How to Use a Safety Razor, According to Experts

Shaving tools have evolved well beyond the disposable pink razors for women. Today, there’s a range of razors on the market designed for a smoother shave, with many focusing on reducing cuts and irritation, such as safety razors.

As the name suggests, safety razors are designed with a protective guard to shield the skin from injury during shaving. They are often sharper than traditional razors and address issues like razor burn, ingrown hairs, and nicks, so proper use is important to avoid harm. Below, we asked two board-certified dermatologists to explain how to choose the right safety razor, use it safely, and maintain and clean it effectively. 

What Are Safety Razors?

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, safety razors are designed with a protective guard to shield the skin from injury during shaving. They use a single blade, which provides an effective shave and gently exfoliates the skin. Razors with multiple blades can be more likely to irritate the skin and increase the risk of ingrown hairs. While single-edge razors can be more expensive, they often have a shorter learning curve compared to double-edge razors. For those who are environmentally conscious, choosing a razor with a durable, sturdy handle and replaceable blades is a great option.

How to Choose the Right Safety Razor

Choosing the right safety razor is crucial for achieving a smooth, comfortable shave while minimizing the risk of skin irritation, cuts, and ingrown hairs, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. James C. Collyer. He explains that the benefits of using a suitable razor include a closer shave, reduced skin irritation, fewer nicks and cuts, and overall better skin health. Selecting the right razor depends on individual needs, such as facial hair type, skin sensitivity, and preferred shaving method. Other factors Dr. Collyer suggests to consider include:

• Handle Design and Grip: A comfortable handle with a good grip is essential for control and precision, reducing the risk of slipping and cutting the skin.
• Number of Blades: More blades can provide a closer shave but may also increase irritation. Single-blade razors, like safety razors, are generally gentler on the skin.
• Blade Quality and Sharpness: High-quality, sharp blades offer a cleaner cut, minimizing the chance of pulling hairs and causing irritation.
• Ease of Blade Replacement: Razors with easily replaceable blades are more convenient and ensure consistent shaving performance.
• Additional Features: Features like pivoting heads allow the razor to follow facial contours while lubricating strips can help soothe the skin during shaving.

How to Prepare to Shave With a Safety Razor

Using a safety razor for the first time can be intimidating. “The blades in safety razors are sharp, so there is a risk of nicking and cutting,” says Dr. Camp. It’s important to exercise caution, but fortunately, safety razors often come with instructions on how to hold and position the razor, as well as tips on shaving to minimize the risk of injury. There’s also some prep work involved: “Exfoliating and cleansing the skin before shaving softens coarse hair, reduces friction, and provides a closer shave.” Additionally, consider the following preparations:

• Facial Hair Type: Coarse, thick hair may require a more robust blade or multiple blades for effective cutting. Fine hair might be adequately managed with a single-blade razor.
• Skin Sensitivity: Sensitive skin benefits from razors with lubricating strips and fewer blades to minimize irritation.
• Desired Shaving Method: Traditional wet shaving may be best suited to safety razors, while convenience might lead you to choose electric razors.

How to Use a Safety Razor

The first step is to use a cleanser with warm water to remove excess oil, debris, and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, says Dr. Camp. “Exfoliating also helps eliminate dead skin cells and reduces friction during shaving, making the process smoother.” You can use a physical, chemical, or mixed exfoliant while showering.

In general, Dr. Camp recommends tilting the razor at a 30-degree angle and dragging it in the direction of hair growth without applying excessive pressure. “Using a safety razor often requires practice; mastering the technique involves learning to hold the razor at the correct angle to the skin.”

Dr. Collyer advises shaving in the direction of hair growth. He explains that hair grows in different directions on various parts of the body, so adjust your technique accordingly. A closer shave increases the likelihood of developing razor bumps, which are ingrown hairs unable to pierce the skin surface as they regrow. To minimize this risk, leave some hair slightly above the skin surface. While pulling your skin taut can give you a closer shave, it also raises the risk of razor bumps because the blunted hair end may not penetrate the skin surface as it regrows, causing it to curl under the skin.

Establish a Post-Shave Skincare Routine

Your shaving routine doesn’t end when you step out of the shower. There’s an art to the post-shave skincare routine. “Applying a moisturizer or post-shave balm helps the skin recover from the abrasive effects of the razor. These products repair the skin barrier, help it retain moisture, and may reduce the risk of razor burn,” says Dr. Camp. He recommends looking for ingredients like aloe vera, lipo hydroxy acid, willow herb extract, and vitamin E, which can hydrate the skin and treat or prevent razor bumps and razor burn. Products containing olive extracts, tea tree oil, and lavender oil are also beneficial, as they help prevent ingrown hairs, bumps, and razor burns with their lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas.

How to Maintain and Clean a Safety Razor

Clean Your Razor

• Cartridge Razors: Rinse thoroughly under warm water after each use. Tap the razor gently to remove hair and debris.
• Safety Razors: Disassemble and rinse each part under warm water. Use a brush to remove any residual hair.
• Electric Razors: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically involve removing the head and brushing out trapped hairs. Dr. Camp advises cleaning the razor after each stroke to remove hair particles that accumulate under the blade, which can affect its efficiency.

Dry After Each use

• Ensure razors are completely dry before storing them to prevent rust and bacterial growth. Shake off excess water and pat dry with a towel.

Proper Storage

• Both experts suggest storing razors in a dry place, away from the shower or any damp environment. Consider using a razor stand or case.

Blade Replacement

• Dr. Collyer recommends replacing blades regularly according to the manufacturer’s guidelines or when you notice a decrease in shaving performance. For safety razors this may be every 3-6 shaves. 

The Final Takeaway

Safety razors are designed to reduce irritation and skin damage, featuring a protective mechanism between the blade and the skin to minimize the risk of cuts. To get the best results, cleanse and exfoliate your skin before use, apply the right amount of tilt and pressure, and shave in the direction of hair growth. Proper cleaning and storage are also necessary. The frequency with which you should replace the blade can vary based on hair thickness and shaving frequency, but a good rule of thumb is to replace it after every 3-6 uses.