How to use a safety razor

What are the benefits of using a Safety Razor?

Close shave: the sharp blade of a safety razor provides a close shave and less drag on the skin, reducing irritation

Suitable for sensitive skin: compared to multi-blade razors, safety blades are kinder to skin and are known to reduce irritation.

Cost-effective: the cost of safety razor blades can range from 20-50 cents and last for 5-7 shaves. A week’s worth of shaving for 20 cents!

Environmentally friendly: Safety razors use no single-use plastic and are a great eco-friendly and zero waste alternative to plastic razors.

Collect the used razor blades and recycle them with metal recycling for a complete closed eco cycle.

Before you use a safety razor for the first time

Shaving with a safety razor is easier than it may seem. It is just like using your regular razor, with a few tiny differences.

Angle: It is best to shave at a 30-45 degree angle. This is pretty easy to feel, as the razors themselves are naturally curved to suit this angle along your skin.

Pressure: You won’t need to push as hard with a safety razor compared to other razors. Gently glide the safety razor along your skin with minimum pressure for best results.

Step-by-step instructions

Place your thumb on one side of the razor head and your index finger on the other side, twist and unscrew.

Carefully separate the razor head and place a double-edged razor blade in between the two pieces that make up the head of your razor.

Re-screw the razor head and the razor base back together. Make sure that the ridges on the razor head are facing upwards (common mistake).

Before shaving, soak your razor in hot water and douse your skin with hot water, or heat your skin with a hot towel.

Apply shaving soap to the area that you would like to shave. We recommend a good whipped shaving cream such as Vintage Leather Sandalwood or Summer Coconut.

At a 30-45 degree angle, move your razor in straight lines down your skin, making sure to only shave in straight lines, not diagonally.

Pull your skin tight whilst shaving for the closest possible shave.

Rinse your razor throughout and apply more shaving cream if necessary. Once you are finished, store your razor somewhere dry.

How to replace safety razor blades?

Our safety razors all have three pieces, the cap, mount, and handle. The blade is placed between the cap and mount and tightened by screwing in the handle.

With a towel or cloth, hold the head of the razor (the cap and mount) and twist the handle of the razor, loosening from the head.

When all three pieces are loose carefully remove the used blade and dispose of it in a metal container for recycling later.

Insert a new blade between the cap and mount and screw in the handle. When the ridges of the mount are facing up, this is ready for shaving.

When the ridges of the mount are facing down this is a more secure way to store the razor.

To purchase new blades we recommend checking out your local chemist or shave shop.

How to care for your safety razor?

How long do safety razor blades last?: Double edge razor blades last for approximately 5-7 close shaves before losing their sharpness.

How to prolong razor and blade life?: It is best to remove your razor from wet areas once finished shaving. Do not keep the razor in the shower or in a wet place and make sure to thoroughly dry all pieces before storing it away.

If you have a wooden handle razor is it especially important to avoid leaving it in a wet place. This will reduce potential rot and deterioration.

How to dispose of razors: collect used razor blades in a metal or tin container. Once it is full, contact your local council to ask about local metal recycling.

How to care for your skin?

Shave with the grain of your hair

Face: shave in a downward direction along the cheeks, chin and neck.

Legs: shave down the legs first before shaving up. Once the hair is shorter it is safer for the skin to then go against the grain. Shaving up the legs will provide a closer shave, however will increase the chance of skin irritation, especially for those who have sensitive skin.

Sensitive areas: trim any long hair prior to shaving. Shave with the grain of the hair. With your free hand pull the skin tight to provide a smooth area for shaving. Short strokes (rather than longer) are more effective.

Exfoliate your skin

It is best to exfoliate your skin before shaving. This will help to remove dirt and dead skin cells, as well as lift the hair from the skin making a smoother shave. Exfoliating after shaving could irritate the recently exposed skin. Check out our soft whipped exfoliating cleansers for the perfect skin prep.

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