How to make the switch to a Reusable Safety Razor...

Most changes in life are paired with confrontation, confusion, or hesitation. Have you ever moved house? attended a new gym? or uni? changed skincare brands? taken a driving test? each of those changes require a little bit of research, trust, and commitment to be successful, don't they?!

You're probably wondering how this relates to a reusable razor, I guess what I'm trying to say is...

Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.

- Robin Sharma

With a reusable safety razor, a little research is required to find the right one for you, learn how to use it, with a little trial and error involved to know what works best for you. We'll tell you right now, you won't be zipping up and down your legs in record breaking time when you first make the switch. Just like how you wouldn't smash out a 5k run in record breaking time if you haven't run since highschool!?

With a little bit of patience, care, and trust, we CAN tell you, this reusable swap is SOOOO worth it! In this blog we'll talk about why you should make the switch, how to use a reusable safety razor, and the most common questions we are asked about using them.

Why should I ditch plastic razors?!

• They're hard to recycle: Single-use plastic razors are made of various different materials, making them super hard to recycle. 
• Billions head to landfill: They're not accepted in your kerbside recycling bin, which means, unless people are dropping them off to Terracycle recycling locations, billions of single-use razors are heading straight to landfill
• You'll save money: your butterfly safety razor will be with you for the long run and each pack of 5 double-edge replacement blades lasts at least 7 shaves (depending on care), thats 35 shaves per pack! Each refill pack is $6.50, so once you've purchased the razor, you'll spend roughly $13 each year on blades if you shave your legs 1-2 times a week.
• No more ingrown hairs! Your reusable razor is built to prevent ingrown hairs because they glide smoothly and cut hairs at skin level. Unlike the single-use baddies that have multiple blades that tug, tangle, and pull hair causing it to snap off below skin level, which increases the risk of ingrowns and irritation, eeeek! 
• Bathroom goals?! Reusable razors look waaaay sleeker in your bathroom than those flimsy plastic ones!​​ They are available in 3 different colours that all look super sleek in your bathroom! I feel like I'm transitioning into luxe self care mode whenever I use mine.

How do I use a reusable razor?!

To change the blades:

Our tips for shaving:

• Now it’s time to start shaving! For a smooth shave, wet your skin with warm water, grab your favourite soap bar, and take it slow!
• Be gentle & take care when shaving around your knees, ankles etc. Get to know which angles work best for each area (we recommend a 30 degree angle to start). 
• Apply zero pressure. The blade is super sharp so it does all the hard work for you, you only need to use the weight of the razor with no added pressure! (This is where most people go wrong with a safety razor)
• Start with small strokes instead of longer ones.
• Watch out for moles, cuts and raised skin 'things', just like you would need to with a disposable razor.
• Rinse razor every couple of strokes, to keep the blade clean and clear from hair clog!

Hottest tip: When handling the razor please avoid touching the sharp edges of the blade.

Our most common safety razor FAQ's:

How to dispose of the blades:

Your stainless steel blades are recyclable! Once your blade begins to dull, replace it and collect used blades in an old jar to store and take to a sharps recycling facility once full. You can find your nearest facility here.

Can you use any brand of blade in the Butterfly Safety Razor?

Yes! As long as it is a double sided blade it should be sweet, to be safe we always recommend using our replacement blades first as they definitely fit! Did we mention each razor comes with a 5 pack of blades to start with?!

Can I shave my 'down stairs' area?

We agree, this is a pretty daunting area to remove hair from when it comes to any form waxing, disposables, laser you name it!

You can definitely use your safety razor on your bikini area. Just take it super slow to start, with extra care (as you would with a disposable razor). Our tips are to make sure the area is soaped up well and pull the skin tight that you are shaving.

How do I avoid 'razor burn'?

Razor burn is caused by trauma from your razor blade whilst shaving. As the razor moves over the skin, it can disrupt the outer skin layer, leading to microscopic cracks, dehydration and inflammation. Signs include red bumps, a rash and a stinging sensation. Here are our best ways to avoid it:

• Shave at the end of your shower when skin is clean and soft
• Use a shaving soap or cream for lubrication
• Shave in the direction of hair growth
• Make sure your blade is sharp and clean (free from buildups of soap and hair)
• Don't use pressure, the weight of the razor is enough. Use light short strokes, rinsing razor frequently
• Clean and dry your razor after use to avoid bacteria growth, use a sanitiser if necessary
• Rinse your freshly shaven skin with cold water and apply a natural moisturiser
• Wear loose and breathable clothing after shaving
• Avoid salt water swimming straight after you shave (Oh I've been there!!)

Are reusable razors scary?

The short answer, no. I guess anything in life can be scary, it depends which way you want to look at it. I think the word we would use is 'confronting', because change can be confronting. It's just like swapping to a reusable period cup, this is a confronting swap that takes a lil bit of research and trial and error, but wow, it's soooooo worth it! I've never looked back.

If you ever have any questions about our products, please don't hesitate to reach out to aksusanything@goforzero.com.au

Check out the rest of our zero waste bathroom swaps here ♡ 

Did we mention our butterfly razors are available in three sleeeek colours (Rose Gold, Charcoal, & Silver)!?

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Thank you for choosing to learn more about products that are better for you and the planet. Keep it up, we're right here with you on this journey!

With love,

Ellie & the GFZ team xx