Reusable Safety Razors (and vegan shaving brushes)

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).

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).

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.

Jungle Culture (reusable safety razors)

Jungle Culture offers quality safety razors made from stainless steel or bamboo – with textured grips and extra-long handles, all sold in zero waste packaging.

The double-edged blade fits snugly into most reusable handles, giving full control over your shave. This design helps reduce nicks and irritation, making them a smart choice for sensitive skin.

Upcircle plastic-free disposable razors

Upcircle Beauty plastic-free safety razors are sold with two blades, then just buy refill blades after  that. For men or women, it can be used on the face or body (do not apply pressure, just hold the handle gently and let the weight of the razor head glide over skin).

Shoreline Shaving’s Dermaplaners (remove ‘peach fuzz’ hair)

Using a blade to scrape skin off your face may sound alarming, but if done properly with good tools, it’s a good way to scrape off dead skin and ‘fuzzy hairs’ without trips to the beautician or leaving stubble.

Although it should not be used on active acne, eczema or sensitive skin), dermaplaning is one of the best ways to safely soften the look of shallow acne scars, by removing the top layer of skin. Which is far safer than a harsh acid peel!

Shoreline Shaving’s Dermaplaners are used to exfoliate skin on the face, and remove ‘peach fuzz’ like on upper lips. The set includes a silicone blade cover and three replacement blades (also in rose gold). Then just buy refill blades.

Only use the tool every four weeks or so. Hold at a 45-degree angle, then use short gentle strokes to shave in downward motions. Be extra cautious around the nose and upper lip. Clean with rubbing alcohol.