Do you have an end-of-winter fur coat on your legs that has been growing all season long? You’re not alone. As spring approaches, many people start thinking about getting back into shaving.
It goes without saying but we're going to say it: you definitely don't need to shave to be ready for summer, don shorts or dresses, or to live your best life. But if you want to, Leaf is here to help. Let’s walk through why long hair shaves differently than stubble.
Why Shaving Long Hair Is Different
When hair is longer, it has more flexibility and can lie flat against the skin, making it harder to cut cleanly. Shaving long hair also leads to more buildup between blades, which can affect the efficiency of your shave. This is why proper preparation and choosing the right tool for the job are essential for a smooth experience.
Preparation
- Trim before shaving. If your hair is longer than a half of an inch, using a trimmer or scissors to shorten your beard hair or bikini line can make shaving easier and prevent blade clogging.
- Exfoliate gently. Before shaving, exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and lift hairs away from the skin. This helps prevent ingrown hairs and ensures a closer shave. I like to use an exfoliating mitt or scrub.
- Wet your skin. Expose your skin to warm water for a few minutes before shaving to hydrate the hair and skin. This softens the hair, making it easier to cut and reducing the risk of irritation. I like to shave at the end of my shower or bath.
- Use Shave Soap. Applying shave soap with a shave brush helps lift the hair while hydrating and protecting both the hair and skin. A hydrating soap allows the razor to glide smoothly, reducing friction. If your hair is very long, we recommend avoiding shave oil and saving it for when your hair is shorter, as it can slick the hair against the skin if it's too long.
What Razor Should I Use?
You may think any razor can cut through long, grown-out hair, but using a low-quality or dull blade might make the process uncomfortable or take longer. A dull blade can cause tugging and irritation, while a low-quality razor may clog easily or require multiple passes over the same area. Choosing a high-quality razor will give you better results:
Leaf Razor: Ideal for shaving legs, the Leaf Razor covers more surface area quickly thanks to its larger head, the long handle allows for better reach, and the extra blade spacing prevents clogging and reduces irritation. By increasing blade spacing and adding small guards, the razor cuts effectively while reducing irritation. Wider spacing prevents hair from being trapped under the skin, while built-in guards control skin contact to minimize discomfort.
Thorn Razor: A great option for tackling long hair in smaller areas.Its single-blade design provides control and accuracy, while the blade gap in the head helps it handle longer hair effectively.
Other Tips for Shaving Long Hair
- Use a new blade. Always start with a fresh blade, especially if you haven’t shaved in a while. A sharp blade ensures a clean shave with minimal tugging or irritation.
- Go with the grain. It’s super important to shave in the direction of hair growth for the first pass to remove most of the hair and prevent irritation. If you want an ultra-smooth shave, go against the grain on the second pass.
- Hot Tip: When using any razor, you can shave back and forth on your legs for a quicker, more effective shave. This method is fantastic for shaving longer hair, as it helps clear the blade and reduces the need for frequent rinsing.
By following these steps, you’ll get a smooth, comfortable shave that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and ready for spring.
Whether you're using the Leaf Razor for a fast, efficient shave or the Thorn Razor for precision, our tools are designed to give you the best shave possible—no matter how long it’s been. Get ready to embrace spring with smooth, comfortable skin!
