Shaving is a daily grooming routine for many people, but it can be a frustrating and costly experience when using disposable razors. Fortunately, there is an alternative that offers many benefits – the safety razor. this type of razor has been around for over a century, and they are experiencing a resurgence in popularity for a good reason. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a safety razor for shaving.
For a beginner, the switch from a multi-blade razor to a safety razor can seem overwhelming. After all, you may think that it's easy to use a Mach3 and that it's fast, whereas a classic safety razor is harder to handle and therefore takes longer!
But don't be deceived, shaving with a safety razor is no more complex than shaving with your future old multi-blade razor!
What is a safety razor?
A safety razor is a type of shaving razor that has a protective guard between the blade and the skin, designed to reduce the risk of nicks, cuts, and razor burn. The razor typically consists of a handle and a detachable head that holds a double edge Razor blade. The head of the razor has a comb-like guard that helps to guide the blade along the skin, preventing it from cutting too deeply.
Safety razors have been around since the early 20th century and were a significant improvement over the straight razor, which required a skilled hand to use safely. Safety razors are still used today by many people who prefer the close shave they provide while minimizing the risk of injury. They are also more environmentally friendly than disposable razors, as the blades can be replaced and the razor itself can last for many years with proper care.
The benefits of using a safety razor
1- Cost-effective
One of the most notable advantages of using a safety razor is its cost-effectiveness. While the initial investment may be more than disposable razors, safety razors are much more affordable in the long run. With disposable razors, you have to purchase a new razor every time you run out of blades. This not only generates more waste, but it also adds up to a significant cost over time. In contrast, safety razors have a simple design with replaceable blades that are much less expensive than purchasing a new razor. With proper maintenance, a safety razor can last a lifetime.
2- Eco-friendly
In addition to being cost-effective, safety razors are also environmentally friendly. Disposable razors generate a significant amount of waste, with billions of razors and their packaging ending up in landfills every year. On the other hand, safety razors generate very little waste. The only part that needs to be replaced is the blade, which is made of steel and can be recycled. By switching to a safety razor, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a cleaner planet.
3- Closer Shave
One of the most significant benefits of using a safety razor is the closer shave it provides. The design of a safety razor is meant to provide a more precise cut than disposable razors. Safety razors have a single blade that cuts hair cleanly without pulling or tugging, resulting in a smoother and closer shave. This precision also allows you to shave more precisely around difficult areas such as the chin and neck.
4- Less Irritation
Another significant benefit of using a safety razor is that it is less likely to cause skin irritation and razor burn. Disposable razors typically have multiple blades that can cause hair to be cut below the skin level, leading to ingrown hairs and irritation. Safety razors, on the other hand, have a single blade that cuts hair at the surface level, reducing the likelihood of ingrown hairs and irritation. Additionally, safety razors require less pressure to shave, which further reduces the likelihood of skin irritation.
5- Better for Sensitive Skin
Safety razors are often recommended for people with sensitive skin. The single blade design is less likely to cause irritation or razor burn, making it a great option for people with easily irritated skin. Additionally, safety razors require less pressure to shave, which is gentler on the skin. By using a safety razor, you can reduce the likelihood of skin irritation and enjoy a smoother, more comfortable shaving experience.
6- Improved Technique
Using a safety razor requires a bit more skill and technique than using a disposable razor. This can be a significant benefit, as it provides an opportunity to improve your shaving skills. With a safety razor, you need to use the correct angle and pressure to achieve a close shave without causing irritation. By learning how to use a safety razor correctly, you can improve your shaving technique and achieve a closer shave with less irritation.
In conclusion, safety razors offer numerous benefits for anyone looking for a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and high-quality shaving experience. They provide a closer shave, reduce the likelihood of irritation and razor burn, and are better for sensitive skin. Additionally, using a safety razor is an opportunity to improve your shaving technique and reduce your environmental impact. By switching to a safety razor, you can enjoy a smoother, more comfortable
7- Very Effective
If there is only one benefit to be learned from shaving with a safety razor, it's that it provides a great comfort of use and allows for a close shave without damaging the skin, provided you use quality products and properly maintain it.
Its single blade cuts the hair and does not pull it out, unlike the multi-blade razor which sometimes tends to pull the hair, or the electric razor which is likely to miss a few hairs when passing through the skin.
The use of a safety razor combined with a suitable shaving soap or shaving cream causes less irritation and limits the risk of ingrown hairs because it requires fewer repeated passes on the area to be shaved.
8- Easy to use and maintain
Unlike the straight razor, which requires everyday attention (stropping on leather, regular honing), and a lot of technical skills requiring a long learning process, a safety razor is a razor that does not require a lot of maintenance.
However, it needs to be delicately cleaned after each shave to avoid as much as possible the hygienic risks (foam residue, dust that accumulates, etc.) and possible problems related to corrosion and blocking of certain parts of the mechanism. Plus, the blades don’t need to be sharpened! This saves significant time when you’re in a hurry in the morning.
Finally, learning how to use a safety razor does not take a lot of time. After a week of shaving, you will already be able to master the right techniques and have the right reflexes.
9- Economical
Made with durable materials, a safety razor can last a lifetime and be passed down from generation to generation, unlike its cousin, the multi-blade razor, which is easily prone to breakage due to the use of plastic and sometimes abrupt use.
The other big advantage of a safety razor is that it uses metal blades which, for a life equivalent to multi-blade refills, cost much less! A safety blade costs on average between 30 and 65 cents, so the cost of a refillable multi-blade often exceeds $2.
No more reluctance to throw away your safety blade once you notice it is not as effective and starts to tug. While owners of multi-blade razors tend to prolong the life of their blades at the risk of wearing them out. A dull blade can easily cause cuts and irritation, which is not good for the skin.
10- Ecological
Regarding the ecological benefits of using a safety razor, it's worth mentioning that the production of disposable razors and cartridges requires a lot of energy and resources, which contributes to environmental degradation. On the other hand, safety razors have a much smaller carbon footprint and require much less energy and resources to produce.
Another point to consider is that using a safety razor can help reduce plastic waste. According to some estimates, over two billion disposable razors are thrown away every year, and most of them end up in landfills or oceans. By switching to a safety razor, you can significantly reduce your plastic consumption and help protect the environment.
When it comes to choosing a safety razor, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of handle, the weight of the razor, and the aggressiveness of the blade. It's essential to choose a razor that feels comfortable and well-balanced in your hand and that matches your shaving needs and preferences.
Learning how to use a safety razor properly can take some practice, but the results are worth it. With a bit of patience and technique, you can achieve a close, comfortable shave and enjoy the many benefits that come with traditional shaving.
11- A moment of pleasure
Using a safety razor for shaving is not only practical, but it is also a delightful experience that enables us to connect with our roots and honor our heritage passed down by our forefathers. Shaving with a safety razor creates a ritual that serves as a moment of peace in your day, enabling you to take a breather and ignore the stress of your daily routine.
Choosing to shave the traditional way means separating yourself from the crowd and engaging in an art form that necessitates patience and technical expertise. It is a defiant act against the culture of instant gratification and impatience.
Moreover, the diverse array of scents and sensations provided by different shaving products offers a satisfying and exploratory experience, one that can be shared and enjoyed with others.
How to choose a safety razor?
Now that you're aware of the benefits of using a safety razor, you may be wondering how to select the right one and use it effectively to achieve a smooth and perfect shave. To assist you, we've developed guides that are specifically intended to help you choose the right safety razor and learn how to use it in your daily routine, adhering to the classic shaving techniques. Follow our comprehensive guides to obtain the best results from your safety razor.
