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The secrets to smooth legs for longer

Nothing beats having clean, smooth legs. And while shaving is certainly a quick-fix for clean, hair-free skin, our expectations don’t always align with the results. Razor burn on legs and annoying ingrown hairs are very common problems that occasionally come with shaving. The good news is that there are ways to help avoid these nuisances. We’re going to share our advice on how to achieve smooth legs through various hair removal techniques: shaving, waxing, epilating, and IPL. Discover how to get rid of ingrown hair on legs, as well as how to avoid razor burn on legs with our top tips and tricks for smooth legs that last longer.

Top methods for smooth legs


There are plenty of options out there to remove hair from your legs both safely and effectively. Below are some of the most common and effective methods for achieving smooth legs:

1. Shaving


When it comes to quick and easy hair removal, shaving takes first place. The downside to shaving, however, is that it can often lead to ingrown hair on legs. Ingrown hairs and razor bumps on legs can be very irritating and interfere with the smooth, healthy skin that you seek. Avoid issues like razor burn on legs and stubborn ingrown hairs by taking the necessary steps before, during, and after shaving.

Shaving


First thing’s first: never shave your legs dry. Soak them with warm water beforehand and use shaving cream or gel to help the razor glide across the skin. Remember to shave in the same direction that your hairs are growing in and to rinse your razor after each stroke.
 

If you’re in need of a good shaver, consider the Philips Wet and Dry Electric shaver for safe and easy shaving. Once you finish shaving your legs, you can exfoliate to reduce the chance of razor bumps on legs. Consider pressing a cool, wet cloth against your skin to relieve any irritation.
 

Learn more on how to prevent ingrown hairs to enjoy smooth, irritation-free skin!

2. Waxing


Waxing is an alternative to shaving if you want smoother legs for longer. The first of our many leg waxing tips is to make sure your skin is prepped before you begin. Ensure that the hair on your legs is long enough to wax but not too long, otherwise it could be more painful. Exfoliate your legs to get rid of any dead skin cells. Ingrown hair on legs is often a result of dead skin cells clogging up the pores so the more you exfoliate in the days leading up to waxing, the better.

Waxing



When you’re ready to begin waxing, ensure that both legs are clean and dry. Apply the warm wax to the area in the same direction that your hair is growing. Hold your skin before you remove the strip to help prevent any movement. This will make it easier for the strip to remove each hair from the root.
 

And be sure that you are pulling the strip at an angle against the grain of the hair. This helps reduce the chance of razor bumps on legs and overall irritation. After, you can apply an anti-inflammatory treatment to help with any irritation or use a cool compress for relief. [2]

3. Epilating



Epilating is a very popular hair removal technique that, like waxing, removes the hair from the root. This helps maintain smooth, clean legs for longer than shaving. First, make sure that you have a good quality epilator on hand, preferably one that can be used in the shower. The Philips Satinelle Prestige Wet & Dry epilator, for example, is perfect for wet and dry use and boasts a textured ceramic surface that gently extracts even the finest of hairs.

Epilating


Once you have your epilator and you’ve blocked out enough time, you can start on skin preparation. Exfoliate your legs to help remove dead skin cells and reduce the chances of ingrown hair on legs. Epilate your legs by holding the device at a 90-degree angle and resting it against the area you wish to remove hair from.
 

There’s no need to press the epilator against your legs — simply allow the device to gently glide across your legs in the same direction that your hair grows. After you’ve finished, moisturize your legs to stop the skin on your legs from drying out. [3]

4. IPL


The final hair removal method we recommend is IPL, or intense pulsed light, laser hair removal. IPL works by emitting pulses of light that target and destroy the hair follicle, thereby rendering hair growth from that area of the body. IPL is a fantastic option to avoid razor burns and razor bumps on legs.

IPL

 

If you’re interested in this hair removal technique, ensure you have a reliable IPL device. Consider the Philips Lumea Prestige IPL, which boasts up to 92% hair reduction in three treatments* and six months of hair-free smoothness after just 12 treatments.**
 

Once you have your IPL device, remove any hair from your legs before you begin the IPL treatment. Place the device on your skin and watch as the light pulses target your hair follicles.
 

While this is not a solution for immediate hair removal, it is a long-term hair reduction method that will give you smooth, hair-free skin that lasts significantly longer than other methods. [4]

Lumea Prestige

IPL hair removal device

BRI956/60

Lumea Prestige IPL hair removal device

BRI956/60

Enjoy 6 months of hair-free smooth skin*

Philips Lumea Prestige with SenseIQ technology is our most effective IPL. Designed for convenient treatment at home, Lumea's intelligent attachments perfectly fit every curve of your body and adapt programs tailored for each body area. See all benefits

Unfortunately this product is no longer available

Enjoy 6 months of hair-free smooth skin*

Philips Lumea Prestige with SenseIQ technology is our most effective IPL. Designed for convenient treatment at home, Lumea's intelligent attachments perfectly fit every curve of your body and adapt programs tailored for each body area. See all benefits

How to get rid of ingrown hair on legs


Sometimes you can do everything right and still find ingrown hair on legs. If you need to know how to get rid of ingrown hair on legs, try these tips:

 

  • Avoid picking the ingrown hair, as this could lead to further irritation or infection.
  • Place a warm compress on the ingrown hair to help open the pores.
  • Gently pull the hair after it breaks through the skin.
  • Exfoliate to help the ingrown hair grow on the skin’s surface.

How to get rid of ingrown hair on legs


The good news about ingrown hairs is that they tend to heal on their own without any professional help. But if you experience significant redness or irritation, speak with a healthcare professional about a steroid cream prescription. And if the ingrown hair becomes infected, you can get a prescription for an antibiotic cream or tablet.

Smooth legs that last longer!

 

Whether it be shaving, waxing, epilating, or using IPL, there are plenty of tips and tricks to enjoy smooth legs for longer. From leg waxing tips to shaving best practices that help reduce the chance of razor bumps on legs, you’re already one step closer to silky smooth, hair-free skin.
 

* When following the treatment schedule, measured on legs, individual results may vary

** Median hair reduction on legs: 78% after 12 treatments

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