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The best way to shave

While waxing and sugaring are increasingly popular, good old-fashioned shaving is still one of the most efficient - and cheapest - ways to remove hair.

The most effective way to remove hair is to shave it in the opposite direction from which it grows. In places where hair grows in different directions and in hard-to-reach areas (underarms, bikini area), it's helpful to pull the skin slightly, making it more taut and eliminating natural creases and folds.

Wet shave wins
Let your hair hydrate before shaving - it's a lot easier to cut when wet and supple. Soaking too long, however, causes the skin to wrinkle and swell slightly, making a close, clean shave more difficult to get.

Avoid soap
Use shaving gel or lotion. Though soap is great for cleaning, shaving products help you get a cleaner shave and their moisturizers help hydrate the hair follicles and reduce dryness.

Sometimes it's a good idea to shave at night to help reduce redness. Using a moisturizing shower gel to soften hairs also can help prevent redness and stinging.

Delay the sting
Wait half an hour before using deodorant after shaving your underarms. The chemicals in deodorants and antiperspirants can sting your skin, especially if it's the least bit sensitive.

Underarm tactics
Though it sometimes means daily maintenance, shaving is the easiest way to remove underarm hair. The key is to get as close a shave as possible by using a shaving gel and raising your arms so the skin is taut (giving you better access to the hair). Because underarm hair grows in so many directions, it's best to shave up, down and side to side.

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