What is a safety razor?
A safety razor at its most basic is a razor with a protective device positioned between the edge of the blade and the skin. In 1762 safety razors were invented by French cutler Jean-Jacques Perret who added a protective guard to a regular straight razor. It took until 1880 before the term "safety razor" was first used. The initial purpose of these protective devices was to reduce the level of skill needed for injury-free shaving. This meant individuals could shave at home and did not have to go to the barber every time they needed a touch up.
Safety razors use a single double-edge blade that doesn't tug and pull on the skin which can be switched out when needed. The weight of the safety razor handle allows it to glide smoothly across the skin without a need for a lot of pressure as you shave. This means that safety razors are easier to use than traditional straight razors. We all want a close shave without having to worry about cuts all over our skin.
How to shave with a safety razor:
The first step to using a safety razor is to prep your skin. You may want to exfoliate by taking a nice hot shower or bath beforehand and really scrubbing yourself down. This step helps you prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps which are caused when dead skin cells get pushed into your pores as you are shaving. For the best shaving experience, do yourself and your skin a favor and prep your skin before shaving.
Once you are done exfoliating apply your shaving lotion, cream, butter, gel, or whatever else you like to use. Each of these products fulfills a similar purpose to help your razor glide across your skin, which makes your razor less likely to catch on your skin and therefore cut you. Which product you use is really a matter of personal preference though choosing a product formulated for shaving will work better than simply using soap and water to shave. At Seek Bamboo we offer an organic zero-waste shaving soap with natural benefits.
The next step is to begin shaving. Position the razor at a 45-degree angle to your skin and shave using short, gentle strokes. This method works better than trying to cover your whole leg or face in one swipe. In addition instead of pushing down hard as you shave you can let the weight of the razor do most of the work. When you push down hard you are more likely to end up accidentally cutting yourself.
If you are one of those who struggle with slightly sensitive skin you might consider shaving "with-the-grain", in the same direction that the hair grows which provides the same level of closeness but takes a few extra passes of the razor. Shaving with the grain will decrease any irritation you might experience from shaving.
Make sure you change your blade often. Once you feel like the razor is tugging at your hairs rather than cutting them quickly and sharply, it's time to change the blade. A dull razor is more likely to cause irritation, ingrown hairs, or even cuts on your skin. Finally take time to care for your razor by simply rinsing it with warm water. Once you have rinsed off your razor remove it from your shower or tub and completely dry it off with a towel. With proper care reusable safety razors can last a long time.
Benefits of a safety razor:
There are several benefits of using a safety razor such as providing a close shave and reducing ingrown hairs and razor burn. Safety razors do this by cutting off the hair bluntly in one pass without catching or dragging hairs as well as not clogging which decreases the likelihood of bacteria buildup. Nobody wants bacteria to build up.
Safety razors are also much better for the planet than cartridge razors because they do not contain extra plastic and packaging which ends up directly in our landfills. A good quality safety razor also helps to decrease the number of single-use razors which are thrown away. Currently over two billion two single-use razors are thrown away yearly. Do your part to minimize this source of waste.
Good quality safety razors also are durable and sometimes can even be passed down from generation to generation. This means they can be filled with memories of being taught how to use them. Use a safety razor which will help you have a nice close shave, while protecting the planet, and building memories you can pass down to future generations.
