How To Guide

How to shave with a safety razor (step by step):

1. Place your thumb on one side of the razor head and your index finger on the other side, twist and unscrew.

2. Carefully separate the razor head and place a double edged razor blade in between the two pieces that make up the head of your razor.

3. Re-screw the razor head and the razor base back together. Make sure that the ridges on the razor head are facing upwards (Common mistake).

4. Before shaving, soak your razor in hot water and douse your skin with hot water, or heat your skin with a hot towel.

5. Apply shaving soap (preferably plastic-free) to the area that you would like to shave. If you are using Whipped shaving cream then make sure to lather by rubbing in circular motion.

6. At roughly a 45 degree angle, move your razor in straight lines across your skin, making sure to only shave in straight lines, not diagonally.

7. Pull your skin taut whilst shaving for the closest possible shave.

8. Rinse your razor throughout and apply more shaving cream if necessary. Once you are finished, store your razor somewhere
dry. 

9. More of a visual person? Here is a video tutorial we found showing how to replace safety razor blades:

Click me

Do's and dont's of zero waste shaving

To avoid cutting yourself and have the best possible shaving experience, follow these short do's and dont's and your bathroom will be rid of nasty plastics in no time! These tips for using a safety razor and shaving soap will help you get used to sustainable shaving much more quickly!

Do's of zero waste shaving
1. Use plenty of hot water and soak your razor periodically to make it hot to the touch
2. Use a flannel or hot towel to soak up hot water and prepare your skin 3. Use a quality shaving soap to ensure your skin is protected and your razor doesn't get clogged
4. Use short, straight strokes
5. Go slow and take your time in the beginning!
6. Apply a quality, post-shave balm
7. Change blade at least once per 15 shaves, but maybe more depending on the size of the area that you intend to shave.

Dont's of zero waste shaving
1. Don't shave diagonally. Always shave with the grain.
2. Don't dry shave. Always use water and ideally hot water.
3. Don't leave your safety razor in water for a prolonged period of time. 

Benefits of using a safety razor
Here are the top 5 reasons you should switch to a safety razor, right now!

• Barber quality shave

Using a safety razor takes a little bit of practice, but once you perfect the art of shaving with a safety razor, you'll receive a barber quality shave at home, every time!

• The most affordable shaving solution

Imagine buying a razor for $20 that lasts for an entire lifetime! Now imagine buying a packet of razor blades that last for a year for only the fraction of the cost of multi-blades!
That's the reality of using a safety razor. After the initial outlay of $20, you will only need to spend less than $20.00/per year on shaving supplies.

• Using a safety razor is environmentally friendly

Not only is it better and cheaper to use a safety razor. It also helps reduce waste and make your home more sustainable. Safety razors, razor blades and shaving soaps all come packaged 100% plastic-free. It's a win/win for you and the environment!

• Less skin irritation

We've all seen the commercials... aloe vera strips, designed to provide you with an irritation-free shave. The problem is, that little strip is designed to last 2-3 shaves and suddenly you're dragging 5 coarse blades across your face or legs and your 'irritation free' razor is catching on every pimple, mole and skin tag!
Safety razors offer a frictionless shaving experience. Who needs an aloe strip!

How do I recycle my safety razor blades?

Good question.
The answer varies depending on where you live, and rather than explain each and every country's recycling system, here is a directory of solutions that covers most of our audience. (If we haven't included your country, get in touch and we'll add it!)

US & Canada - Terracycle
UK - Find a metal recycling yard (or clean your blades and put them in your local metal recycling box)
Germany Where do I recycle?
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France - A guide to recycling in France
Italy - A guide to recycling in Italy
Spain - A guide to recycling in Spain