Using a Safety Razor

Plastic razors may be even more of an environmental problem than plastic toothbrushes, with some estimates suggesting upwards of 5 billion being tossed into landfills every year. Given their short life and that they are near impossible to recycle since they are made with several different materials, plastic razors are hugely wasteful. If this isn’t incentive enough to delete plastic razors from your life, our new safety razor might be! While a little intimidating at first glance, practice is all you need to get the hang of shaving with a safety razor. Your skin and hand simply need time to grow accustomed to the method.

To get started with your safety razor, read on for our easy step by step guide. Mastering the art of shaving with a safety razor will leave you with a cleaner, closer shave, and the environment with less pesky plastics to deal with. A win for your skin, and a win for the planet!

What is a safety razor?

One of our favourite eco-friendly swaps for the home, safety razors are completely plastic-free and forever-reusable. They are designed with a simple screw mechanism and reusable steel blades that can be replaced and recycled when dull. The result? No more disposable plastic razors filling our landfills and oceans; instead a long lasting, eco-friendly alternative for your regular grooming routine. Bonus points for the savings you’ll make for your wallet too – you’ll only need to buy one safety razor for the rest of your life, then all you need to do is replace the blades!

Instructions on How to Use

1. To insert a blade, screw the bottom of the razor until the top of the razor opens. Take one blade from the box provided and drop this into the top of the razor (it doesn’t matter which way up it goes). Screw the bottom back the other way to close the top. Your razor is now set up.

2. Moisten and lather your favourite shaving bar (we love the Ethique tip to toe shaving bar) onto your skin.

3. Hold the safety razor at approximately 30° to your skin. Let it come into contact with your skin first, then start gliding while applying gentle pressure. Always shave in the direction of hair growth -and never side to side.

4. Rinse the blade throughout the shave.

5. Rinse off your razor and dry the blade thoroughly then store in a dry place (not in the shower).

More Tips & Tricks

• Take your time whilst shaving with a safety razor! It’s a more refined method than shaving with disposable razors, and requires extra attention.

• Use gentle pressure – let the weight of the stainless steel do the work for you!

• Do not panic if you get small nicks or scratches on your first couple of shaves. Once you have familiarised yourself with the new method, this will stop.

• To prevent nicks and scratches, allow the safety razor to contact your skin first, then lift it to the desired 30° angle, then begin your gliding motion.

• Replace the blade when it goes blunt. Most safety razor blades can last for 5-7 shaves – less for thick hair, more for fine hair.

• Rinse your safety razor of soap, hair and gunk after each use.

• Apply your selected shaving products in a circular motion to get under your skin to fully lubricate and nourish the skin.

• To prevent any redness and irritation, apply a shave balm or calming moisturiser to the area after shaving.