If you're on a mission to cut down on plastic waste and explore eco-friendly options for your bathroom, you've likely considered switching to a shampoo bar, or even a bamboo toothbrush. But have you ever thought about the revolutionary world of safety razors?
Shaving companies want you to believe that more blades mean a better shave. However, here's a shocking revelation: you don't need a multi-blade razor to get a close and smooth shave. In fact, you can achieve a superior shaving experience with just a single blade.
The history of safety razors traces back to the late 19th century when King C. Gillette patented one in the 1880s. These razors featured disposable, thin blades and protective guards, revolutionizing shaving safety and accessibility. The early 20th century marked their golden age, with iconic designs like the Gillette "Fat Boy."Back then, it allowed folks to safely groom themselves at home, dodging the need for the professional gear found in barber shops.
However, safety razors declined in favor of plastic razors for several reasons. In the mid-20th century, manufacturers pivoted toward marketing disposable razors as convenient solutions. This shift, coupled with the allure of recurring profits from replacement blades, drove the disposable culture.
Technological advancements in plastic molding lowered production costs, making plastic razors affordable and mass-market-friendly. This transition aligned with the post-World War II disposable consumer culture.
Now, whether you're a gentleman or a lady, here are 3 reasons to switch to a metal safety razor.
1. BETTER FOR YOUR SKIN
Those multi-bladed razors? Each blade counts as one pass on your skin, resulting in 3-5 passes per shave. Talk about a recipe for skin irritation! With a safety razor, you need just one pass, leaving your skin irritation-free. It's not just about reducing your personal care waste; it's about treating your skin well, especially if it's sensitive.
Some may fear the sharpness of safety razor blades, but with care and the right shaving tips, you won't nick yourself. Safety razors are simpler to use, and the closed comb design ensures a safer shave than open combs. Meanwhile, plastic razors are skin's sworn enemies, thanks to their multi-blade razors.
Moreover, multi-blade razors harbor germs with ease, and their numerous blades are a chore to clean, leading to bacterial transfers and clogged pores. For acne-prone skin, this is a disaster that promotes ingrown hair. Choose the safety razor route for a closer, smoother, irritation-free shave that modern razors can only dream of delivering.
2. LAST LONGER = SAVE MONEY
Apart from reducing your consumption of single-use plastics and saying goodbye to skin irritation, switching to a safety razor can save you a lot of money!
A disposable plastic razor, good for just 5 to 7 shaves, costs about €5 each. That's over €60 per year! Or if you have a plastic razor with replacement heads, these cost on average €5 per head. Which can save you hundreds of euros in a few years.
The initial cost of a safety razor is slightly higher, but it's a smart long-term investment. After a €20 investment in a metal razor, all you need to buy are replacement blades, which are incredibly affordable. Safety razor blades cost between 10 and 60 cents each. Your initial investment starts paying off in less than a a year. Think of how much you'll save within 5 or 10 years.
But the most satisfying reason to choose a safety razor is that it will last you years. It is an object that is designed to last, so it has minimal environmental impact. Stainless steel razor blades are fully recyclable, unlike plastic razor blades.
Our range of safety razors
3. BETTER FOR THE PLANET
Disposable plastic razors have become a major contributor to plastic pollution. If you throw away a plastic razor every month and take other millions of people doing the same thing, sounds like a waste disaster. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. alone throws away more than 2 billion disposable razors each year. Think about what the global total could be every year.
The problem with plastic razors is that they aren't recyclable due to them containing mixed materials: plastic, and metal, which are very hard to separate and therefore hard to recycle. So it ends up in landfills or gets incinerated.
Switching to a safety razor can help you reduce your environmental footprint. The safety razor and the blades are fully recyclable. Important to note: when recycling blades, save them up in a metal container or tin and recycle them when it's full. This will ensure a safe recycling process.
Also, consider supporting your local economy. By purchasing from these small businesses, you are helping to improve local economies over large corporations that are making millions in profit for a low-quality product.
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FAQ
- What is a safety razor?
- A safety razor is a type of razor that features a protective guard between the blade and the skin, reducing the risk of nicks and cuts during shaving. It typically uses replaceable, single-edge blades and is known for its durability and sustainable design, as it produces less plastic waste compared to disposable razors. Safety razors are often preferred by those seeking a closer and more sustainable shaving experience.
- How to use a safety razor?
- Always shave wet with a shaving soap.
- Then place the razor at a 30° angle and shave in small and light movements with the direction of your hair – You should not shave with long movements on the entire length of your legs. Keep your movements short, covering only a few cents at a time.
- Don’t press hard! Tempting, but useless. You’ll avoid cutting yourself if you keep a light touch. Keep in mind that there is no protective head present on the plastic razor.
- Clean your blade with water while shaving. This way you remove the shaved hairs from your blade and you will work with a clean razor again with each strip.
- For a more in depth manual, please read here
- How often do I need to change the blades?
- Depends on how often you shave, if you shave daily it might need a change after 1-2 weeks. If you shave once a week, it can last you 1-2 months. However, how you care for you razor or the type of hairs can also influence the longevity of the razor blade
- Can I shave my bikini line with a safety razor?
- Yes, the safety razor is for your whole body so even your intimate areas. We recommend to do this when you feel a bit more comfortable with the safety razor.
- How do you prevent bikini line razor burn?
- Exfoliating before shaving helps prevent razor bumps. It removes all the dirt and dead skin that can lead to clogged pores, which in turn cause razor bumps. It also provides a smoother shave, reducing the chance of razor bumps and razor burn due to skin irritation.
Take care of your safety razor. Even if its a high quality product made to last a very long time, you can use a stand to store your razor and a case to carry it when you are travelling.
If you’ve ever used a metal safety razor, we would love to hear about your experience in the comments!
Sources:
- https://advanceddermatologymemphis.com/2020/08/13/why-you-should-consider-switching-to-a-safety-razor/#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20cutting%20back,Patel.
- https://sundial.csun.edu/166208/sundialbrandstudio/sundial-marketplace/5-reasons-to-switch-to-a-safety-razor/
- https://medium.com/@shainawaterhouse/3-reasons-to-switch-to-a-safety-razor-3e78e3c31b22
