The downsides to frequent shaving are that it can cause irritation, bumps, cuts, ingrown hairs, razor burn, and nicks. This can be frustrating for anyone who wants to keep everything clean and tidy. Luckily, safety razors are designed to address these issues, making shaving a much smoother, safer, and more comfortable experience—especially for those with sensitive skin.
“Safety razors work best for sensitive skin,” William Rodgriguez, a master barber at Public Image NYC tells Beautycon. “Using a safety razor to shave is the best way to prevent unsightly razor bumps, ingrown hairs, nicks and irritation.”
What’s the difference between a safety razor and a regular razor?
There is a significant difference between a safety razor and a regular razor. The difference lies with the razor head. “Safety razors use a single or double edge razor that is encased in a head that only exposes the edge of the razor,” Dr. Hartman says. “A regular razor is often known as a cartridge razor, which has a series of razor edges stacked on top of one another.”
Best practice with safety razors
When using a safety razor, it’s important to note that the head of the razor doesn’t pivot like regular razors. Instead, it’s recommended to use the safety razor in the direction of hair growth to achieve the best angles. First, it’s important to prepare the skin on your face by steaming in the shower or using a hot towel. Second, apply a pre-shave oil, shaving gel, or cream, and try to shave with and across the grain of the hair growth to avoid irritation. After shaving, rinse your face with cold water and apply an after-shave balm for a refreshing finish.
The importance of using one blade is also emphasized by the experts. “Stick to one blade if you have sensitive skin,” Dr. Corey L. Hartman, Founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL, says. “A fresh, new blade will easily remove hair from the face with the least amount of contact with your skin possible, which will reduce the risk of skin irritation, redness and itching.”
Which safety razors should I try?
