Using a safety razor for women can be really intimidating – it’s metal, it’s sharp, it’s different than any other ‘normal’ razors in today's world. I get it. It took me a while to get used to it, and I’ve been using safety razors for over 5 years now and wouldn’t even think of going back.
There are tons of options for safety razors, we carry a Double Edge Safety Razor, and we love it – it's very affordable, lightweight and gets the shop done! The replacement blades can be bought at our shop and we will take them back to recycle them!
How To Use A Safety Razor
*disclaimer: body hair is beautiful and you don’t need to shave if you don’t want to - #NothingWrongHair*
Since I started using safety razor blades, I’ve saved so much money, and so many disposable razors from going to the landfill. Therefore, I am here to share my tips on how to use a safety razor, how to shave with a safety razor, and how to care for one. I use the safety razor to shave my legs, armpits, and bikini line.
- Go sloooow. I used to power shave my legs with a disposable razor – I swear I could shave my whole legs in under a minute. When using the safety razor, especially at first, while you are getting used to the safety razor, go slow, really slow. Eventually with time you will be able to speed up and shave quicker!
- Go in small sections. Like going slow, going in small sections is key. Start at your ankle and go up your leg until you mid shin, then from you mid-shin to your knee, etc.
- Use soap or a shave bar. You definitely don’t want to dry shave, and you definitely want to use a soap or shave bar. This will help prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs. To be honest, I often use body wash or shampoo, or even conditioner – I grab whichever is closest to me usually!
- Glide the razor across your skin. This is going to sound incredibly obvious, but you do not need to apply any pressure as you’re shaving! Just glide the razor across your skin. It’s sharp and if you put any pressure, you will knick yourself!
- Shave at an angle. Hold the razor at a 30-45º angle while you are shaving - this will help ensure a smooth shave and help reduce skin irritation.
Bonus
While you are getting used to the razor you can shave with the hair instead of against it (i.e shaving your leg top to bottom instead of bottom to top). I shave the area around my knees and armpits in both directions, and my bikini line with the hair.
How To Clean Safety Razor
Lots of folks recommend taking apart the safety razor in-between uses to let it dry out, however I usually don’t. I find that just leaving it in a dry place of your shower is fine! I do always give it a rinse after shaving to make sure there isn’t any hair stuck in the blades.
The Best Safety Razors...
Are the ones you can recycle at your nearest zero waste shop. You will be able to tell when your blade is getting dull, (I usually get at least a month out of my blades, but this will all depend on how often you shave and how thick your hair is). At The Tare Shop, your favorite no waste shop, will take all your dull blades — just make sure they aren’t wrapped in the paper. A refill shop near you may accept them, or you can call your municipality as well and see if there is anywhere that accepts sharps to recycle them!
Leave a comment