Whether you're a cyclist, swimmer, triathlete, or just want a new faster, smooth look and feel, shaving your body need not be a daunting task. There are a number of reasons one might want to remove body hair. Whatever your motive is, you'll want to know about your options are and any other hair removal tips and tricks.
So here goes:
There are at least five different ways you can go about achieving that smooth-all-over look...
The Razor Blade
Regardless of what particular style, brand or type of razor you choose, one simple fact remains, a metal blade is in use. Unlike your face, the rest of your body not only has a whole lot of real estate, and many more bumps, creases, corners and other obstacles like knees and ankles. This is where most of the carnage occurs, but with the right technique and products, nearly all of it can be avoided. Take a page out of the their playbook and use a woman's razor. The biggest difference is that they come with bigger handles, giving you more control. Also, the razors with the anti-nick wires are great if you're worried about slicing yourself.
Now, on to the product, given the choice between foams, soaps, gels and oils, it is generally accepted that body oil gives the closest shave. Oil is, however, more expensive and tends to clog up the razor. For general use, a high quality gel with moisturizer is what you need to get the job done.
Shower Shave from Brave Soldier is specifically formulated for all over body shaving in the shower. Utilizing a unique blend of advanced lubricants, Shower Shave helps your razor glide effortlessly over your skin. The ultra-rich silicone based formula is amazingly slick and bonds with water to add extra lubricity and deliver the closest shave possible. Shower Shave is designed specifically for bath and shower use and is perfectly paired with a waterproof electric razor. Foams and soaps tend to leave your skin very dry and uncomfortable, in which case, your best bet is to apply a moisturizer when you're done shaving.
Electric Razors
There are currently a number of electric razors/shavers on the market that have been designed specifically for below-the-neck use. These are good options if you shave consistently. You don't want a large buildup of hair growth when using them.
Regular electric (head) hair clippers are fine for shortening the hair after an extended period of having not shaved at all. Be warned though, attempting to shave too closely with clippers can be quite painful as the teeth in these devices are set further apart and can catch the skin relatively easily. As with blade razors, you will still want to use a good moisturizer after shaving. Whether you choose an electric shaver or a razor blade, keep in mind that you should shave often enough that the hair doesn't get out of control, but not so often that your skin begins to get irritated.
Creams and Lotions
These options are quick, effective and relatively painless. However, the first time you use such products it's always advisable to test a small patch first, that way there are no surprises, especially if your skin has a natural reaction to the chemicals. This is also an effective way to jump start a shaving regimen and to start with a clean slate. It helps if you have a partner to get round the backs of the thighs and other hard to reach places, otherwise you'll need a mirror and a good spatial sense. It's also easier if you use a little plastic scraper and dispose the hair and excess straight into a plastic bag. This will save you the headache of having to unclog your drain. Keep in mind that when you use creams and lotions, you need to let the hair grow back a bit before you work on it again. It's also a relatively expensive option.
Waxing
Waxing is the process of removing body hair by spreading melted wax over a particular area (about 2" by 4") and then covering the waxed area with a thin sheet of paper. After a few seconds, the wax dries and the paper is yanked off, removing the hair. Of all the methods to remove body hair, waxing is by far the most effective. This is due to the fact that the hair is physically removed at the root and re-growth is seriously reduced. This also means that over time, the amount of hair that you'll be dealing with will be thinner and less potent.
Professional waxing will always give better results than the many at-home kits on the market. It may not sound like fun, and at times it can be quite painful, but the degree of smooth waxing can achieve is definitely worth it.
If you go the waxing route, we strongly recommend Code Blue from Brave Soldier. This cooling after waxing gel soothes the after wax burn and dramatically reduces skin irritation. Code Blue greatly improves skin's appearance and leaves you with a healthy, clean glow.
Modern Technology
Cosmetic procedures such as laser hair removal and electrolysis are great if you want to permanently remove hair from smaller areas. They are not, however, a logical or cost effective way to deal with all your body hair.