ELLE gives you the low down and tips on being hair-free for bikini season!
Are you a waxing or shaving kind of gal? Perhaps you're a laser lady? No matter what your choice for hair removal this is the bottom line -- you want to be smooth and hair-free this summer! ELLE shows you how with the help of aesthetician Angela Bishop of Remedy Facial Bar & Spa in Halifax.
Shaving 101
The deal: A do-it-yourself way to get rid of pesky hairs. All you need is a razor and some soothing gel!
Expert's tips:
• With disposable razors you should shave in the direction of the hair growth. They aren't quite as sharp and can actually pull and tug on hairs.
• If you're wanting a much closer shave, shave in the opposite direction, but don't repeatedly go over the same area. It will cause major irritation, in-grown hairs, and redness.
• If shaving against the hair growth make sure you take the time to soak the area.
• Always use a soothing shaving gel.
• Rinse the blade often, or every few strokes. Hairs on the blade will interfere with shaving, causing pulling and missing some spots.
• For a stray hair you can't catch, use tweezers to gently pull it out.
• Exfoliate! You will also be removing layers of dead skin as you shave, so be sure to get it smooth again by exfoliating.
Expert's advice: "Try to give a few days in between shaving," suggests Bishop. "Otherwise you will really irritate the skin and cause red bumps!"
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