Ditch the Disposable: Discover Sustainable Shaving Options
Updated: May 1
Hair growth is a natural phenomenon that occurs all over our bodies. However, for various reasons, most of us prefer to get rid of it in some areas. Men often shave their faces, and women often remove unwanted hair from their legs, underarms, and bikini lines. But have you ever thought about the impact of disposable razor blades on the environment? Shockingly, it's estimated that 2 million of these blades are thrown away every year worldwide, and they cannot be recycled due to the combination of metal, plastic, and rubber used in their construction. Additionally, their sharp edges make manual removal for recycling a hazardous activity. Sadly, this means that they often end up in landfills and oceans, causing irreparable damage to the environment. Therefore, switching to a more sustainable hair removal alternative than disposable razors makes perfect sense.
Stop shaving
Did you know that more and more women are not shaving their armpits these days? About 1 in 5 don't shave and it is undeniable that in the past 2 years, this number has probably risen sharply. Many have embraced their body hair and find it incredibly liberating to be completely themselves. They are done with feeling ashamed of something completely natural and have started to love themselves more the way they are. For them, removing body hair was often something that (male) society expects from female society. By stopping this, they give themselves power and freedom from the weekly (sometimes daily) time-consuming activity.
The decision to stop shaving is a personal choice and may have different benefits for different people:
Saves time: Not shaving can save time in the morning or when getting ready for an event, as there is no need to spend time shaving.
Saves money: Not having to purchase shaving products or shaving equipment can save money in the long run.
Better for the environment: Not shaving reduces the amount of waste generated by disposable razors, electric razors, or other shaving products.
Increases body positivity: Choosing not to shave can be an empowering decision for some people and can help them to embrace their natural body hair.
Reduces the risk of skin irritation and ingrown hairs: Shaving can cause skin irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs, which can be uncomfortable and painful. Not shaving can reduce the likelihood of experiencing these issues.
It's important to note that everyone has the right to make their own choices about their body hair and that there is no right or wrong decision when it comes to shaving.
Safety razor
Both my boyfriend and I have a safety razor. He shaves his face with it and I use my safety razor for my armpits (I wax my legs). There are several amazing benefits of using a safety razor:
They are better for your skin: Safety razors have only one blade, which means less skin irritation, shave bumps, and ingrown hairs that are common with cartridge razors. Using a safety razor exposes your skin to fewer passes of a blade, which reduces the negative impact on your skin.
They are cheaper: While the initial investment in a safety razor is higher, the ongoing costs are much lower. A new blade for a safety razor costs around 50 cents, compared to disposable razors which cost around 2 euros each. Over time, this adds up to significant savings.
They are better for the environment: Disposable razors create an immense amount of waste worldwide. In contrast, safety razors are much more eco-friendly as they can be used for over 10 years and once their lifetime is over, they can be completely recycled as they are made entirely of steel.
Overall, safety razors are a more sustainable and cost-effective option that also provides better results for your skin.
Electric razor
There are several benefits of using an electric razor over disposable razors, including:
Cost-effective: Although the initial investment for an electric razor may be higher than disposable razors, in the long run, they can save you money. Unlike disposable razors that require frequent replacement, electric razors can last for years with proper maintenance, which can help save money over time.
Convenience: Electric razors are convenient to use as they don't require shaving cream or water to operate. They can be used anywhere, including on the go, making them ideal for travelers.
Time-saving: Electric razors can save you time in your daily grooming routine as they are quick and easy to use. Unlike disposable razors that require several passes over the same area, electric razors can complete the job in one or two passes.
Skin-friendly: Electric razors are designed to be gentle on the skin, which can help reduce the risk of nicks, cuts, and razor burns. They are ideal for people with sensitive skin who may experience irritation from disposable razors.
Environmentally-friendly: Electric razors are a more sustainable alternative to disposable razors as they can be used for years, reducing the amount of waste generated by disposable razors. They also do not require shaving cream, reducing the amount of plastic waste generated by traditional shaving methods.
