Summer Shaving Secrets

Temperatures are peaking and we’re wearing less and less — which means more and more mornings of hurried hair removal. Any girl who’s ever nicked herself with a flimsy plastic razor and strolled into the office (or worse, a date!) with a bloody Band-Aid, read on. For the best way to shave—and there is a right way— we turned to Diane Wood, Master Barber for King of Shaves, who shared her tips for helping women get a smooth shave, every time. Here, her tricks of the trade:



Shaving removes dead skin cells and the superficial layer of the epidermis reducing skin’s defenses. Try shaving in the evening to avoid exposing weakened skin to external elements



Warm, wet hair is three times easier to shave than dry. Therefore, try to shave during a shower, thoroughly wetting hair with warm water for at least three minutes. Also try to exfoliate skin before shaving to prevent in-grown hairs.



Underarm hair grows in different directions; thus one must shave up, down and across. To prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs, pull skin tight with one hand, while shaving with the other. Re-apply shaving gel regularly.

Thoroughly rinse any remaining gel from skin. Avoid exposing skin to any potential irritants (i.e. lotions, fragrance or salt water) for an hour to allow skin’s pores to close.