Latest news with #shaving
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
9 best environmentally-friendly razors for a clean shave
Razor blades are meant to be changed frequently, which means waste quickly adds up, not to mention the handles, too. Opting for a razor that lasts a long time (and actually looks nice enough that we want to hold onto it for years), and one that can be recycled, ideally blades and all, is a great alternative. While multi-blade razors are easy to use and tend to deliver a closer shave than single-blade razors, if you have sensitive skin or skin issues, consultant dermatologist Dr Angela Tewari recommends sticking with a single-blade razor (these are often called safety razors). 'Safety razors require a little more patience and skill, even though the technique can be acquired quite quickly', says Dean Harries, co-founder of plastic-free shaving brand Shoreline Shaving. They're weighted, which means they 'give you a smooth shave without the need to apply your own pressure, as long as the blade is sharp', he explains, and recommends short, slow strokes when shaving. And, only 'shave against the grain once you're confident.' After testing lots of razors, some from brands you've heard of, and some you may not have, I've chosen my favourite (the Mühle companion unisex safety razor, thanks to its beautiful design and sharp blades). But, I've also found an adjustable razor, one with a bikini line trimmer, and a blade subscription. Many of the brands in this review have recycling take-back schemes. You should also be able to recycle metal blades as scrap metal at recycling centres, too, but check whether your local centre will do this. How I tested I've been testing these razors over several months. A lot of the brands have their own shaving soaps and shaving oils, but I used the same shaving cream with every razor to keep variables to a minimum. It's also worth noting that most of the brands I tried send blades with their razors, and most of the razors were compatible with any double-edged blades, so you can choose a different blade if you so wish. I assessed each of the razors using the following testing criteria: Ease of use: I acknowledged how comfortable and ergonomic the handles were, assessing their texture and width. I considered the weighting of the head and the handle and how balanced this felt in use. I also changed the blades of all of the razors to assess how easy this was. Shaving results: I made a note of which blades arrived (if included) with each razor, and how gentle and close of a shave I was able to achieve. Environmental considerations and credentials: I asked all of the brands where their razors were made, what materials they're made from, and if and how they could be recycled. I also asked them to confirm whether their razors arrived in 100 per cent plastic-free. I assumed the durability and expected longevity of the razors, looking at the materials and sturdiness of the design. Why you can trust IndyBest reviews Lois Borny has years of testing experience to call on, having joined The Independent 's IndyBest section in 2021. She has a particular interest in finding the eco-friendly changes you can make (from waterless shampoo to plastic-free shampoo bars) to better the planet. Beyond this, Lois is conscious of greenwashing and makes sure to fact-check the claims that brands make to ensure that you're getting the best advice possible. All of the products that feature in this review have been tried and tested by Lois The best eco-friendly women's razors for 2025 are:
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Estrid razor review: This is the best hair-removal razor I've ever used, and it costs less than £10
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Remember when Gillette first launched Venus razors in 2000, encouraging us to reveal our 'inner goddess'? Everyone went wild with excitement because until then women's razors had been scratchy, inefficient little things that inevitably left you with a few nicks and cuts after every leg shave. But now I've had my next 'wow' moment in shaving – in the form of the Estrid razor, which has firmly cemented its place on my bathroom shelf. Estrid was born in Stockholm in 2019, the brainchild of one of its three founders, photographer Amanda Westerbom. She was at a dinner party with girlfriends when talk turned to shaving. Amanda revealed that she preferred men's razors – and, bafflingly, so did all her friends. And they weren't alone. Research at the time showed over a third of women used men's razors, believing they performed better. Estrid set out to appeal to everyone with its unisex razors, sold by the likes of Boots, Sainsbury's, Tesco and Superdrug. Product title How does it shave? With its ergonomic handle and flexible design, the razor glides easily – even around my knees! The five-blade heads deliver a close shave (most women's razors, including the standard Venus, only have three blades) and their vegan hydration strips protect skin. It's also low on post-shave irritation (I haven't experienced the post-shave red, blotchy legs that I have with other razors). Packaging and design Billions of plastic razors end up in landfill each year. Estrid's have a reusable steel handle, much sturdier than its plastic counterparts and designed with longevity in mind (you just replace the razor heads, which unfortunately are not yet recyclable). Everything comes in easy-to-recycle packaging. The pretty shades are also Instagram catnip – because yes, #bathscaping (posting aesthetically pleasing pictures of your bath set-up) is actually a thing these days. How does the subscription work? The starter kit contains a handle, two razor heads and a wall holder. With a subscription, four new heads arrive at your door every two, three or four months for £9.95 a time (for comparison, a three-pack of Venus five-blade heads costs £13.20 from Boots). You can cancel any time and there's a money-back guarantee within 30 days if you're not happy (even on unsealed products).
