Whether you shave every couple of days, or every now and then, knowing when to swap out your razor blade is the only way to get a comfy, smooth shave every time. Trust us, a dull blade is not your friend.
Now, we do have a general rule of thumb of when to swap out for a new blade, which is every 10 shaves. However, as is the answer to most things in life, paying attention to your body is key.
Is your razor blade causing discomfort?
If you’re using your razor and notice increased resistance during shaving, or if your blades are causing discomfort, it’s a clear sign that it’s time for a replacement. Dull blades are less effective at cutting through hair, often leading to tugging, pulling, skin irritation, and ingrown hairs. They also won’t give you as close a shave, and if we’re bothering to shave our leg hair at all, they have to at least feel smooth when we’re done.
What’s your hair texture?
The coarseness and density of your hair can affect how quickly your razor blades dull. If you have thick and denser hair the friction dulls the blade quicker, than if you have fine hair.
How often are you shaving?
How often your should change your razor blades really comes down to how regularly you shave. The more frequently you shave, the faster your razor will dull. While it all depends on your hair texture and hair growth, to achieve a clean shave we recommend shaving every two to three days, and to just style or trim the hair, we recommend shaving every three to five days. If you want your hair to grow wild and free, we recommend not shaving at all. There is no right shaving frequency, it’s completely up to how you like it. Just monitor the razor blade glide when you’re shaving, and you’ll start to get an idea of how often to change your razor blades.
What’s your shaving technique?
I don’t know if its just us, but no one ever really told us there was such a thing as a proper shaving technique. How you shave matters more than you probably think, and plays a pretty big role in how long your razor blades last. Applying excessive pressure or using a blunt angle can accelerate blade dullness. So what’s the right way? Shave using light pressure and rinse the blade regularly during the process. Shaving correctly helps safeguard against nicks and cuts, razor bumps, and irritated skin and will prevent bothersome razor burn.
Are you using a clean razor blade?
If it’s been a while since you’ve swapped for a clean razor blade (don’t worry, we get it), make sure you have a little look for any signs of rust, corrosion, or blade deterioration. If you do, it’s time to say goodbye – continuing to use a blade like this will mean an increased risk of skin irritation, infection, or a skin rash.
How can I make my razor blades last longer?
Treating your razor to a little TLC can help keep your razor blades fresh and sharp for longer. When you’re shaving, keep your skin hydrated because wet hair is easier to shave through, and will cause less friction than shaving dry hair. Also, hunny if you’re still doing a dry shave we need to talk.
Give your blades a rinse between every shave stroke, so any shaving gel residue and cut hairs are washed out from your razor blade. If they stay stuck in there, it’s going to dull the blade quicker. It will also stop you from getting the best shave you can possibly get, and we’re not here for that.
By regularly cleaning and drying your razor blades after use, you can help prolong their longevity. Our handy bathroom handle is the perfect home for your blade to dry and hang out before you need to use it again.
How do I change my razor blade safely?
Don’t know how to change razor blades safely? We’ve got you.
To change your razor blade on a Vivre razor, hold the blade between your thumb and index finger. Keep your fingers on the side, and away from the sharp blades. At the same time, hold the body of your razor with the other hand. Use your thumb of that hand push upwards, and click the razor head off the body. When you’re putting a new blade in, simply attach it to the handle with light, downward pressure.
How can I shave and avoid causing skin irritation?
The shaving routine you use for pubic hair is going to be different to how you shave your leg hair, though there are some key things to remember to avoid skin irritation, no matter where you’re shaving.
The right shaving method always involves soaking in warm to hot water, to soften the hair and then using a gentle scrub to exfoliate the area. This will remove any dead skin cells or sebum which may be clogging the hair follicles. Exfoliation also helps to prevent ingrown hairs.
Next, apply a shaving soap or cream, (preferably alcohol-free) ensuring complete coverage over the area to be shaved.
Next, use a sharp, five-blade razor to minimize the number of shaving strokes needed. Shave using light and gentle strokes to cause less friction. Avoid applying excessive pressure, as this can lead to skin irritation. Rinse the blade frequently during shaving to remove accumulated hair and cream. Once you’ve finished shaving, rinse your skin with cool water to close the pores and pat it dry with a clean towel. Lastly, apply moisturizer or balm to soothe and hydrate your skin, reducing the chances of irritation.
Knowing when to change your razor blades, will always leave you with a smooth, comfy shave. Pay attention to how your razor feels during your next shave, and you’ll know if it can stick around or it’s time to say goodbye. And remember, if you’re stuck, come back to the general rule of swapping out every 10 shaves.
