Let's Get Started: Tip #3 - Take Short, Light Strokes

Tip #3: Take Short, Light Strokes

Technique with the Single Edge may seem slightly different than what you're used to, but you'll be amazed at how quickly the muscle memory sets in. To talk about your technique, we first must discuss the direction of hair growth.

Mapping the direction of hair growth is a great place to start for all shaving, but especially if you are prone to having sensitive skin. While most men's beards have a wide range of growth and direction, leg hair tends to all grow in the same direction: down.

Most leg shavers would agree that they shave in an upward motion from the ankle up to the thigh, which is technically against the grain or against the natural direction of hair growth. Shaving against the grain will give an extremely close shave, but may also cause irritation on extremely sensitive skin types. 

If you tend to struggle with sensitive skin or a history of reacting to leg shaves, we recommend shaving with the grain (from the knee down) to minimize irritation while still providing a close shave.

Once you've visualized the direction and path of your shave, start with the lower portion of your leg. You should be able to take long strokes and sweep away the hair without any added pressure. Let the heft of the razor do all the work. Always be careful around the areas with large bone structures, like the shin, ankle, and knee cap, and take short, light strokes to sweep away unwanted hair. 

After your first pass, do a quick check to see if there are any patches that need a second sweep. If so, reapply lather to these sections and take gentle strokes to complete your shave.