Conventional razors are made from plastic, and mostly sold to be disposed of, after a few uses. Did you know that the pink female razors cost more, yet are exactly the same product? This has caused some to accuse the beauty industry of profiteering to women unfairly. Far better to choose a reusable safety razor, which lasts for years, you simply change the blades.
If using shaving soaps, avoid aromatherapy essential oils for pregnancy/nursing (and medical conditions like epilepsy and asthma). Avoid rosemary & citrus oils for high blood pressure. Avoid shea butter for latex allergies.
Shaving with a reusable razor is different, as you let the razor’s weight do the work, to avoid nicks. Lather up, then hold the razor at a 30 degree angle, and use short strokes to shave in the direction of hair growth. Flip over the razor as it clogs with hair, then rinse. Exfoliating the skin first helps to prevent ingrown hairs. Hair does not grow back thicker after shaving, it just feels that way due to the sharp edge.
To care for a reusable razor, wipe it down with a dry cloth after use and store in a dry place, as exposure to moisture will blunt the blade quicker. If you shave daily (face, legs or underarms), one blade should last around 10 days.
Switch to a Badger-Friendly Shaving Brush
Many shaving brushes are also made from boar or badger hair, which result in the animals being killed. Choose a brush with quality synthetic bristles, to send a message to companies that harming animals for shaving brushes is unacceptable. After use, wash and rinse then air-dry your brush, to make it last longer.
Isle Soap Co Vegan Shaving Soap & Brush is presented in a tin, the soap is free from palm oil and subtly scented with lavender & peppermint oils, blended with plant oils, cocoa/shea butter, clays and botanicals.
Zero Waste Plant-Based Shaving Soaps
Authentic House Shave Bar is made with organic plant butters, to help care for skin and help to heal problems. A blend of sandalwood, frankincense, almond and bergamot oils, this bar will last a long time. Keep the bar in your spare hand and apply to wet skin, in the area you are about to shave. The shave bar helps the razor glide over your skin, minimising the chance of cutting yourself.
Use a Blade Bank (to protect wildlife)
This plastic-free razor blade bank is ideal to dispose of used razor blades, when using a reusable razor. This is important, as loose blades that end up on landfills can cut paws and beaks of scavenging animals and birds. To use, just pop used blades through the slot and when the bank is full (should take several months) and pop in your recycling bin. In a pinch, you can use a tin can with a slit in the top. An alternative is to drill two holes in a tin can, cut the slot with a dremel, smooth the rough edges and pound flat. If the hole is wide enough for blades to fall out, seal the can before recycling with a little paper-based packing tape.
If you use disposable razors, you can send all brands back to Gillette who turn the plastic & metal into park benches and alloys.
Reusable Shaving Gift Sets
Shoreline Shaving makes beautiful razor kits with solid metal handles and stainless steel heads that fit double-edge blades. In 4 colours, the kit includes 5 blades (or just opt to buy the razor if you already have blades).
Wild & Stone Reusable Safety Razor Kit includes 5 blades and a hessian travel bag. The grooved edge gives a precision wet shave, and the long handle allows for a close shave in hard-to-reach areas. Designed for both face and body, these razors are easy to recycle, and more affordable long-term.
It’s good to invest in a slatted soap dish with natural soaps and shampoo bars. This helps them to dry out between uses, so they don’t go squishy and disintegrate. If not, just place on a dry flannel in between uses. Use with your favourite vegan shaving brush and reusable razor for the perfect zero-waste shave.
