Do dermatologists recommend safety razors?

Author: Ms. Alysson Collier  |  Last update: Sunday, November 9, 2025

Making the switch to a safety razor means fewer ingrown hairs and post-shave irritation—but it does take some practice, according to board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD. And this safety razor has a quality that justifies its price point.

What razor do dermatologists recommend?

Use a sharp, single-blade razor, or consider using an electric razor with a guard. Shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent cuts and razor burns.

Are safety razors better for your skin?

Switching to a safety razor can make a huge difference in your shaving routine and skin health! Not only are safety razors less irritating for your skin, but they are also cost efficient in the long-run. No more spending $$ on expensive cartridges when you can get 100 razor blades for the same price!

What are the downsides of a safety razor?

Time-Consuming: Shaving with a safety razor may take a bit longer than with a cartridge razor, especially at first. Risk of Cuts: While rare, there is a risk of nicks and cuts, especially for beginners.

Why did people stop using safety razors?

Safety razors lost popularity in the late 20th century when cartridge razors became widely available. Marketing was a key factor in the popularity of cartridge razor systems over safety razors.

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Which is better, a safety razor or cartridge?

Cartridge razors are much more likely to yield razor bumps and razor burn. You deserve to have something more loving on your face. The DE safety razor just has just one blade exposed on two sides that can be alternated keeping a sharp edge with every pass with or against the grain and treating your skin better.

How did people shave before safety razors?

Not your modern safety razors of course, but clam shells and sharpened flint stones were found and thought to have been used in shaving. They would have functioned somewhat like disposable razors as the tools would blunt quickly and have to be replaced.

Is it worth switching to a safety razor?

Double-edge safety razors are often the better choice when it comes to getting a close shave. The single, sharp blade allows for a clean cut, leaving you with a smooth finish. With cartridge razors, you're more likely to experience irritation due to the number of blades placed closely together.

Are straight razors better than safety razors?

Straight razor shaving, if measured by performance alone, is far superior to cartridges or a disposable cartridge razor, second to double-edge safety razors. The shave is closer, smoother, irritation-free, recession proof, and environmentally sustainable.

Should I shave everyday with a safety razor?

Yes, you can shave every day with a safety razor. However, daily shaving can potentially cause skin irritation. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions to minimize the risk of irritation or razor burn.

What is a butterfly razor?

The butterfly safety razor utilizes a twist-to-open mechanism head to make changing the blade easy and convenient.

What is the best razor to avoid ingrown hairs?

Safety Razors

A favorite among the skin-conscious and sustainability enthusiasts, single-blade razors, like Lane44, are known for their gentleness on skin and durability. These razors cut hair at the skin's surface, thereby reducing the likelihood of ingrown hairs, as the hair is less likely to grow back into the skin.

Should I shave my pubes before a dermatologist?

No, you don't need to shave or wax. However, if there's something going on with your skin, shaving or waxing will make it easier for your physician to evaluate the area.

What is the best lady shaver for legs?

After a year and a half of testing, our team determined that the Philips Lady Shaver Series 6000 is the best overall pick. It's a reliable tool for shaving arms, legs and the bikini line, offering smooth, clean results.

Do you need special shaving cream for safety razor?

The best shaving creams for safety razors don't foam up too much, as this can make it harder to see what you're doing and stop the blade from giving you the smoothest possible shave. It's also best to look for a shaving cream which doesn't contain artificial fragrances and dyes, as these can irritate your skin.

Are safety razors bad for your skin?

For those with sensitive skin, safety razors can be a game-changer. The single blade minimizes skin contact, reducing the risk of irritation. By using a sharp, single blade and applying minimal pressure, users can achieve a close shave without the aggressive scraping associated with multi-blade razors.

What is the best razor that doesn't leave bumps?

Gillette® SkinGuard is our first razor specifically designed for men with sensitive skin and razor bumps. The razor shaves hair and the protects the skin, thanks to its unique SkinGuard positioned between the blades. It works to minimize tug and pull and cut hair at skin level, helping to prevent irritation.

How often should I change my safety razor blade?

Generally speaking, any safety razor that is used almost daily will need to have its blades replaced after a week or after six shaves. That is assuming that it's being used with a “three-pass” technique. Razor blades lose their sharpness after an extended period of usage.

Is it better to shave with a safety razor or cartridge?

They are considered to be more efficient because they require fewer strokes than a multi-blade cartridge razor. Plus, safety razors allow you to control your shave better, resulting in a smoother finish and less irritation.

Are safety razors making a comeback?

In the world of wet shaving, the safety razor has been making a striking comeback. Once the standard razor before the rise of plastic disposables, this traditional shaving weapon is regaining favour among agents of smoothness.

Why do they call it a safety razor?

Back in the day this name was meant to distinguish it from a straight razor, basically an extremely sharp folding knife. Safety razors are only safe compared to that. These days the main competition to safety razors are cartridge razors—the usual multi-blade offerings in drug stores.

Did Romans shave pubic hair?

“The Romans didn't remove body hair to look beautiful, they did it for cultural and religious reasons – men removed it as a sign of purity,” said Viren Swami, a professor of social psychology and an expert in body image at Anglia Ruskin University.

How to shave pubic hair?

Go slowly, pulling skin taut before running the razor over the hair. Always shave in the same direction that the hair grows, not against it. Change razors often to avoid nicks, which happen when the blade gets dull. Using shaving cream also may help protect your skin from cuts and irritation.

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