[hheath541]

I have thick, coarse hair. Every time I shave my legs become a bloody mess and I end up with razor burn. I am also severely prone to ingrown hairs.

I have tried several types of shaving cream and gel. I've also tried several types of razors. I've tried shaving in hot water, and cold, and everything in the middle. I've tried scrubbing my legs with a wash cloth, a nail brush, and body scrub before shaving. I have tried alcohol and bactine after shaving to prevent the razor burn.

Nothing works. No matter what I do, the results are the same.

Does anyone have any suggestions I haven't tried? I can't afford waxing, and the home kit I tried a few years ago didn't work. Hair removal creams don't work, either.

[Wondergirl]

Electrolysis? It might be worth the cost.

One of my Indian friends goes to a hair-removal salon once a month. They have some special process. Check that out?

[hheath541]

I can't afford anything like that right now, or I would. I'm looking for at-home techniques.

[Wondergirl]

i can't afford anything like that right now, or i would. I'm looking for at-home techniques.

I'd call hair-removal salons or even beauty shops to ask if they will recommend a product or technique. Also, I'd do research at my local public library. :)

[hheath541]

Thanks.

[ohsohappy]

Have you tried shaving down rather than up? If you shave against the grain it's more likely to cause irritation to the skin. If you shave in the opposite direction with a good razor it could help. It might leave a little behind but it's better then getting razor burn on your legs. It also might nOT leave any hair behind if the hair is thicker because it will be easier for the blade to catch. I can't do it because I have the opposite problem, and it would come out patchy (I also don't get razor burn so I don't have to worry about it) But I'd say give that a try and see how it goes.

There's another product that is kind of like a razor but works kind of like an electric turkey carver, with the two parts that go back and forth. It does NOT cut you, catches the hair and removes it painlessly. The only downside is that' It's small and runs on AAA batteries. I can't remember what it's called. It might take a while to get all the hair up too. Also, it's possible that you could try a hair growth inhibitor. I'm not sure how much those cost or how well they work though. Good luck.

EDIT: Also, I'd say use a soft loofah on your legs when you're done shaving with some body wash. It can remove the extra dead and dry skin that the razor left behind . After that, maybe try lotion or baby oil on your legs and see if that helps.

[hheath541]

Shaving with the hair doesn't remove most of it, and leaves a noticeable stubble, as do electric razors. On top of having thick hair, it's really dark and I'm really pale. Stubble is visible, and able to be felt, within a few hours of my shaving.

I've tried scrubbing my legs after shaving, usually with a wash cloth. Most lotions sting after I shave, so I don't like to use them until the next day or so.

I haven't tried hair growth inhibitors. Do you have any idea where I would find them? I assume you mean a cream I would just put on like lotion.

[ohsohappy]

It's stuff like this.

Google Image Result for http://www.health-store.com/images/products/Derma-Hair-Inhabitor-1_4043.jpg


I'd Google it and see what you can find about them.

[hheath541]

Thanks. I'll see if I can find something like that around here, hopefully that I can afford.

[rosemcs]

I tried the really expensive oil from the salon for shaving and found that olive oil worked just as well.

Shave with olive oil, don't wash it off... and tell me if you think it works. Use it liberally.

[hheath541]

I've used oils to shave with before, one I found at the store and baby oil. They worked, but they clogged the razors so much I had to throw it away and use a new one on the other leg. I can't afford to go through 2 razors every time I shave.

Please, don't think I'm ungrateful for the advice. I really do appreciate it. I'm just hoping for something new. I didn't realize I'd tried as many things as I had until you guys started listing suggestions for me.

[rosemcs]

I use Gilette Fusion with the oil and the hair washes out better than with shaving cream. I know what you mean about those plastic razors, they are pieces of junk.

If you have enough money to wax a few times a year, the hair will get thinner and you won't have to shave as heavily. A professional salon worker told me that her clients that have waxed for years barely have any hair left on most of their leg.

[ohsohappy]

Yep, when you wax enough your hair becomes like new growth.
I think it would be worth it if you had the chance to save up.

[hheath541]

Thanks, when I have more money, I'll look into how much getting waxed would cost.

[HistorianChick]

I have found that the razor that is IN the bar of soap is a great combatant against coarse, dark hair. I forget the name of it, but it really does look like a razor in a bar of soap. It seems to be more gentle than normal razors.

I, too, am prone to razor burn. I can't put any type of cream on after I shave because BAM, razor burn. The only thing I've found that works is that soap/razor.

[ohsohappy]

I have found that the razor that is IN the bar of soap is a great combatant against coarse, dark hair. I forget the name of it, but it really does look like a razor in a bar of soap. It seems to be more gentle than normal razors.

I, too, am prone to razor burn. I can't put any type of cream on after I shave because BAM, razor burn. The only thing I've found that works is that soap/razor.

Schick intuition?