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To improve the experience of shaving, you need the right tools. Unfortunately, with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right shaving instrument for you and your needs. Luckily, I’ve got you covered.
In this guide we’ll break down one of the most enduring razors on the planet: the safety razor. Here’s everything you need to know about the best safety razors and tips to help you get a great shave with one. Let’s dive in.
© Can Stock Photo / NicoletaIonescu
What is a Safety Razor?
A safety razor is a shaving tool that serves as a protective barrier when shaving with a razor blade, hence the name. Safety razors can be single or double edged, meaning that when the razor blade is placed in the tool, one or both sides will be exposed.
Technically, disposable razors fall under the safety razor umbrella, but colloquial use of the term safety razor typically refers to those cool looking razors that your grandfather and his grandfather used. Used well, it could help avoid ingrown hairs !
What’s the Difference Between a Safety, Straight, and Normal Razor?
Knowing the difference between different types of razors is important, as it can help you choose the best razor and blade for your needs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between a safety razor, straight razor, and normal razor.
Safety Razor
Uses one razor blade, double sided head, reusable, and cost-effective.
Straight Razor
A single sided razor blade that can fold into its handle, also referred to as a cut-throat razor. Uses half a razor blade as refills, cost-effective, and difficult learning curve.
Normal Razor
Traditional disposable razor with multiple blades built in, usually good for one use. Easy to use, but not cost-effective.
3 Tips for Using a Safety Razor
Whether you’re a beginner or having your safety razor shaving technique down pat, learning some safety razor shaving best practices won’t hurt. Here are the top three tips for using a safety razor.
1. Use Lubrication
Shaving requires you to drag a sharp blade across your skin multiple times, which can cause irritation, razor bumps, and other shaving-related problems. Using a lubricant in the form of shaving gel, cream, or soap can help you avoid shaving issues and walk away from the experience with a smooth cut.
2. Keep Your Razor Clean
When shaving with a double-sided safety razor, you’ll have the advantage of switching between its two sides. Be sure to rinse your blade often and keep it clean before each pass.
3. Switch Up Your Angle
Figuring out which angle works best for you may take some trial and error. Generally, a 30 degree angle is the simplest way to get a great shave, but you can experiment with different techniques. Avoid any slashing movements with the blade, as you’ll likely cut yourself or cause some serious irritation.
Bottom line
The bottom line? Safety razors offer an excellent shave, in an eco-friendly, cost-effective package. If you’re in the market for a new shaving tool, you can’t go wrong with a quality safety razor!
