Shaving with a safety razor – How to use your safety razor correctly
Safety razors —also known as safety razors—were popular for years and are finally making a comeback! To help you get the most out of them, we've put together a step-by-step shaving guide, as well as other important and helpful tips on shaving with a safety razor. First, you should know that shaving with a safety razor is always wet. If you're still unsure whether a wet or dry shave is better for you, take a look here.
Safety razor application – How to shave successfully
Are you using a safety razor for the first time or are you not yet getting the desired shaving result? We will explain to you step by step how to use a safety razor and give you the best tips. Especially with a For safety razors, the correct angle and direction of pull are particularly important.
Step 1: Wash your face
Okay, this doesn't have anything to do with shaving itself, but it's part of your routine. So: wash your face with lukewarm water and, if you have oily, normal, or combination skin, use a gentle scrub . This way, you can prevent ingrown hairs or Razor burn impede.
Use warm water
Warm water or a towel with very warm water better prepares your skin and beard hair for shaving. It opens the pores and promotes blood circulation. Therefore, we recommend shaving immediately after showering. The water shouldn't be too hot, as this can dry out your skin.
If your beard hairs are longer than 5-6 mm, it's a good idea to trim them beforehand. This will ensure the best shaving results.
Step 2: Apply shaving cream or oil
Here you are spoiled for choice: shaving soap, foam, oil , or cream. Lather up a few pumps in your hands and apply generously to your face and beard. It is especially chic and effective to use the shaving soap with a Shaving brush in a Open the shaving bowl . Massage the foam thoroughly in circular motions until it reaches your skin.
Step 3: Position the safety razor at a 30-degree angle
Your The safety razor should be at an angle of about 30 degrees to your skin. Then, using short strokes, shave in the direction of hair growth, trying not to go over the same area more than 2-3 times. This prevents razor burn and is much gentler on the skin. During shaving, it greatly helps your blade if you pull the skin taut with your fingers and apply only light pressure. If you aren't satisfied with the shave in some areas, you can also shave across or against the direction of hair growth.
Important!
Don't forget to remove any hair from the blades, especially if you have a longer beard. Simply hold your safety razor under running water or use an old toothbrush. Even with a closed comb, be sure not to touch the blade with your fingers, as they are extremely sharp.
Step 4: Aftershave care (h3)
Ready? Great. Then first rinse off any product residue and stubble with cold water and pat your skin dry with a fresh towel. Shaving is always stressful for your skin. To do your skin good and prevent razor burn , post-shave care is really important. A high-quality aftershave spray or balm provides moisture and has an antibacterial effect.
For everyday use..
For daily use, we recommend beard oil or a beard and face cream . For longer beard hairs, a beard brush may also be useful. A good beard care routine is half the battle for a great shave.
Step 5: Cleaning the safety razor
Your safety razor can last a lifetime. To ensure this, wash it thoroughly after use and remove any hair, foam residue, and skin particles. To do this, unscrew the razor head and carefully remove the blade using the short, blunt side. Then dry it slightly and store it in a dry place.
How often should I change the safety razor blade?
Unfortunately, there's no "one size fits all" solution. How often you need to change your blade depends on how well you care for it, how robust or thick your facial hair is, and whether you're just shaving contours or your entire face. If you notice while shaving that the blade is no longer cutting cleanly or is even tearing, it's time to replace it. You can also flip the blade over and shave with the unused side. Depending on these factors, you should change the blade after 3–12 shaves.
Note: If you use the safety razor on other parts of your body, please change the blade before shaving again to prevent germs from getting on your face.
Safety razor vs. system razor: Are safety razors really better?
The main difference between the two razors is the sharpness and number of blades.
While a system razor has two to six staggered blades in a plastic knob, the safety razor uses one.
Many blades are supposed to produce a smoother finish, but is that true?
We recommend that you shave no more than 2-3 times over the same area with a safety razor . With a five-blade system razor, however, you shave over the same area 5 times in one go. This not only shaves away the hair, but also the top layer of skin. This quickly leads to inflammation and the unpleasant razor burn . In addition, it is difficult to clean between the blades of your system razor and bacteria can easily settle there, which then get onto your skin the next time you shave and make the inflammation worse. The blade of the safety razor is much sharper and does not dull as quickly as the one in system razors, which is why it is often enough to go over the same area 1-2, or at most 3 times.
So far, the safety razor is the clearly better choice, and it's also definitely more sustainable. So why do we have system razors? They're a bit easier to handle. The blades are positioned at a 30-degree angle, so all you have to do is shave. That's it.
Safety razor: open comb vs. closed comb
A closed comb means the blade protrudes only a few millimeters, thus minimizing the risk of injury. The smooth comb glides smoothly over your skin. With an open comb , the gap between the comb and the blade is larger, making it particularly suitable for very thick, wiry, or curly beards. The blade can grasp these hairs better, but irritates the skin more than a closed comb, and the risk of injury is greater.
You've never used a safety razor before?
If you've never used a safety razor before and are new to the field, a closed comb is a better and safer choice. There are also safety razors with adjustable combs, where the blade gap can be adjusted as desired.
How do I insert and change the razor blades?
 |
 |
 |
|
Step 1: With a twisting motion, you can detach the safety razor head from the handle. Carefully remove the old blade and store it in a container. |
Step 2: Remove a new razor blade from the packaging. Important: Grip it either from the top and bottom or by the short, blunt edges. The blade is very sharp and you can easily cut yourself. Insert the blade into the razor head. |
Step 3 : Now you can screw the handle back onto the head and start shaving. |
FAQ
Is a safety razor better for the skin?
Yes, your skin will much prefer being shaved with a safety razor! It's less irritated, and the top layer of skin remains intact. However, you shouldn't neglect your pre- and aftershave routine.
Which safety razor is the best?
The one from Brooklyn Soap, of course! 😉 There's no simple answer to this question. First, consider whether you prefer an open or closed comb. This decision will rule out several models. Then, purely based on appearance, you can choose between a wooden or metal handle and classic silver or, for example, rose gold. There are many models from different manufacturers. It's worth not choosing the cheapest but rather focusing on quality. However, you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality safety razor . Ours, for example, costs just €29.95, which puts it in the mid-range, is of the highest barbershop quality, and will last a lifetime.
How do I dispose of the blades?
An old jam jar or can is a good option. You can store the used blades there and then take them to a collection point or recycling center. There they can be recycled. Since these collection points vary from state to state, check with your state to find out where the best place to dispose of your blades is. If that's not an option for you, unfortunately, they belong in the general waste, like other used hygiene products.
Special Offer : With every Brooklyn Soap order, use code CLEANSHAVE to receive one of our limited-edition razor blade boxes for free! These boxes are perfect for storing new or used razor blades.
Can a safety razor be used by women, men and non-binary people?
Yes, safety razors aren't just for men or beard shaving. Legs, armpits, back, stomach, pubic area, and all sorts of hairy areas can be shaved with a safety razor. Here, too, the skin and hair should be prepared, and beginners should be especially careful in the pubic area.
You should shave your armpits in any direction, as they don't grow as evenly as, for example, beard or leg hair. If you use your safety razor for multiple areas, try changing the blades occasionally and clean the razor thoroughly to prevent germs from growing.
Sharing is caring!
Do you have any tips for shaving with a safety razor or any questions? We'd love to hear from you on Instagram and Facebook .
Discover more shaving care tips in our Academy
Which is better: safety razor or system razor?
Avoid razor burn: 5 tips against razor burn on the neck
Shaving your beard: 3 steps to a perfect shave