Safety Razors & Accessories
The history of hair removal has a long tradition. Even in ancient Egypt, women removed body hair on their legs and intimate areas for aesthetic reasons. Body hair was also considered uncivilized in certain periods in ancient Greece and among the Romans. Smooth skin corresponds to the beauty ideals of many people.
For women who want to remove body hair for aesthetic or hygienic reasons, there are several options: shaving, depilatory cream, epilation, waxing, sugaring, or laser treatment. We offer high-quality and sustainable safety razors from Giesen & Forsthoff and Leaf Shave, with which you can achieve a smooth and easy shave simply and safely.
Conventional multi-blade razors are not the best choice for smooth skin
There are different types of common razors. Disposable razors are made almost entirely of plastic except for the blades and should only be used once and then discarded, which leads to significant waste with regular use. Traditional multi-blade razors have a handle made of plastic or metal and replaceable blade heads. Although these initially seem more sustainable than disposable razors, the blade heads contain a considerable amount of plastic, which greatly reduces their sustainability. Additionally, the blades of conventional razors dull quickly, increasing the risk of cuts during shaving and promoting ingrown hairs.
Safety razors as a sustainable and safe alternative
Safety razors, on the other hand, are made entirely of stainless steel or brass and usually have a single blade or, more rarely, two steel blades. These blades are sharper than those of common disposable or multi-blade razors and therefore need to be replaced less often.
Although safety razors may seem more expensive at first compared to conventional razors, they are a small investment in the long run. They are extremely durable, and the replacement blades are significantly cheaper than those for conventional razors. And of course, the aspect of sustainability plays a major role – safety razors produce no plastic waste and are thus an environmentally friendly method of hair removal.
The guide to shaving with a safety razor
When switching from conventional razors to safety razors, there are a few things to pay special attention to during use to achieve a gentle and thorough shave.
Take your time
Instead of trying to shave as quickly as possible, consider shaving as a small self-care ritual. How about a nice hot shower, a soothing body scrub, and then methodically and carefully shaving so you don’t miss anything.
Shower and exfoliate
For an optimal shave, make sure your skin is warm, clean, and preferably freshly exfoliated. After a thorough scrub in the shower, shaving works very easily.
Apply shaving oil or soap
Use shaving oil or soap depending on your personal preference and lather the skin well. It is always recommended to lather only the area currently being shaved – step by step, so to speak. If you use shaving oil, it’s best to wash your hands briefly with soap afterward to get a good grip.
Do not apply pressure
The razors are made of solid brass or stainless steel and have a high weight. Let the razor glide over the skin without applying additional pressure. A good rule of thumb is to hold the razor at an angle of about 30 degrees.
Shave with or against the direction of hair growth?
The choice between shaving with or against the hair growth often depends on the body area.
On the legs, where the skin is less sensitive, shaving against the hair growth usually works well and provides a thorough shave in just one pass.
For the underarms, it is recommended to first shave with the hair growth, then gently stretch the skin and do a second pass against the hair growth, but without applying pressure.
In the bikini area, start with the hair growth, then follow with a pass across the hair growth to achieve a smooth shave, avoiding any additional pressure.
Keep the blade clean
After a few passes, rinse the razor head. It’s best to hold the razor head firmly and loosen it by half a turn. Then clean the razor head under running water or in a small bowl of water from deposits (hair, skin, oil, fat, etc.). Keeping the blade clean and sharp is important to avoid skin irritation.
Keep the blade sharp
A sharp razor blade is key to avoiding irritation and ingrown hairs. It’s best to change the blade after three to four shaves. The cost of blades is low, so frequent replacement is easily possible. Collect used blades in a small container and dispose of them properly.
Conclusion: Sustainable and effective hair removal with safety razors
Safety razors offer an environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and thorough alternative to conventional razors. While disposable and multi-blade plastic razors generate significant amounts of waste and dull quickly, safety razors stand out for their durability and minimal plastic use. The sharp steel blades need to be replaced less often, reducing the risk of injury and ingrown hairs.
To achieve the best results with a safety razor, it is important to take your time shaving, prepare the skin, and avoid applying pressure. Proper blade care and technique ensure a gentle and thorough shave.
Invest in a safety razor to protect both your skin and the environment while saving money in the long term.
Learn more about men's grooming in our blog post: Why men need facial care – effective, natural, uncomplicated