How to Shave Your Legs for Genuinely Smooth Skin

Soften for at least three minutes

Leg hair needs water time. Shave near the end of a shower, not the beginning. Hair that has absorbed water cuts cleanly with far less pressure.

Exfoliate gently, before shaving

A light scrub or exfoliating mitt clears dead skin so the blade reaches the hair instead of skating over flakes. Two or three times a week is enough — daily scrubbing causes the irritation it is meant to prevent.

Use real lather, never just water

Shave gel, cream or conditioner all beat plain water or bar soap. Bar soap dries the skin and gives poor glide. Re-apply if you are working slowly.

Stroke direction: up the shins, careful on curves

Start at the ankle and work upward against the grain on the lower legs — this is the closest and, on legs, usually well tolerated. Bend the knee to flatten the skin over it and use short strokes. Around the ankle bone, go slow and let the head pivot rather than pressing.

Rinse the razor every few strokes so it does not clog.

Finish with cool water and moisturizer

Cool rinse, pat dry, moisturize while still slightly damp. This is also what keeps stubble from feeling prickly a day later.