Shoreline Shaving (reusable safety razor kits)

Shoreline Shaving makes beautiful shaving kits for men and women, in various colours, sold in zero waste gift packaging. The kits include reusable safety razors (you just need refill blades after that) with shaving stands, blade banks (to safely recycle blades).

Millions of people shave each their faces and bodies. This results in huge waste at landfill of both razors and blades (that can harm wildlife). If you don’t use an electric shaver (Brauna is owned by an animal-testing brand), here are good choices for reusable safety razors (and plastic-free disposable razors).

Do not shave on open wounds, cold sores, infections, eczema or during antibiotic treatment. For shaving soaps, avoid essential oils for pregnancy/breastfeeding (and avoid shea butter for latex allergies).

The average reusable razor costs £20, but then you only have to buy replacement blades, so it soon pays for itself. There is also controversy over the ‘pink tax’ (disposable razors for women are no different, but are priced higher – why?)

Pop used blades in a blade bank

One blade should last you a few shaves with a reusable razor. A blade bank only costs a few pounds, and is basically an upgraded version of making a slit in a tin can, and sealing it with adhesive paper tape, before recycling when full.

This razor blade disposal tin is made from strong tin plated steel, designed to enclose used blades to store up to 100 blades safely. It should take a year to fill, and presents the hazard of sharp blades cutting refuse workers, or birds/wildlife at landfills.

If you don’t have a blade bank, send used blades in a prepaid (free) envelope to Gillette (who will recycle them on).

How to use a reusable safety razor

Reusable razors are used differently, but give a better result than disposable razors, which just ‘scrape skin’:

• Insert stainless steel blades (each one lasts around 10 shaves).
• Lather with soap and a vegan shaving brush, shave in direction of growth.
• Allow the weight of the razor to do the work, rocking the blade against the skin at a 30-degree angle, until it lifts the hair. Use minimal pressure to hold the razor.
• Pat skin dry with a soft clean cloth.
• Take apart your razor and place the blade in the protector. Wipe razor with a dry towel, to prevent rust.

Use with a vegan shaving brush

Shoreline Shaving’s plastic-free vegan shaving brush uses sisal bristles, as a kinder alternative to animal hair. It creates a strong soapy lather, and also exfoliates and prepares the skin for shaving. This helps to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.