Shaving Legs - what's the best way?

What\222s the best way to shave my legs - razor, wax, electrolysis? I am in my 40s and have shaved my legs very infrequently -- I have little leg hair, I didn\222t want to become a slave to the razor, until now I have worked at jobs where unshaved legs were not unusual and, most of all, I object to the cultural message that leg hair on a woman is unacceptable. Well, that\222s changed - I still resent the expectation that I will shave but I now have a job that has an unwritten dress code and I am therefore self-conscious about my leg hair. So, I will cave to the norm and shave. I want to know what\222s the most effective way to remove leg hair, one that will not take up too much of my time, cause me undue pain, or cost too much. I still don't understand why women put up with standards of beauty that are so burdensome! Thanks for listening. Irate Hairy

I have tough hair and sensitive skin. Waxing gives me a rash and chemical cremes burn my skin. I can't afford laser hair removal or electrolysis at the moment. Shaving works really well for me though. I actually enjoy shaving, but it took me awhile to figure out the best way. If you have very little hair on your legs, shaving should be pretty easy once you get the hang of it, and you shouldn't have to do it all that often.

Shaving tips:

To avoid ingrown hairs, get some of those scrubbing gloves you can put on in the shower, and scrub your legs before shaving, and every couple of days. The gloves feel really good. You can get them at most drugstores or at whole foods. Also a body lotion with alpha-hydroxy acid does the same thing. Both make your skin feel soft and smooth.

While shaving, make sure you are warm, so you don't get any goose bumps. Goose bumps will catch on the razor and give you a rash.

I shave without shaving cream, under water in the bathtup. Or I use a soap for sensitive skin, without perfume. For the easiest shave, use soap or shaving cream. To avoid skin irritation, unscented soap or cream is best. When you are first getting used to shaving, the tub is best for going slow and seeing what you are doing. Once you get used to it, you might be able to do a good, quick job of it in the shower.

After shaving, rinse really well and use an unscented lotion for sensitive skin, or no lotion at all. Good, cheap after- shave lotions are: 1. Water with a little vinegar in it. 2. Water with an aspirin dissolved in it.

If you are grossed out by hair in the tub, have a bowl of super-hot water next to the tub and rinse the razor in that. Rinse after each stroke. Then dump the hairy water down the toilet.

The Gilette triple-blade razor is great, much better than others I've tried. Definitely notice when the blade is dull, and use a new one. It makes a big difference.

Good luck!! Happy Hairy