When you pick up that disposable razor, you probably don’t think about how much money women have spent on razors, right?
It’s in the realm of $1 billion. Yes, billion with a B.
Is there a better way to get that close, perfect shave than throwing your money away?
There is! Shaving with a safety razor can be an economical choice while still giving you that close shave you need.
Let’s explore how straight razors are not just for men, but a strong choice for women as well.
What is A Safety Razor?
A safety razor is a razor is a shaving device that has a blade with a protective comb to avoid damaging the skin. Unlike modern cartridge razors, they have no pivot head. Most of them are made of low chromium stainless steel.
They were invented in the 1800s to prevent injury from shaving.
Why Use A Safety Razor?
For starters, we know that disposable razors, though convenient, do damage to your wallet. The average person will spend $250 per year on razors and cartridges.
But did you know they have a significant impact on the environment? 2 billion razors are tossed in landfills per year!
When you use a safety razor for legs, it works better at reducing bumps and gives a cleaner cut. Instead of having up to 5 blades run over your skin at a time, you’re shaving with one. The blade is designed to cut hair more evenly, instead of pulling it from the skin, leading to overall better skin health.
Safety razor shaving can also decrease ingrown hairs.
You can also customize your options with different blades and soaps and experiment to find the perfect combination for you. Using your regular shaving lotion is fine, too.
Shaving with A Safety Razor
Although safety razor shaving is completely safe, there’s a bit of a learning curve, due to the lack of a pivot head. But once you master it, you’ll never want to go back to cartridges.
Ladies, here’s how to show your man how women can use a safety razor for a comfortable, close shave.
1. You must control the angle of the blade. Always keep it at about 30 degrees and never apply pressure, as this can increase the likelihood of nicks. The cut should be smooth and glide easily over your skin.
2. To avoid cutting your skin, shave in short strokes, and never run the blade from the ankle toward the knees. Doing so could cause excessive cuts or more nicks.
3. Always use soap or shaving cream when using a safety razor and never shave over an area without using a soap or cream as a barrier. With multiple-razor blades, this can be achieved, but not with a safety razor.
How Long Does it Take?
If you’re used to shaving with a disposable, it may take some practice to understand the technique. However, once you’ve tried a few times, you become more comfortable, and it shouldn’t take but a few minutes extra to shave.
What About Blade Care?
Disposable blades are easy, right? Just toss them in the trash and click on another.
With a safety razor, the life of a blade depends on how often you shave or the thickness of your hair. Most blades will need to be changed once a week if you’re shaving every day or so. If you shave less, say once or twice a week, changing the blade every two to three weeks would probably be ok.
This is where you might toss the thought of shaving with a safety razor out the window, simply because it seems the maintenance may be too expensive. But this is not the case!
Blades cost on average anywhere from $0.03 to $0.30 per blade, depending on the sharpness of the blade. In comparison with a disposable or cartridge razor, the savings are considerable.
A year of using a cartridge razor will cost you close to $300, while blades from a safety razor only cost $55. Over the course of ten years, you can save over $2,000! Safety razors have a positive impact on your budget and the environment.
Can I Use A Safety Razor, You Know, Down There?
You can! And even in the underarm area.
Though it may seem strange or scary at first, the best way to shave other areas is by using a three-way pass. A three-way pass simply means shaving in three different directions to get a close shave.
You would shave with the grain or shaving the direction the hair is growing, first. Then, shave horizontally. Lastly, shave the opposite direction or against the grain.
However, if you have sensitive skin, try the first two methods and avoid shaving against the grain.
How do I Care For My Safety Razor?
Safety razors do require a bit more mindfulness when it comes to proper care.
Because safety razors are made to last (not with plastic) they lend themselves to rust if left in water for long periods of time. After shaving, rinse the blade completely, making certain it’s free of soap or lotion, and then towel dry it.
Do not store it back on the shelf in your shower, but leave it away from wetness if possible. Rust can begin small and spread quickly.
I’m Convinced! What do I Need to Get Started?
Start with a razor, of course! Safety razors are surprisingly affordable, with a ballpark range of $15 and upwards. This is an impressive range, meaning there’s a razor for almost every budget and need.
You’ll also need blades. Stainless steel razor blades are the best at getting you a close shave.
Some safety-shaving devotees will make a case that you need a brush and foam because it helps hair stand up better, allowing for a better shave. Some say using drug-store canned shaving cream works perfectly fine.
This is a personal choice, so experiment and find which method you prefer.
Straight Up Use A Safety Razor!
Shaving with a safety razor is an economical and safer option for your skin than using razor cartridges. Once you master and understand the technique, you can be shaving like a pro in no time!
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