7 Zero Waste Razors S(h)aving The Earth

Especially considering 2 billion of them end up every year (in the US alone) in the landfill.

It’s one of the most overlooked keys to unlocking a zero waste bathroom. Which is surprising because, not long ago, all razors were zero waste. For some reason, safety razors went out of vogue in favor of colorful plastic sticks, which take 1000 years to degrade.

Non-plastic razors aren’t just more eco-friendly, but a smart investment that will last you long after they discontinue the replaceable heads that fit your current razor.

So let’s cut to the chase by spotlighting our favorite shaving tools.

Price Range: $40

When it comes to your safety razor, zero waste doesn’t have to mean zero style. EcoRoots’ sleek black or rose gold options prove that fashion and function aren’t mutually exclusive. It includes five double-edged stainless steel razor blades.

This ethical online store offers a full range of bath and beauty products that are free of animal byproducts, animal testing, toxic ingredients, and SLS. They also happen to be mostly organic and palm oil-free. EcoRoots uses recycled and biodegradable shipping materials and, as a member of 1% for the Planet, supports organizations like the Ocean Conservancy.

Price Range: $59–$84

With their “plastic-free shaving made easy” motto, Leaf Shave has prevented over 1.5 million disposable plastic razors from hitting landfills thanks to their single-blade, fixed head safety razor. If you prefer the feel of a more modern razor, their pivoting head razors provide it, but without the plastic. Available in gold, chrome, black, and rose gold, these razors feature a chunky handle optimizing for grip and control.

Don’t forget the razor stand, replacement blades, and tin to collect used blades, for which they offer a mail-in blade recycling service.

Leaf Shave also ships plastic-free, offsets their carbon footprint, and supports climate action non-profit work.

Price Range: $85–$149

OUI The People isn’t just a clever name. They’re a Black and woman-owned company that provides planet-friendly products for women, all while redefining the antiquated need to be “flawless” and “perfect” with their reConstitution of beauty.

They made nickel-free, stainless steel reusable razors, either individually or in comprehensive zero waste shaving kits. With a curved design, the custom razors are milled to fit feminine hands, while carefully removing hair in a way that prevents razor burn, and dry skin. They’re especially suitable for those with sensitive skin or sensitive areas.

Price Range: $23–$30

Jungle Culture mixes it up with a combination of chrome and natural bamboo in their unisex reusable razors—with optional matching stands. They’re weighted and balanced to support those new to shaving (or new to safety razors). You can also opt for chrome-only safety razors in a variety of pastel and metallic colors.

If you’re traveling, you’ll be happy to know that these razors come with a jute travel bag to keep the blade (and everything else) protected in your eco-friendly luggage.

Price Range: $27–$200

Upgrade your shave with the hand-turned plastic-free razors for men and women from Imperium Shaving, a small artisan studio in Baltimore, Maryland committed to making stylish products at reasonable prices.

Made by hand from sustainably sourced, FSC-certified wood and plant-based, eco-friendly acrylics, each razor features a unique wood grain and acrylic pour pattern. For something with less bling and more budget, they offer more simple all-metal reusable razors.

If you’re shopping for minimalist gifts for him, their beautiful brush sets are on-point.

Price Range: $20–$25

Each Bambaw razor is made with colorful stainless steel or stainless steel and bamboo. We think the design of the latter is up there with the best of them. Regardless, they feature a double-edge design via a single, recyclable blade (ideal for beginners).

All purchases are shipped carbon-neutral and support organizations committed to curbing plastic pollution and saving our planet.

Price Range: $35–$61

Shoreline Shaving makes bamboo or stainless steel reusable razors—in ten popping colors. They feature a single, double-edge blade that reduces razor burn, tugging, pulling, and rashes. A safe and effective alternative to disposable razors.

Check out their complete Women’s Shaving Kit. It includes a razor, shaving soap, 10 replacement blades and hessian storage bag, in a recycled gift box. You can also add only certain necessary accessories to your purchase, like various packs of Shark zero waste razor blades.

What is a zero waste razor?

It’s exactly the same as a “safety” razor. Which may seem like a misnomer; they don’t look very safe. With no guards, plastic bumpers, or plastic of any kind, admittedly they’re intimidating.

A safety razor is an all-metal, plastic-free razor (usually stainless steel or chrome) with a double or single-sided blade. Instead of throwing away the whole head to change the blade, the blade alone is removable and replaceable.

There are two types of blade access:

• Standard: screw off the whole head
• Butterfly: twist the bottom of the handle to open the blade compartment like a butterfly’s wings

How to use a safety razor?

Safety razors utilize the now somewhat dying art of wet shaving, which, as the name implies, means water is involved. Disposable razors bypass this requirement due to integrated strips of lubricated gel.

Wet shaving is better for your skin and reduces nicks, razor burns, and ingrown hairs when done properly:

• Step 1: Prep your skin with hot water or a hot towel. If you shave in the shower, you’re already ahead of the game. Apply shaving soap for thorough coverage.
• Step 2: Gently press the flat head of your razor against your skin and tilt it to a 30° angle until one side of the blade rests against your skin. Maintain this angle (anything more will be too harsh) and make short, feathering strokes with the grain of your hair.
• Step 3: After one full pass, re-lather and go again, this time against the grain.

Pro tip: Do not apply pressure. There’s a reason safety razors feel weighty; their own weight is designed to apply all the pressure the blade needs. For more wrinkled, contoured areas, keep the skin as taut as possible.

Gentleman, for a humorous how-to, check out this tutorial video and use this handy shave map to learn how to shave your face like a pro.

Ladies, make no mistake: safety razors aren’t just for guys. They work on legs, armpits, and more, erm… sensitive areas, too.

Once you get over the scare factor and get a little practice, you’ll wonder how you ever shaved without one—if you’re like us, anyway.

What’s the difference between a straight razor and a safety razor?

Coming at you from the 1800s, straight razors are for those who really want to get into the art of shaving.

These are similar to safety razors, as they’re both wet shave methods that rely on the angle of blade for effectiveness.

A straight razor, however, is more suited for male facial hair, as the wide blade isn’t friendly to smaller, contoured areas.

Because of the offset grip placement, straight razors have a slightly higher learning curve but give you the closest shave possible.

There’s also more maintenance involved (honing and oiling), but no need for replacement blades.

Can zero waste razors save you money?

Not to answer a question with another question, but when’s the last time you did the math on disposable razors?

Unless you’re buying super cheap single-use razors, you’re forking out around $20 for a handle and a few short-lived blades.

Subscription shave clubs (which also yield monthly shipping and packing waste) cost an average of $10 per month.

A few months already covers the cost of an affordable safety razor, which will last a lifetime barring any unfortunate misplacements.

Sure, the blades need replacing, but a pack of 100 Shark blades costs a measly $10. Considering each blade lasts 1–4 weeks, depending on how frequently you shave, that’s four years of replacement blades for the cost of one month’s subscription.

How to care for your safety razor?

We wrote an article on how to clean a safety razor.

To summarize, after shaving, rinse thoroughly with warm water, ensuring all hair is removed (removing the blade if necessary).

Then shake out and store in a dry place to avoid rusting.

Can you recycle old razor blades?

Due to cutting hazards, razor blades can’t be dropped off with the rest of your curbside recycling.

Instead, check with your city council to find out where your community collects scrap metal.

For American shavers, scrap metal recycling locations are not always easy to find, so you can always mail your blades of any brand to Leaf Shave.

In between recycling runs or mailings, collect used blades in an old jar or “blade bank” like this one from ZeroWasteStore.