Teaching a Young Woman to Shave
Contributed by Melissa Dubie, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
It is culturally encouraged in most communities in the United State that young
women keep their legs and underarms free of hair. Therefore, shaving becomes aroutine activity for many. However, when preparing to shave, there are many
options to consider. You will want to think about the different types of razors
available, supplies that are needed, best time of day to shave and how that fits
into a daily schedule, and what to do if there is an accidental cut from the razor.
The information below is written for a young woman to read prior to shaving forthe first time.
How to Shave Your Legs
If it is time to learn to shave, first, decide the type of razor you want to use. Thechoices are: an electric razor, a non-electric razor with replacement blades, or adisposable non-electric razor. Depilatory creams are available as well. Second,based on the type of razor you have selected, purchase items that you will needfrom the list below. The directions for shaving will be different depending on thetype of razor you have chosen. Directions for shaving are also listed below. Lastand very important, check with a family member/caregiver for advice and guidanceas you go through this process until you are comfortable shaving by yourself.
Shaving Using Either Disposable Razors or Razors with Disposable Blades
Things You Will Need: Towel Disposable razor
 Shaving cream or gel Moisturizer for after shaving
Instructions: Read First Before Starting to Shave___

Rinse your legs in warm water for about 10 minutes (e.g., bath or shower).

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Think of your leg in three parts: Lower part is below the knee, upper part isabove the knee, and the knee. It is easiest when you first start to shave tosit on the edge of a bathtub with your legs inside the tub near the facet.
Apply shaving cream evenly, covering the front and back of your leg.
Put razor on your leg with edge of blade next to skin, pressing lightly in an
upward motion towards your knee (i.e., shave in the direction against hair
growth). Use short smooth strokes.
Lift your razor an inch above the skin between strokes to avoid cuts.
Rinse the razor under the tub facet to get rid of hair caught in the blades.
Move the razor to the edge of the shaving cream. Repeat steps until you
have your lower leg completely shaven. You can tell if you have shaven yourleg well because it will feel smooth and you will see no hair.
Continue the same method for the upper part of your leg. Some girls only
shave the lower half of their upper leg and some shave the entire area. Ask
your caregiver what she does.
Remember to rinse the razor under the tub facet after each stroke to get
rid of the hair stuck in the razor.
When shaving your knee, it is best to straighten your leg so your knee will be
as smooth as possible. Continue to use an upward motion with the razor.
Being careful to pick the razor up off your knee before taking anotherstroke.
When finished, wash both of your legs and apply moisturizer.
Rinse razor blade and put away in safe area.

Remember, as you are learning how to shave, you will make mistakes. This is partof the learning process. You may nick yourself shaving. If this occurs, stop shaving
to take care of the bleeding with a tissue. The first time you shave, you may misssome hairy spots. This is common as you learn to shave your legs. Each time youshave, try your best to use the razor to remove all of the unwanted hair on yourlegs.

Shaving with an Electric Razor
Items Needed: Wash cloth and soap
 Towel Electric razor
 Spare blades and screens for razor

Moisturizer for after shaving legs

Instructions: Read First Before Starting to Shave___ Before you shave, wash your legs with warm water. This makes the hairremoval easier. Dry with towel. Skin needs to be dry before you shave with
an electric razor.
___ Shave in the opposite direction from the hair growth. Do not go over thesame spots repeatedly. This will cause skin irritation and razor burn.
___ To shave your knee, straighten your leg. Pull the skin taut above the knee, tomake the skin smoother when shaving.
___ When finished, gently rub your hand over your leg. If your leg feels smoothall over, you are done shaving. If you feel a rough area, you need to shavethat area again.
___ Wash legs and apply moisturizer.
___ Clean razor.
If you have special sensory needs or challenges, you might want to slowly begin
desensitizing yourself to this process. You might also find that certain types ofrazors are better suited for your sensory needs. For example, an electric razor
may make a sound that is painful and distracting for you to hear. If that is thecase, then try using a non-electric razor. Just remember that proper hygiene is an
important part of life. Additional information on shaving tips can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf6q25u_nac
http://www.bicworld.com/files/pdfs/doc_shaving_tips_en.pdf
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/hair_removal.html
Using Depilatories (Cream or Liquid)
Depilatories are a cream or liquid that removes hair from the skin's surface. The
hair dissolves and can be washed or wiped away. This method lasts several days to
two weeks. It works quickly and is easy to use around areas of the body withcurves (e.g., knees and ankles). Be sure to follow the label instructions specifically.
It is important to try the product on a small section of your leg. Follow thedirections for this small section of your leg. Wait 24 hours to see if the area is not
red or stinging. If it is okay, then apply the depilatory cream to the entire leg asstated on the directions on the can. Applying depilatories can be messy and many
people dislike the odor. If you have sensitive skin, you might have an allergicreaction to the chemicals which may cause a rash or inflammation. Depilatories may
not be as effective on people with coarse hair.
Shaving Underarms
When shaving underarms, many women use an electric razor, a non-electric razor
with replacement blades, a disposable non-electric razor, or a depilatory (cream).
Refer to this website for helpful information on how to specifically shave yourunderarms http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEyL0ZktchE.

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Overall Tips
Change the blade or switch to a new razor about once a week to avoid using adull razor. A dull razor can cut you easily or cause a rash.
Some women prefer a razor specifically designed for girls; others prefer aman’s deposable razor. This is a personal preference.
Whether you're shaving your legs or armpits, go slowly. These are curvy
areas of your body with lots of angles which can be tricky to shave. It canbe easy to cut yourself if you move too fast.
Before releasing the blade from the handle, be sure to notice which way theblade was placed so you can put the new blade in correctly.
Some women shave their legs and underarms daily, some weekly, and somemonthly. This is an individual decision and should be guided by the amount of
hair your are comfortable having under your arms and on your legs, and how
fast the hair grows.
Do not shave when skin is irritated, sunburned, or you have broken skin.
If you’re nervous about cutting yourself with a disposable razor, you can try
an electric razor or depilatory instead.
Remembering where you have shaven your legs is difficult to see if your hairis blonde or just starting to grow. Try using Crayola bathtub crayons todraw straight lines down your leg about an inch apart. These lines will washoff. Place the shaver on the lines as you shave to guide your shaving aroundyour entire leg.

Women have a few other options for removing hair from their body. Always talk to
an adult caregiver or family member before trying a new hair-removal option.
These are some of the other options:

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Tweezing is an option for isolated hairs. Tweezing can harm hair follicles andmake hairs even more stubborn. Isolated hairs should be cut with scissors
instead.
Waxing is a longer-term, somewhat painful option for removal of hair acrosswide areas, such as legs or hair around the bikini line. Some people have theirunderarm hair or facial hair waxed. The procedure can leave skin temporarily
red and irritated.
Electrolysis uses electricity to destroy hair follicles and prevent the hairfrom re-growing. The technique, which can be painful, is used primarily for
facial hair.
Laser hair removal is effective for fair-skinned individuals with dark, coarse
hair and is an increasingly popular, expensive option. It is less painful thanelectrolysis and may offer permanent hair removal.

Dubie, M. (2011). Teaching a young woman to shave. The Reporter 16(2).