In conclusion, while disposable razors may seem like a more convenient option, electric razors offer a range of benefits, including cost-effectiveness, convenience, time-saving, skin-friendliness, and environmental sustainability.
Epilator
An epilator is not a very popular method to remove hair however, it is the method I have used for years. Using an epilator has several benefits over using disposable razors, including:
Longer-lasting results: Epilators remove hair from the root, which means that hair takes longer to grow back compared to shaving with disposable razors. This means you'll have to use the epilator less frequently than you would need to shave.
Cost-effective: While an epilator may have a higher upfront cost compared to disposable razors, it can save you money in the long run as you won't need to constantly buy new blades.
Reduced waste: Epilators are a more sustainable option as they do not create any waste, unlike disposable razors which need to be disposed of after a few uses.
Fewer ingrown hairs: Epilators can help reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs, which can be a common problem with shaving using disposable razors.
Suitable for different hair types: Epilators can be used on a variety of hair types, including coarse or fine hair, and can be used on different parts of the body. Disposable razors, on the other hand, can be less effective on coarser hair and may cause irritation in more sensitive areas.
At first, using an epilator may seem like a painful experience, but trust us when we say that the long-term benefits are totally worth it! As you use it more often, you'll notice that your body hair grows back thinner and thinner until some places on your legs might not even have any hair at all. Of course, the initial pain might throw you off the first time but don't worry - the more you use it, the more your body will become accustomed to the sensation. Plus, think of all the time and money you'll save in the long run by not having to constantly replace disposable razors!
Waxing
This is the method I use today for my legs. When my epilator broke I had to consider whether I should buy a new one or go for a different method. I gave waxing a try as there are several benefits of waxing:
Longer-lasting results: Unlike shaving with a disposable razor, waxing removes hair from the root. This means that the results will last much longer than shaving, which only cuts the hair at the surface of the skin.
Smoother skin: Waxing leaves skin feeling much smoother than shaving with a disposable razor. Waxing removes hair and dead skin cells, which can leave the skin feeling softer and smoother.
Reduced risk of cuts and nicks: When shaving with a disposable razor, there is always a risk of cuts and nicks, especially in sensitive areas like the bikini line or underarms. Waxing eliminates this risk because the hair is removed in one swift motion, leaving the skin intact.
Less irritation: Waxing can be less irritating to the skin than shaving with a disposable razor. Shaving can cause razor burn and ingrown hairs, whereas waxing typically results in less irritation and fewer ingrown hairs.
Convenience: Waxing can be more convenient than shaving because it eliminates the need to shave daily or every other day. With waxing, the results can last up to several weeks, depending on the individual.
Overall, while waxing may be more expensive than using disposable razors, the benefits of longer-lasting results, smoother skin, reduced risk of cuts and nicks, less irritation, and convenience make it a popular choice for many people.
I sugar wax my legs which takes some practice and, like epilation, is a bit painful at the beginning (in both cases you pull the hair out, root and all). I, therefore, recommend that you watch several videos carefully and study the technique well. Also, do not start on a sensitive spot on the body, but only do this when you have mastered the technique well. The wrong technique can cause bruises and you don't want that in certain places. Only if you can do your legs well should you continue with the bikini line or armpits if you want to do these too.
By now, I like the use of sugar wax because it guarantees that I only have to do my legs once a month and don't have to worry about it. It does take a while before I have completely done my legs, it takes me about an hour, but after that, I don't have to worry about it for weeks.
In conclusion, there are several sustainable alternatives to disposable razors that can reduce waste and save you money in the long run. Safety razors, electric razors, and waxing are all great options to consider. By switching to one of these alternatives, you can make a positive impact on the environment while also enjoying a better shaving experience. With a little bit of research and some trial and error, you can find the perfect sustainable razor for your needs and start shaving with confidence and peace of mind. So why not make the switch today and join the growing movement toward a more sustainable future?
