It's summertime, which means you're probably going to spend at least one day laying on the beach in a bathing suit. And that brings up the dreaded question: Just how do you get smooth legs for the beach? No one has found an easy answer, since women apparently spend about five hours a week in the bathroom on a secret beauty mission -- and shaving or waxing legs is the main thing keeping them busy.
When it comes to hair removal, it's the choice which is the real headache -- home versus salon. Then there's the method -- speedy, pain-free shaving or wince-making waxing with longer-lasting results? Here's what you need to know about your leg hair removal options...
Option 1: Shaving
If you need lightning-fast removal, a razor will give you results in the nick of time but the dreaded stubble will make a reappearancewithin a matter of days. How often you should shave varies for each individual, but you may find hair grows at a faster rate during the summer months.
If you choose to shave, "Rinse your skin with cold water afterwards for fresh skin and closed pores," skin expert Nichola Joss recommends.
Option 2: Waxing
It's sometimes called the "grin-and-bear-it technique," which says it all. Waxing puts an end to unsightly stubble as hair grows back finer, softer and lighter.
So how can you minimize the discomfort? "Be sensible," says Perron Rigot waxing guru, Kim Lawless. "Don't sunbathe the day before waxing. Dry brush your skin and you'll get a better finish."
Leave the hair to grow between treatments for 3-4 weeks, and "for 24 hours after you've been waxed, avoid heat and friction on the waxed area," Kim advises.
