Dash of Darling | I've Been Shaving Wrong My Whole Life
Dash of Darling | I've Been Shaving Wrong My Whole Life

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Dash of Darling | I've Been Shaving Wrong My Whole Life

Ok so I recently discovered that - no shocker - I have been shaving wrong my whole life (or, I guess I should say for the past 23 years). Yes, I officially started shaving at 10 years old because I was always eager to grow up.

To be honest, I don't think I was really ever "taught" how to properly shave. I kind of just picked the cutest razor at the grocery, grabbed a bar of soap and went to town, ankle to thigh. Eventually, my laziness got the best of me, and the soap got nixed. So pretty much, I have been dry-shaving these past twenty years. 

So it's no surprise that my leg hair follicles look large, red and angry (something that has always bothered me to be honest). You think I would have figured out what I was doing wrong... but nope. I just kept on.

Well, no more. I am ready to take care of my legs (and underarms). So here are some tricks I found out:

Dash of Darling | I've Been Shaving Wrong My Whole Life
Dash of Darling | I've Been Shaving Wrong My Whole Life
Dash of Darling | I've Been Shaving Wrong My Whole Life

Use a Quality Razor

This one seems like a no-brainer, but using a quality razor matters. According to science, five blades will give you a more comfortable, clean shave. I recently switched to Joy Razors, available exclusively at Walmart, and am in love. I love it's non-slip handle and the 'lubrastrip' helps avoid skin irritation. If pink isn't your thing, it also comes in teal. And PS, it's only $8.97 for your Joy Razor and two razor blade refills (additional cartridges here).

Switch Your Blades Regularly

Speaking of blades, you're supposed to switch them out regularly apparently. Like, once a week at least if you're shaving every day (which I do). I am certainly in no position to judge whether you follow this because, quite frankly, I don't remember the last time I switched to a new blade. Months, for sure, if we're being honest. Yikes. You do you, though. But, if you feel the razor pulling at your hair, causing irritation, or feels rough on your skin, it may be time for a change.

Let Your Razor Blades Dry Thoroughly

You know how water collects on ledges in your shower? Yeah, don't set your razor in the puddles. Let it dry thoroughly after you finish shaving to keep your blades fresh and sharper for longer. I lean mine against the wall so it stands up.

Don't Skimp on Lathering

And not just with a bar of soap (it doesn't allow your razor to glide smoothly as it should to avoid nicks and cuts). I guess you could say I have finally learned my lesson. Lathering up, like with Glee's Aloe Gel or Shave Mousse, will not only help you avoid irritation, keep your legs moisturized, and provide proper lubrication, but it will also ensure you're not missing random patches.

Don't Shave as Soon as You Hop in the Shower

So, apparently you're not supposed to shave first thing as soon as you hop in the shower. Typically, I start with my washing my hair, then washing my body, then shaving... but sometimes (when I am not washing my hair), I hurry through and muddle the order by grabbing whatever I see first. But experts advise that you hang out in the warm water first for a while (about 15 minutes) before you start shaving. This will soften the hair, open up your pores and help eliminate unwanted ingrown hairs.

Anyway, I hope you learned something new. I sure did. And at least, I have smoother, softer skin. Yippee! 

Dash of Darling | I've Been Shaving Wrong My Whole Life
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