Reusable razors are exactly what they sound like: razors that can be used multiple times, with replaceable blades. Unlike disposable razors that end up in landfills after just a few uses, reusable options focus on durability and sustainability. The concept is simple: invest in a quality razor that lasts, significantly reducing waste over time.
Do not shave on open wounds, cold sores, infections, eczema or during antibiotic treatment. For shaving soaps, avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions. Avoid shea butter for latex allergies (keep essential oils and cocoa butter away from pets).
Types of Reusable Razors
- Safety Razors: These have a protective guard that reduces the risk of cuts. They are user-friendly and perfect for beginners.
- Straight Razors: Often seen as the classic option, straight razors require more skill but offer an exceptionally close shave. They’re a favourite among traditionalists.
- Cartridge-based Systems: These razors use a reusable handle with replaceable cartridges. They sit somewhere between disposables and true reusable options, combining convenience with some sustainability.
Jungle Culture offers good quality safety razors made from stainless steel or bamboo, all with closed teeth, textured grips and extra-long handles, all sold in zero waste packaging. The site also sells razor blade disposal tins, refill blades and shaving sets (with magnetic gift boxes, and cotton/jute travel bags.)
Double-edged razor blades are coated with Teflon to glide over skin, you can’t recycle them. So send them off in a prepaid (free) envelope to Gillette (who will recycle them on) or pop the full blade bank (takes years to fill) into the bin, where (sealed with paper tape) won’t cause accidents at landfill.
Shoreline Shaving is a brand set up by two friends in Manchester, who saw the effects of plastic litter on their doorsteps. Their safety razors are made from brass metal with slimline heads, weighted chrome handles and textured non-slip grip in a beautiful array of colours. They also sell safety blade banks and silicone razor head protectors, to keep them safe, when not in use.
If you prefer to use an electric razor, then invest in a good one (does not have to be expensive), as you are likely going to use it daily for years. It’s more important to choose an ethical brand (many of the major players like Braun are owned by big animal-testing giants).
Use a Vegan Shaving Brush
Rather than buy shaving brushes with animal fur, you can now invest in a vegan shaving brush if wished).
Palm-Oil Free (vegan) Shaving Bar from Yorkshire
Alter/native by Suma Shaving Bar is vegan and free from palm oil, and made with natural ingredients. Then packed in recycled paper, made with a blend of olive and coconut oil with essential oils. Use with a vegan shaving brush and bowl (or just wet hands and work into a thick creamy lather, to use with a reusable safety razor). Allow block to dry between uses.
Avoid this bar for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions, due to essential oils.
Suma’s travel soap tin is ideal for when you’re on the go, to help your shaving bar to last longer and keep it dry.
Prefer to Keep Your Whiskers?
Of course you could still choose to have a beard (many people do for personal choice, less irritation or religious beliefs). All you need then is a wooden beard comb in a vegan leather pouch to keep your whiskers in order!
Zero Waste Answer to Facial Fuzz!
If you’re a woman with ‘facial peach fuzz’, it’s best not to use a conventional razor as you’ll end up with stubble! And creams tend to be made with irritating chemicals. Instead, Tweezerman facial razor is a gentler stainless steel tool for the face. Again place used blades in a blade bank.
