A safety razor is a shaving tool designed to reduce the risk of cuts and nicks to the skin while shaving. The safety razor was invented in the early 1900s and has remained a popular shaving tool today. Most safety razor brands today, like Merkur Razors, have been around for over a hundred years. This shows how indispensable this tool has proven to be.
If you are still unsure whether you should use safety razors, this guide explains why and how to use a safety razor.
What is a Safety Razor?
A safety razor is a type of razor that features a protective guard between the blade and the skin. This guard helps to reduce the risk of cuts and nicks, making it a safer option for shaving. In addition, adjusting the guard allows for a closer or more relaxed shave, depending on your preference.
Blades for safety razors can either be disposable or reusable. Although disposable blades are more convenient, their long-term costs are higher. The fact that reusable blades can be used multiple times rather than having to buy new ones helps save money.
Most safety razor brands come with instructions on how to change the blade. It is essential to follow these directions carefully to avoid injury. Safety razors are simple to use, and you can get them at most pharmacies and grocery stores.
Benefits of Safety Razors
There are many benefits to using a safety razor. Here are some of them:
1. Cheaper to Use
Shaving with a safety razor is far cheaper than using an electric razor or a disposable razor. The replacement blades for safety razors like the Merkur safety razor are available at a low cost. In fact, the price of a pack of blades is typically less than one dollar. Electric razors, on the other hand, can cost hundreds of dollars. Even disposable razors can rack up a hefty price tag, especially if you purchase a razor from a reputable brand.
2. It gives a Close Shave
A safety razor gives the closest shave to any other type of razor. This is because the blade is far sharper than the blades found on other kinds of razors. The blades on a safety razor are also angled at a steeper angle, which helps to cut the hair closer to the skin.
3. Safe to Use
Compared to conventional razors, using a safety razor presents a significantly lower risk of injury. This is possible due to the presence of a guard that protects the blade. This protection helps to avoid cuts as well as razor burns. Other kinds of razors do not have a guard to protect the blades inside of them. This means there is a larger danger of suffering razor burn or cutting yourself when you shave.
4. Easy Maintenance
Cleaning a safety razor is easy compared to other types of razors. This is because there is a guard around the blade. This guard helps to keep hair from becoming stuck in the blade. Otherwise, hair has a greater chance of becoming entangled in the blade, making it more difficult to clean.
5. Eco-friendly
A safety razor is more friendly to the environment than other razors. The blades are constructed out of stainless steel and, stainless steel materials are recyclable. Other kinds of razors have plastic instead of metal, and plastics are not recyclable.
Choosing a Safety Razor
There are two types of safety razors: double-edge and single-edge. Double-edge razors have a blade on each side of the head, while single-edge razors only have a blade on one side. Some brands specialize in one type of razor, while some specialize in both. For example, Merkur Razors are available in both styles.
If you have sensitive skin, start with a single-edge razor. If you have thick hair, start with a double-edged razor. And if you need help deciding which safety razor to get, you can start with reputable brands. You might find your preference later.
How to Use a Safety Razor?
Follow the proceeding steps to get started with using a safety razor.
1. Use either a good shaving cream or a good soap
Shaving creams and soaps serve a vital purpose in making it easier for the razor to glide over the skin. They also help to soften the stubble, which results in a closer and more comfortable shave. If you have a high-quality lather, you will have a more pleasant shaving experience with less irritation and redness.
2. Hold the razor at an angle of 30 degrees
As their name suggests, safety razors are equipped with a built-in safety system to protect the user from accidental nicks and cuts. That is, the head of the razor extends beyond the cutting edge of the blade. That prevents the blade from directly contacting the user’s skin.
This protecting bar is slanted out of the way when the razor is held at around a 30-degree angle to the skin. This allows the blade to make contact with the stubble and the razor to work efficiently.
3. Don’t apply force or pressure
The blades of safety razors are very sharp, and you do not need to exert any effort or energy to cut through stubble with them quickly. It is vital to remember that the weight of the razor should do the majority of the work while using a safety razor and that you should only apply light pressure to keep the razor head against the skin.
4. You are done
When you’re finished shaving, rinse your face with cold water. Apply a moisturizer to soothe your skin.
Conclusion
Safety razors are a great way to get a close, comfortable shave. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the perfect shave. It may take a few shaves before you feel comfortable using your safety razor to shave. So, be patient, and you will be rewarded with beautiful shaves for years to come when you use your safety razor.
These razors are quite ubiquitous. Therefore, getting them is easy. You can walk into any drugstore or supermarket and ask for any reputable brand like Merkur Razors, and you’ll surely get it.