What’s Your Summer Shaving Routine?
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Here's a timely topic for July: Do you shave differently according to the seasons (for example, do you have a summer shaving routine)? On the flip side, in summertime, when we're more likely to bare more skin with skirts, shorts, sleeveless tops, and so on, do you choose your outfits according to your shaving/waxing/whatever routine — for example, go with pants or longer skirts if it's been a few days since you've shaved (if you'll be in A/C, that is)? Or, do you dress in whatever you want to during the summer, no matter how much hair growth you're sporting? Or, do you shave every day or do something else for hair maintenance in the summer?
In general, what are your shaving/hair-removal routines during the various seasons? For example, shave year-round, no matter what? Skip your legs in the wintertime?
(Disclaimer: Of course, we would never presume to tell anyone what to do about their body hair! We're certain that some readers shave regularly or have had laser hair removal while others choose not to remove any body hair, and either way — or anything in between — clearly, that's up to you!)
While we're on the subject of shaving and hair removal, here are a few more general Qs to discuss today:
Have you ever thought about laser hair removal? Have you had it done? Kat says, “I had my lower legs and underarms lasered about 15 years ago at this point, so I shave really rarely. It's turned out to be one of my favorite splurges — I highly recommend it for anyone with dark hair and light skin!” Readers, have you had laser hair removal, or are you considering it?
{related: three women share their experiences with laser hair removal}
What are your favorite shaving products — razors, shaving creams/gels, etc.?
Do you have any shaving items among your beauty empties? After years of buying crappy disposable razors (and throwing out too much plastic, eek), I tried a Billie subscription a few years ago and really liked their razors. Sometime in 2021, however, they changed the design, and I wasn't a fan. I switched to Athena Club and much prefer their razors. Any other shaving clubs to recommend?
Have you used any of the newer (and pricey) home hair removal methods, such as IPL and diode laser devices? A couple of popular examples are the Tria Hair Removal Laser ($499) and the Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 ($330).
{related: four of the best shave clubs for women}
Stock photo via Stencil.
My routine stays the same year round. I shave about every other day. I have always done this, with the exception of periods when I have had poison ivy or wounds on my legs. I had a very bad fall in Oct 2021 that caused wounds to both legs and I did not shave them for several months. It was very strange and uncomfortable for me and luckily it was during a time when I was not intimate with anyone (though I would expect a true partner to forgive that, of course).
Laser hair removal changed my life. I am fair with very dark hair and lots of it. If this technology had existed when i was an adolescent and a teenager i legit feel like i would have been a better adjusted person. Not hyperbole. best beauty investment. I’m done toe to eye brow, arms, legs, undera arms…. you name it.
Any advice on how to find a legit laser place? I’m in a small town about an hour away from a midsize city. I’d be willing to go to the city but not sure how to find a reputable place. I don’t have close friends who’ve done this and there don’t seem to be many Yelp reviews in this space.
I get terrible ingrown hair cysts on my bikini like even without shaving so this is really something I need to do.
a lot of dermatologists do it, so maybe look at the reviews for them? in my midsize city the local magazine has rankings of best dermatologists etc, so i’d probably start with that short list. you do have to do 4-6 sessions though so keep that in mind while choosing the place.
I did hair removal from random places on groupon and it worked great…
My shaving routine has always been as little as I can get away with. I fortunately have fine body hair.
I did laser on my lower legs and underarms last summer. My only regret is not doing it sooner! Great results – dark hair, fair skin.
I’ve been using the same razor – literally, not buying replacements, other than blades obviously – for 20 years. Shave 1x a week in winter and 2x a week in summer.
I used to let hair on my legs grow during the winter, but about 5+ years ago I just started shaving every day. It isn’t a big deal anymore and certainly makes getting ready for a special occasion in the winter easier! I don’t worry too much about a super neat bikini line since husband doesn’t care about that. I use a standard drugstore razor with disposable blades, very low key.
I purchased the Braun Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL device about a month ago and highly, highly recommend it! I had laser hair removal done 15+ years ago, and while it was successful back then, I think I have as much growth now as I had pre-laser. So the investment in an at-home device sounded worth it, given that it would allow for routine touchups in the future in the comfort of my own home and at no additional cost. After only four weekly treatments with the Braun device, I am seeing better results than I did after 6-12 monthly in-office treatments and at a fraction of the price I paid many years ago.
Mine is the same all year, and I actually use men’s shaving products. I switched to a safety razor years ago, and none of the women’s products I tried even came close to the performance of the men’s products designed to be used with that that type of razor. I shave every 2 or 3 days year-round. (and for those of you who might be wondering: yes, I’m married; no my husband does not care what products I use)
Shave my armpits every shower.
I shave my legs every few weeks I’d say, slightly more in summer. Doesn’t stop me wearing skirts, but I also work from home so if I’m out, I’m in casual clothes. Plus my leg hair, while somewhat dark compared to my skin, is fairly fine and sparse.
Other places get done when my husband feels like helping me. I don’t enjoy the contortions required to do it myself and he’s the one who cares.
After trying pretty much every razor on the market, I have concluded that Joy (available at Walmart and via subscription) provides the smoothest shave with the least irritation.
I have pretty fine/light body hair and fortunately my husband doesn’t care much, so I just don’t shave. If I’m going to be wearing a bikini somewhere I’ll tidy up my bikini line, but I use wax for that.
I did laser hair removal on my bikini line (fantastic – no regrowth 10 yrs later) and my underarms (not great – still have growth, but it is lighter than it was). I had discounts at my university health system aesthetic center -25% off I think? So that was fantastic. Since then I shave my lower legs & underarms once or twice a week, more if I’m on vacation in a hot space. I prefer a shave gel or lotion, not foam (like eos better shaving cream) and use a triple blade razor. I do have the Braun IPL on my amazon wish list – will probably get and start on my legs & underarms again, just haven’t decided when to try it.
I have my underarms waxed (~monthly), and shave my legs about twice a week. My leg hair has become finer and more sparse as I’ve gotten older.