The technique of buffing away body hair has indeterminate origins, although this rather unorthodox method of hair removal was definitely popular in World War II when razors were rationed and women resorted to "sandpapering" their legs. Today, women still have the option of picking up strips of fine sandpaper at their local hardware stores, or they may even use a pumice stone. Consumer products such as the Smooth Away use dark pads with the texture of very fine, malleable sandpaper attached to a plastic mitt. Andrea James of the consumer website HairFacts.com states that hair removal by buffing may be good for those with fine leg hair or to clean up errant follicles in between waxing sessions. Buffing is also inexpensive and relatively quick, and can be done in the privacy of your own home.
Start with skin that's clean and dry -- don't put any lotion or cream on your legs or the body part to be buffed. Make sure that body hair is no longer than 1/4 inch in length.
Apply a clean, dry mitt, pumice stone or sandpaper to the skin using one hand. With the other hand, pull the skin taut.
Briskly but gently buff the skin using small, circular motions -- don't use up-and-down strokes. Start by going clockwise for a few rotations, then reverse the motion for another few rotations. Continue to buff the skin in this manner until hair is removed. Then move on to the next portion of hair.
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After you're through, rub lotion into your skin. As you work, you'll notice that your skin may turn white as your "buffer" exfoliates the top layer of skin cells. Moisturizing reduces the appearance of white skin and soothes your skin.