How Long Does a Disposable Razor Last? (Tips & Tricks to Make it Last a Lot Longer)
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Disposable razors are popular because they are easy to use, affordable, and available. To achieve a quick shave, just smear some shaving cream on your face or head, and you are ready to start shaving. The fact that they don’t need batteries to work or complex maintenance makes them even more alluring.
But while they have a lot going on for them, they are designed to be effective for short periods before needing replacement. While one might argue this shortcoming is obvious, you can help but wonder how you know it’s time to replace your disposable razor.
Instead of winging it, watch out for the tell-tale signs we describe below.
Signs Your Razor Needs Replacing
Before we get into this, we should lead by saying it depends. This isn’t the answer you expected, but it’s true. How long a razor serves you depends on how well you maintain the razor, how frequently you shave, and whether the razor is showing signs of rust. As such, what you observe will best guide you into knowing when your razor should go.
Below are some signs to look out for.
A Dull Blade
If you realize you have to apply more pressure than you used to when shaving, it’s a sign that the blades are dull. It could also mean that the shaver’s blade is clogged with hair and dead skin cells. If it’s the latter, then you can easily solve it by soaking the razor in warm water for twenty minutes. Swirl the razor in circles severally to ensure you get rid of the dirt between the blades before you let it dry for an hour.
Related reading: What’s the Best Head Shaver?
Doing this should extend the life of the razor and will also help prevent razor bumps. But if it doesn’t, and your razor is still inefficient, then it’s time to open a fresh pack of razors.
Rust
Just because a razor’s blade is rusty doesn’t mean it’s dull. However, it means it’s time to replace it. Unlike a clogged-up blade, there’s no trick to reversing the rusting process. And while you could try to get rid of the rust, the process is complex and technical that expert removers spend a long time mastering.
Instead of wasting time removing rust, it’s better if you can minimize its onset by taking precautionary steps like drying and applying some baby oil after every use and storing the razor in a dry environment. A rusty razor is dangerous and could cause infections because it’s covered in nasty bacteria.
Usage
This is the trickiest thing to track and adhere to when trying to save some cash. You see, even when the disposable razor feels and looks great, it’s good practice to replace it based on how frequently you shave. You might think it’s unnecessary, but it’s not. Replacing your disposable razor ensures that you get the safest, best and cleanest cut possible. In the long run, you’ll reap the benefits of good health.
So how long or how many times should you use your disposable razor before you replace it? If you shave daily, expect your disposable razor to last about two weeks before begging for a replacement. But if you shave every other day, your razor should serve you for longer – about six weeks if you adhere to a good maintenance routine.
Bear in mind that the length and thickness of your hair play a crucial role in how long the blade lasts. If your hair is fine, it’ll last longer than if it’s thicker and coarser.
How Long Do a Disposable Razor Last – Tips & Tricks for a Longer Life
The best way to do this is to store your disposable razor well. Taking proper care of a men’s razor means ensuring it’s perfectly dry after use and storing it in a dry spot either in the bathroom wardrobe or in a completely different room. Aside from this, it helps if your skin is well moisturized before you shave. Taking a warm shower before shaving or using a pre-shave cream or oil is a good way to soften the hair and open your skin pores. Applying a good shaving cream creates a protective layer between the razor and the skin and reduces friction when shaving.
These preparation steps reduce the strain on your disposable razor when using it. You’ll get an effortless and uniform cut while prolonging the life of your disposable razor. Be sure not to forget to rinse and wipe off the excess shaving cream and stray hairs when you are done. And there you have it – how long does a disposable razor last answer!
Related reading: What’s the Best Straight Razor?
FAQ
What’s a Disposable Razor?
In the men grooming world, especially razors, you can categorize products depending on if they are disposable or not. Non-disposable shaving tools are designed to be reused over and over and last for a long time. A great example of a non-disposable razor includes electric rotary shavers and straight razors. On the flip side, disposable razors are temporary. They are designed to be used a couple of times and then replaced. On the bright side, they aren’t too restrictive in costs as they are affordable. Moreover, they are small enough to carry with you on your travels or to fit in a small space.
How to Throw Away a Disposable Razor
Since razors are sharp, it’s good practice to properly dispose of them. We recommend putting the blade in a blade case and collecting them in a container. When the container is full, you can opt to throw it away or recycle it.
How Many Disposable Razors Does the Average Person Use?
An average person that shaves daily or every other day can go through 40-50 disposable razors in a year. This adds up to 2,400 razors in an entire lifetime.
How Long Should a Disposable Razor Last?
Disposable razors are designed for limited use. Generally, they last between three and ten shaves. However, the best indicator of when it’s time to replace your razor is when it gets dull or shows signs of rust. If you notice your shaver’s efficiency has dropped, grab a new disposable razor.
How Many Disposable Razors Are Thrown Away Every Year?
About 2 billion disposable razors are thrown away each year. It’s costly and virtually impossible to separate some commodities to recycle them. In such cases, the items almost always end up in a landfill. According to EPA (Emergency Protection Agency), about 2 billion razors are disposed of. On the bright side, quite a number don’t end up in landfills.
What Bin Does a Disposable Razor Go In?
Disposable razors have their razors attached to the handle and cannot be removed. As such, the entire razor goes into a bin. When throwing away the shaver, wrap its blade’s end in a paper, secure it with tape and throw it in the normal bin.
Ruiru Kibet is passionate about beard care and male grooming. He believes it’s an art form and is happy to share his insight with men across the globe. He’s into wet shaving and evidence-based grooming, a passion that helps him analyze men’s grooming brands, products, and wet shaving practices presenting you with the best recommendations and advice. Kevin's profile on Linkedin.