Razor burn. Ingrown hairs. Those ouchy little nicks you get on your kneecaps. Does hair removal have to be such, like, medieval torture? Turns out no. So here's our guide to getting better results with shaving and alternative hair removal, with help from industry experts Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare Spas, Janette Barredo, brand manager for The Art of Shaving and Kristina Vanoosthuyze, senior scientist for Procter and Gamble.

Step 1: For maximum smoothness, exfoliate the day before (try Kiehl's Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub, $25). Otherwise dead cells keep your razor from gliding smoothly.
Step 2: Relax in the shower/bath for three minutes to hydrate skin and soften hairs.
Step 3: Always apply shaving cream (never razor-clogging soap). Try Lippmann Collection Did I Shave My Legs for This?, $24(pictured here).
Step 4: Use long strokes and gentle pressure with your sharp razor (replace every five shaves), "like you're mowing a lawn," says Barredo, who recommends stretching the kneecap skin to remove every single hair from that tricky area.
Step 5: Post-shower, apply lotion containing shea butter for deep moisture and chamomile and calendula to soothe (try FC5 by Arbonne Conditioning Body Moisture, $23). This ensures a close shave next time.

Step 1: Always use a women's razor, which pivots to fit a woman's body and thus catches every hair (try Gillette Venus Embrace, $12.99, pictured here). Step 2: Three minutes into your shower, apply shaving cream (try The Art of Shaving Cream Pump, $30) for lubrication.
Step 3: Gently glide the razor "up, across and down to get every hair," explains Vanoosthuyze. "Hair grows in different directions here." Pulling on the razor equals razor burn, so go softly. Always use a fresh blade that has been stored in a dry area.
Step 4: Still get irritation? Apply pre-shave oil like eShave Pre Shave Oil, $19 or olive oil before shaving cream for more protection.

Step 1: Coarse hair is harder to remove. To start, trim hair to a half-inch. Or use a trimmer/razor combo like the Schick Quattro for Women TrimStyle, $10.99, pictured here.
Step 2: Prone to razor burn or ingrowns? Apply pre-shave oil or olive oil three minutes into your shower.
Step 3: Apply shaving cream generously (try Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel, $3.99). On the first pass, pull skin taut and gently shave in the direction of hair growth.
Step 4: Reapply shaving cream and shave again, this time against the hair growth.
Step 5: Post-shower, apply fragrance-free, soothing moisturizer with aloe or chamomile (try St. Ives Intensive Healing Advanced Therapy Lotion, $5.79) to help prevent ingrown hairs.
Step 6: If you still get ingrowns, use an exfoliating treatment like Tend Skin, $29 to help the hair break through the skin. Don't tweeze or pick. Once hair breaks through the skin, "shave it off so it grows correctly," says Barredo.

The deal: Chemical creams such as Sally Hansen Naturally Bare Creme Hair Remover for Body, $8 and Bikini Zone Creme Hair Removal, $6.49 weaken hair so you can wipe it away.
The bonus: Delivers a longer period of smoothness than shaving, since hair is removed slightly below the skin's surface.
Best for: Fine hair and less sensitive areas like the arms and legs.
Avoid if: You're sensitive-skinned or coarse-haired (waxing or shaving will net better results).