Sustainable Shaving Guide - The Most Sustainable Ways to Shave

To make your reusable razor last, you should invest in a safety razor stand that helps prevent water damage and encourages ventilation, to keep the blade sharper for longer. 

Most safety razors will have a long handle and textured grip to allow for a safe shave — even in those hard to reach areas — as well as grooved edges for clean and gentle precision. To safely use your razor, 

1. Hold the safety razor at a 30-degree angle against your skin. This is the optimal angle for a close and comfortable shave.
2. Gently glide the razor across your skin, moving in the direction of hair growth. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this can cause irritation and nicks.

Despite advertising campaigns being targeted towards men, safety razors are unisex — anyone can use them, and achieve a perfect shave. 

What About Electric Shavers? 

Electric shavers are more sustainable than disposable razors because they don’t have to be thrown away after every use. However, this will still end up in landfill, and more materials will be needed to produce a new electric razor. This means that a longer-lasting, reusable safety razor is still your best bet for reducing your footprint. 

What Can I Use Instead of Shaving Foam?

Shaving foams and gels often contain synthetic chemicals and artificial lubricants that can pollute water sources and be bad for our skin. The aerosol containers themselves are also bad for the environment if not disposed of in a responsible manner.

Instead of shaving foam, you could switch to a zero-waste and biodegradable shave soap or cream. You’ll achieve the same flawless finish, and encourage healthier, moisturised skin. Alternatively, you can use coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter or essential oils instead of conventional shaving foams and gels.  

What About Shave Brushes?

Some conventional shave brushes contain badger hair, boar hair or other animal fibres. Although synthetic brushes are available — and are cruelty-free, more affordable, and a better option if you have sensitive skin or allergies to animal hair — these sometimes contain plastic. The ideal option then, is to find a shave brush that has plastic-free bristles and a natural handle made from bamboo or another sustainable material.

This helps to create a rich lather with a shaving soap or cream, and encourages the hair to lift from the skin. The bristles also exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and debris, and softening your skin and hairs. For an even smoother finish, dry-brush your skin after shaving to encourage skin circulation, unclog pores, and even skin tone. 

How to Shave Without Wasting Water

The biggest culprit for shaving waste after the razor and foam is water. To cut down on your water usage when you shave, 

1. Fill a cup or bowl with water and use that to wet your face.
2. Turn the tap off while you shave, to prevent large amounts of water being wasted. 
3. Use a shaving soap or cream to create a thick lather that lifts and softens your hair, reducing the amount of water needed to rinse. 
4. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away excess lather or hairs. 
5. Rinse your razor in the cup or bowl of water that you used earlier. 

—

Wild & Stone's mission is to create stylish, easy to adopt and usable alternatives to common plastic products around the home. We source all our products sustainably, from raw material to final delivery. Shop our eco home & lifestyle products on our website.

Share your plastic-free swaps with us at hello@wildandstone.com or tag us on Instagram #wildandstone.