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
Finally, a women's razor that's actually as good as a man's
If you had told me as a teenager – awkward, Greek, and growing hair well before anyone else in my class – that one day I'd genuinely be excited about a razor, I would've laughed. From an early age, shaving always felt more like something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. I would eye off my dad's razor brand, only to sneak one into mum's shopping trolley when she wasn't looking. Now, as an adult, I've been known to 'borrow' my husband's men's-grade blades for myself. They've just always felt sharper, more solid, and simply better for my thick, dark hair, which I've been genetically blessed with. Women's razors, on the other hand, have always seemed more like an afterthought – ultralight and flimsy, not particularly sharp, and always a ton more expensive. The condescending 'pink tax' has never felt more obvious than when looking through the shaving aisle in the supermarket. Rows of razors in feminine shades, promising a 'smooth' and 'silky' experience, but what they actually deliver is just ingrowns. And I'm not the only one who has been fed up with this mediocrity. Georgia Geminder, the founder of Aussie personal care brand Gem, tells she saw the same gap. 'There's always been this unspoken belief that men need a 'tougher' shave, and so the industry has historically prioritised blade sharpness and durability for men's razors – while women's razors focus more on aesthetics or comfort,' she said. 'What's frustrating is that women deserve both: performance and beauty.' She wanted to bring something 'innovative, different and millennial-focused' to market, with thoughtful ingredients, beautiful packaging, while still keeping the price accessible. And she did just that. Earlier this month, Gem launched its 'category-disrupting razors' and shaving gels into Coles, after two years in the making. And fans of the brand are already going crazy for them, with one product selling every minute. When I spotted them on the shelves, I was so curious to try them out, having already been converted to their delicious-smelling deodorants. In my eyes, Gem can do no wrong, but having been burned in the past by so many women's shaving brands, I approached with caution. However, after using the Skin-Loving Shaving Kit, which retails for $20, I've fallen in love. It features a durable razor infused with Hyaluronic Acid, vitamin E, and Aloe Vera, a chic holder for the shower and a blade refill. The razor itself feels luxurious in both design and weight, and the five sharp blades and pivoting head gave me the smoothest shave I've ever had. When used with the Skin-Loving Shaving Gel, $10, which lathered generously, my shave lasted about two weeks. Usually, I'm back at it every few days. My husband even commented on how smooth my legs were, which, to be fair, is a rare occurrence (that I have smooth legs, not that he complimented me!). While you might be thinking, 'So what? It's just a razor.' For me, this feels revolutionary to my beauty routine. If you've been anywhere on TikTok recently, you'll have seen that shaving is having a moment right now and being rebranded as 'self-care'. And after using the Gem razor, I'm fully on board with this idea … that shaving can be something we can actually take pleasure in. It's one of those small luxuries that can make a world of difference to your confidence, without involving an expensive, multi-step routine. As Ms Geminder puts it: 'What once felt like a chore is now an opportunity to pause, reset, and feel good in your skin. 'The rise of self-care culture has encouraged people to romanticise the 'mundane' and shaving is the perfect example. 'When you're using beautifully-scented products, enriched with skin-loving ingredients, it becomes less about just hair removal and more about creating a moment for yourself.' It's not just Gem that has realised women want 'tougher' shaves, with other brands also reclaiming this traditionally unsexy ritual, making it feel relevant again. Recent statistics show the Australian shaving market valued at over $528 million in 2024 and expected to reach $785 million by 2034. While a survey from Philips found more than half of women (53 per cent) head to the men's aisle for their shaving needs. For me, Gem razors have made shaving less of a hassle and more of a ritual I actually look forward to. No more waiting for my 'everything shower' to feel put together – because now having smooth legs is an everyday thing. It's about time.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dermatologist reveals her counterintuitive tip to prevent ingrown hairs after shaving
