Last Updated on November 30, 2022
Curious about how to shave with a safety razor? I’m not going to lie, I was definitely a fraidy cat when it came to using mine at first.
But I have only cut myself once, and it was when I dropped the razor. I’ve never cut myself while shaving. In fact, using a safety razor is a lot easier than a disposable razor – you don’t need to apply any pressure!
Safety razors look trendy & chic but also do a great job giving you a clean shave that leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. Because plastic razors can’t be recycled, it’s vital to limit razor waste. A reusable razor is going to save you money, and it’s a step in the right direction towards a zero waste lifestyle.
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Additionally, switching to a safety razor has saved me so much money. The initial safety razor purchase may be an investment, but from then on out all you need to buy is blades.
If you’re confused about how to actually use your safety razor, you’ve come to the right place. That’s why I’ve decided to put this guide together for you: It will answer all your questions on shaving with a safety razor.
Table of Contents
is it better to shave with a safety razor?
It is better to shave with a safety razor because doing so reduces shave bumps, ingrown hairs, and skin irritation that are common with disposable and electric razors.
The reason for this is because most safety razors only use one blade against your skin – this allows for a smoother shave.I personally love Ecoroots’ safety razor (which you’ll see pictured throughout this post).
Also, by using a safety razor, you’re eliminating a lot of waste. Every year, 2 billion disposable razors are sent to landfill where they won’t break down. Instead, they’ll break up into microplastics over time that continue to contaminate soil and leach toxins.
Switching to a safety razor also saves you money. Instead of having to buy an entirely new razor, you just have to switch out the blades.
A ten pack of blades costs around $4.97 on EcoRoots. If you swap out the blade every three weeks, you’ll only be spending about $9.94 on blades a year. This will vary based on how often you shave, but it’s a lot cheaper than the alternative.
In total, here are all the benefits of switching to a safety razor:
- Creates zero waste
- Costs pennies
- Results in the closest shave
- Reduces razor burn!
what is the correct way to shave a person with a safety razor?
The correct way to shave a person with a safety razor is to follow these four rules:
- Use a light hand with little pressure (let the razor do all the work)
- Make sure to angle the blade away from your face, if possible (only applies if you’re shaving your face of course)
- Shave with the grain (not against it)
- If you have a beard, aim for beard reduction, not removal
Using shaving cream, foam or soap can help make the transition and shaving experience better. You’ll definitely want to get ashave soapor a soap with a lot of lather.
But honestly, as long as your skin is damp, you shouldn’t have much of a problem shaving it with a safety razor.
RELATED: 6 Best Safety Razor Brands + Blades
what angle should you shave with a safety razor?
You’ll want to hold your razor at a 20 or 30 degree angle while shaving. This doesn’t have to be precise, but keep a light hand when shaving and don’t apply pressure. You’ll find this gives the best shave!
do you wet a safety razor?
Yes, do wet the razor first before shaving. Using hot or warm water helps warm the cold metal and eases the shaving process. A wet blade glides better across skin, especially when paired with a nice lather.
I like to shave in the shower so I make sure to apply soap to my legs, wet my blade, then go to town. When I tell you the blade literally glides, I mean it! And I almost never have to go over an area more than once (especially when the blade is new).
do safety razors cut skin?
Safety razors only cut the hair at skin level, so the likelihood of cutting skin is reduced. In fact, ever since I started using a safey razor, I think I’ve only nicked myself twice.
A lot of people worry they will hurt themselves using a safety razor but I honestly feel I cut myself more using disposables. That’s because I had to use more pressure to get the disposable to work better.
With a safety razor, you don’t have to apply pressure at all, which results in a much smoother shave.
do you need shaving cream for a safety razor?
You don’t need shaving cream for a safety razor, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. I like to use regular soap to lather my legs and armpits and that does the trick.
However, I don’t recommend shaving with just water unless you’re in a pinch. While you technically can, it won’t be as enjoyable a shave.
Definitely use some kind of shaving cream or soap for the best experience with a safety razor. I recommend checking out Ecoroots shaving soap – it’s plastic free, vegan and all-natural.
can you use a safety razor for pubes?
Yes, you can use a safety razor to shave the genital area. However, you should make sure the area and the blade are wet first and go slowly. Don’t seek complete hair removal all at once, but reduction.
I recommend going in increments: Every other day shaving a little more down. Don’t use too much soap or any shaving cream near this area, as it is especially sensitive.
recycling razor blades:
In order to recycle razor blades, you’ll need to take them to a transfer station that handles metal recycling with machines only.
If you’re in Northern California, I go to theConcord Recycling Center. Get a steel can that contains broth only. Cut a slot in the top of the can big enough for a blade to slip through, and pour the broth out. Rinse with water and leave the can to dry for a day or two.
Obviously, there’s no way of completely guaranteeing it to be dry, but that’s alright. Drop your used blades into the slot. Once it’s full put a piece of tape over the slot and take it to your nearest metal recycling facility.
alternatives to shaving
If shaving just isn’t your thing, I totally respect that. There are other options besides using the best women’s razor!!
electric razor/trimmers:
There are many types of electric razors and trimmers on the market. One advantage is you can shave with wet or dry skin. Using an electric razor can lead to irritation, razor bumps, and razor burn.
While I am not a fan and feel like it hurts on my legs, you may really like it!
epilator:
Epilatorsare small handheld devices that pulls the hairs out of your legs similar to waxing, it can be painful. They are especially good if you have a high pain tolerance. The results do last for a couple of weeks.
laser:
Of course, laser hair removal is a pretty extreme option, but could be right for some!
sugar waxing:
Sugar waxing is really popular in the zero waste community. I don’t really trust myself to wax myself, but if you’re feeling so bold – go for it!
not shaving:
And, of course, you could just not shave!
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which shaving method is best for you. For me, I am going to stick to Ecoroots because it’s the best safety razor I have found and I love how my legs feel after using it.
Did this guide help you? Do you feel confident to take on shaving with a safety razor? Let me know in the comments below!
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