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What Do Swimmers Do to Remove Body Hair?

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By Marie Mulrooney
What Do Swimmers Do to Remove Body Hair?
Swimmers remove body hair not just to help make their bodies more aerodynamic but also to heighten their feel for the water by removing the thin layer of dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin.

Methods

The most common way swimmers remove body hair is by shaving.

Razors

Disposal razors are the norm for shaving body hair; double-bladed razors are more effective at giving a thorough shave than single blade razors are.

Technique

Shave against the grain of body hairs, then slide the razor back down with the grain of the hairs; this cleans the razor more effectively than rinsing it under water, and it won't dull the razor.

Considerations

Sitting in a bathtub of warm water while you shave will help you rinse off shaved-away hair, plus it will keep you warm and relaxed.

Extremities

Serious swimmers often shave the soles of their feet and the palms of their hands in order to heighten sensation in the extremities.

Injury Prevention

Shaving body hair may require some contorted positions; consider asking someone to help you. After shaving, stretch and take a warm shower to help relieve any tightness in your muscles that may provoke an injury.

About The Author

Marie Mulrooney has written professionally since 2001. Her diverse background includes numerous outdoor pursuits, personal training and linguistics. She studied mathematics at the University of Alaska Anchorage and contributes regularly to such websites as eHow, Garden Guides, LiveSTRONG and Trails.com. Print publication credits include national magazines, poetry awards and long-lived columns about local outdoor adventures.
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