Summer is here! And that means it is the perferct season of skirts, sundresses, shorts, and bikinis. Buying these clothes invariably means it is time to shave. While for some, it is the lesser of the evils, shaving is, for most women, a daunting task. These tips will help get your summer body ready with a smooth shave.

1. Exfoliate
While exfoliating seems more in the alley of skincare, it is an essential step before shaving. The exfoliation process involves using scrubs or sponges to scrape off the dead skin from the surface of the body. Removing these cells increases the efficiency of shaving by leveling the surface and enabling a closer shave. Another benefit of exfoliation is that it reduces ingrown hair.

2. Don’t Forget Shaving Cream
Dry shaving, though seemingly efficient and unproblematic, actually increases irritation and the risk of cuts. Shower gels, soap, and shampoo may seem good enough, but each one has its problems. Shampoo irritates the skin easily as it is designed for the hair and the scalp, not for your limbs. Bar soaps clog up the razor. Hence, shaving cream is the most suited for close shaves, especially for sensitive skin like in the underarms and bikini line.

3. Warm-up is Compulsory
Warm-up is compulsory, not just for workouts but also for shaving. It is best to put off shaving to the end of the showering routine. Expose your skin to warm water for at least 10 minutes before starting to shave. This step allows the skin and hair to soften, and reduces the stubbly feeling. However, lower the temperature of the water right before you shave. If your skin gets too soft from the warm water, it becomes easily prone to cuts.

4. Shave According to Growth
One generally tends to slide the blade smoothly up the leg, from the ankle towards the knee. But for a smooth shave, it is essential first to shave down, which is in the same direction as hair growth. Then, go upward against the direction of growth for best results. Never slide the blade sideways as this motion almost invariably causes painful cuts.

5. Razor Hygiene Is Crucial
As important as priming your skin for a shave is, it is vital to pick your hair removal tool with care as well. Cleaning the razor is necessary not just to maintain efficiency by preventing bacterial infestations. Razors are also best used when sharp, and remember to dispose of them after the recommended number of uses. Ideally, you should replace a razor after three shaves. Remember to clean the blade between these shaves and then store it with a protective cover after it dries.

6. Aftershave
Many brands cater to the aftershave needs of women. Just after you shave, your skin will be highly irritated, so remember to gently dab a towel to dry it and then hydrate with cooling rose water to prevent flakiness and inflammation. Look for moisturizers to soothe your skin after shaving.