Shave it for later. Tired of post-shave bumps, redness and those pesky ingrown hairs? TikTok dermatologist Dr. Samantha Ellis is spilling her secrets to banishing them — and it's downright opposite to what you'd expect. 'One of the first things I'm going to ask you, as a dermatologist, is do you use a razor with a lot of blades?' she said in her viral clip, which has earned 7.8 million views and 342,000 likes. Many women gravitate toward multi-blade razors because they deliver a closer, smoother shave in fewer passes — ideal for covering larger areas like legs, underarms and bikini lines quickly and efficiently. But, according to Ellis, they're also a recipe for ingrown hairs. 'If you are prone to ingrown hairs, it's a no,' she said. 'The first blade that crosses your hair actually lifts or pulls the hair up out of the follicle so the next blade can cut it, but then because that hair was pulled up, it sinks down below the surface of the skin, so when your hair goes to grow back up again, it gets trapped and becomes ingrown.' To avoid this skincare disaster, she recommends a somewhat more classic and effective option. 'If you're getting those itchy, red annoying post-shave bumps, may I suggest a single blade razor?' she advises. 'Still a very close shave but with a whole lot less irritation.' Here are a few more expert tips for preventing those pesky post‑shave bumps and ingrown hairs: Shaving at the end of a warm shower — or applying a hot, damp cloth for a few minutes — loosens the hairs and swells them up, which reduces the chance they'll curl back under the skin. Use a gentle cleanser first. Choose a non‑comedogenic cleanser to clear away dead skin cells and oils that can clog follicles. Go with the grain. Always shave in the direction of hair growth; it significantly lowers irritation and the risk of ingrowns — even if it doesn't feel as smooth. Less pressure, more control. Light strokes are best — pressing hard or stretching the skin can increase micro‑cuts and inflammation Blade upkeep matters. Replace single‑blade razors every 5 to 7 shaves — or sooner if dull. Dull blades tug and irritate the skin. Rinse regularly. Wash your blade between strokes to avoid clogging and pulling. Chill it out. Rinse with cold water or apply a cool compress to close pores and calm inflammation. Protect and hydrate. Use a fragrance‑free, alcohol‑free moisturizer or splash on witch hazel for its soothing, astringent benefits. Gently exfoliate. Two or three times per week, use chemical exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acid — or mild, physical scrubs — to help hairs break through the skin rather than become trapped. Give your skin a break. Stop shaving until any bumps have healed to break the cycle. Ingrowns typically clear within roughly three months. Skip tight clothes post‑shave. Avoid friction from snug fabrics for a day or two after shaving — especially in areas like the bikini line or neck.
The Guardian
10-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Let's not split hairs over life with a beard
Polly Hudson's article (Beards may be dirtier than toilets – but all men should grow one, 3 July) is correct on the whole, except in the assumption that all men can do so. When I was a child, my dad spent a two-week holiday not shaving and ended up with a five o'clock shadow. By coincidence, my uncle grew a bushy forest on his face during the same period. Faced with my uncle's success, my dad promptly shaved his own attempt off and it was never spoken of again. Years later, I was bewildered by my dad's really quite hostile reaction when I successfully gave facial hair a go for the first time. Then I GrayBirmingham My late husband had a beard when we met in 1966, and I only saw him clean-shaven in old photographs. It was a full beard, befitting a geologist who had spent time in the field without a mirror. It was regarded with suspicion by Scottish farmers; one even offered to shear him with his sheep. At the time, beards were associated with artists and revolutionaries. My aunts, on first meeting Jack, summed him up as 'very nice, considering he has a beard'. Susan TreagusDidsbury, Manchester Polly Hudson writes: 'All men look better with beards and I will die on that hill.' Perhaps Keith Flett's Beard Liberation Front might consider awarding her honorary life membership. Toby WoodPeterborough Most, if not all, men have beards. It's just that the intelligent ones don't bother to scrape hair from their face every day. A pointless MacleodAberporth, Ceredigion Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
