fight regrowth while hydrating your stems by shopping for a lotion that
includes soy. Some studies have shown that the ingredient is effective
at stunting growth and shrinking the hair shaft's diameter, making this
ingredient worth giving it a try.
#8. Diet Switches
Warding off stubble might be as simple as swapping up what you eat!
Kapil suggests cutting back on refined carbs and increasing your intake
of vitamin B6. Get it by adding more meat and fish to your diet;
non-carnivore gals can try bananas, cabbage, broccoli, watermelon, and
carrots.
#9. Try Alternatives
If constant shaving is getting old but waxing or laser sounds too
painful, investigate methods such as sugaring. "Sugar is known as a
natural laser, and alternating a treatment with your regular shave will
lessen hair growth dramatically," says Kapil. "The gel we use is made of
sugar, lemon, and water, and only sticks to the hair, not the skin."
The soothing concoction won't aggravate pores as it slows the sprouting
of strands.
For more from Real Beauty:
• 101 Lazy Girl Makeover Ideas
• 30 Trendy Nail Polishes Under $10
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.