The use of safety razor blades is a bathroom swap that has been making a big comeback in the past few years.
As we’ve seen, when it comes to personal hygiene, there are many options for swaps to reduce waste:
-Solid shampoo and conditioner bars instead of liquid ones packed in plastic bottles.
-Bar soaps instead of liquid soaps.
-Menstrual cups that replace disposable period products.
-Bamboo toothbrushes in lieu of plastic ones (and toothpaste tablets that replace toothpaste tubes)
-Plastic-free and biodegradable cotton pads and facial sponges.
Why add safety razor blades to the list? There are 3 basic reasons.
Safety razor blades: Why switch to zero waste shaving?
It’s sustainable
Disposable plastic razor blades are often made of plastic and they are rarely recycled, because they have to be disassembled first (separate plastic and metals) in order to do it.
Did you know that more than 10,000 tons of plastic razor waste are generated every year?
Safety razor blades, on the contrary, are 100% plastic-free, including packaging. At Bluehouse, for example, we sell the Bambooya blades (made of metal or bamboo) and the Oceanic blades (made of stainless steel).
It’s more efficient
Apart from being eco friendly, safety razor blades are actually more efficient!
Yes, a safety razor outperforms a cartridge razor. Every time.
And it also helps reduce those annoying razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
Why? Because they cut hair directly at the skin’s surface in one movement, and their single double-edge blade doesn’t tug and pull.
Plus, using a single blade and replacing it regularly instead of using one old cartridge for weeks at a time, means a much cleaner and hygienic shave.
And no hairs will stick between the blades, as it often happens with disposable razors.
Source: Bambooya
It’s cheaper
Yes, it’s good for the planet and for your wallet!
The handles can last a lifetime under normal use, and the loose universal razor blades are cheaper than the cartridge systems of well-known brands.
Safety razor blades: How? A Beginner’s Guide
- Assemble correctly. There really is no correct side to the blade: both sides shave. Check your brand’s manual to see how to put together the components.
- Lubricate. Apply a generous amount of any shaving foam, cream or soap. Shaving dry skin might generate burns and it won’t be as smooth. It’s best to shave after some time spent in the shower or bath, which is when your hair will be the softest and easiest to shave.
- First time? Test the blade. Do it in an easy and accessible zone, like the legs, before going to more delicate areas like the armpits or bikini. Get a feel of it: You’ll notice it’s much sharper than the plastic ones you’ve tried before! Don’t panic, it’s way more efficient and it won’t harm your skin! As everything is new, you will probably need some time to get used to it.
- Check angle & pressure. The trick here is to apply no pressure. Hold it gently and just pass it smoothly. Place it at a 30 to 45 degree angle away from the skin.
- Use short strokes. And regularly rinse your razor to maintain sharpness.
- Shave with the grain whenever possible. This will prevent ingrown hairs, pulling, and irritation.
- Take your time and do not rush.
- Be careful in tricky areas. Like with any razor, go slow in knees, ankles and any other place where there are curves and bumps. If the skin is wrinkly, use your fingers to make it taut.
- Post-shave. Wash your skin with warm water and apply natural moisturizer, cosmetic oil, or any aftershave you may be using.
- Replace the blades. How often? It depends on the use, but usually you can place a new safety razor after 7-10 shaves. When disposing of the old ones, make or buy a blade disposal tin (you can use an old aluminum can/container). When full, place it in your recycling bin or you can take it to your local recycling center. Remember to seal it to prevent injuries.
- Maintain! Some tips:
-After shaving, rinse thoroughly with warm water, making sure that all the hairs are out. Then take it apart and rinse the blade and pieces and leave out to dry before reassembling.
-Don’t leave your razor in the shower/in a damp spot
Safety razor blades: Best brands & products
Here at Bluehouse we’ve selected the best products to enhance your zero waste shaving routine!
As always, all our brands respond to our Blue Labels, a set of sustainability standards where each one justifies the way in which certain sustainability criteria are met for their products.
Check them out:
