How Often Should You Change Your Razor?
Key takeaways:
At a minimum, razor blades should be changed every seven shaves. But if you have coarse or thick hair, or uneven or scarred skin, you may need to change blades every five shaves.
Dull razors can miss hairs and give you an uneven shave. What’s more important is that they can cause razor burn, razor bumps, and skin infections.
Maximize your razor’s lifespan by cleaning the blades, storing it properly, and using good shaving technique.
A good razor blade can be expensive to replace. But using an old razor may end up giving you an uncomfortable shave. Or worse, it could end up causing a rash, unsightly bumps, or even an infection. So, exactly how often do you need to change your razor blade? And what is the best way to keep your razor clean and safe? Let’s get into the specifics below.
When should you replace your razor?
The short answer is you should replace your razor when the blades get dull. But it’s hard to know exactly how many times you can use each razor before it’s dull. On average, you should replace your razor blade once every five to seven shaves.
Some of the things that cause razors to become dull faster include:
Your skin type: Dry, uneven, or scarred skin can cause more debris buildup, which blunts the blade faster.
Your hair type: Hair that is coarse or thick may cause the blade to dull faster.
Your shaving method: In particular, dry shaving can cause razor burn and bumps, and can also cause the blade to dull faster.
The number of blades in your razor: Single or double-blade razors don’t last as long as those with more blades.
Your razor quality: Higher-quality razor blades last longer than low-quality blades.
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Some people will need to replace their razor blade much more often than others. You’ll know it’s time to replace your blades when:
You feel pulling on your skin while you shave
Your skin feels irritated after shaving
You have to apply more pressure than normal to get a good shave
You see rust on your blade
What happens if you don’t change your razor blade?
Dull razor blades can give you an uneven shave. They can also irritate and damage your skin. If you don’t change your razor blade often enough, you may encounter:
Missed hairs: Dull razors are likely to leave unshaved areas of skin.
Razor burn: A dull razor can scrape the top layer of skin, causing irritation and inflammation. Razor burn can be painful, and the redness can be embarrassing.
Ingrown hairs: Dull razors can unevenly cut the hair. These uneven hairs are more likely to fold back and grow into the hair follicle, causing an ingrown hair (Pseudofolliculitis barbae). Ingrown hairs can look inflamed, but the follicles are not infected. Ingrown hairs are more likely to happen for Black people.
Bacterial infections: Shaving with a dull razor can damage your hair follicles. Damaged hair follicles can more easily become infected with bacteria (folliculitis). Folliculitis can look like an acne outbreak.
Cuts and nicks: A dull razor is more likely to pull on skin, and it can cause cuts or nicks.
How can you prevent ingrown hairs and irritation when shaving?
The best way to prevent shaving complications like ingrown hairs and irritation is to use a clean, sharp blade. It also helps to use a good shaving technique. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends trying these shaving tips:
Wet your skin and hair before shaving. The best time to shave is right after a shower since your hair and skin are wet and soft.
Use shaving cream or gel. This allows the razor to glide more easily. Try a product labeled “for sensitive skin” if you’re prone to irritation.
Shave only in the direction of hair growth. This can limit irritation and bump formation.
Rinse your razor after each swipe. This helps to clean debris from the blades.
Clean your razor and let it dry after shaving. Store your razor in a dry place to prevent bacteria and fungi from growing between shaves.
If your skin is sensitive, or if you’re developing bumps or razor burn, replace your blade more often.
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How can you make your razors last longer?
Taking proper care of your razor can give you a closer, more comfortable shave. Proper care can also make your razor last longer, which can save you money. Make your razor last longer with the following tips:
Clean your blades after every stroke and rinse the razor thoroughly after shaving. You don’t need to use harsh cleaners or disinfectants.
Avoid tapping the blades against the sink to get hairs out. Tapping the blades will damage them. Instead, shake the razor under running water to clean.
Store the razor in a clean, dry spot and protect the blades with a blade cover. Moisture can promote rust and cause dull blades.
Shave wet skin only. Never dry shave, as this can dull the blades quickly.
The bottom line
Razor blades should be changed at least every five to seven shaves. The quality and number of the blades in your razor head will also affect how often you should change your blades. A dull razor blade can give you an uneven shave. But it can also cause razor burn, razor bumps, or skin infections. The best way to maximize the life of your razor is to store it properly and use a good shaving technique.
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References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Hair removal: How to shave.
Ludmann, P. (2022). Razor bump remedies for men with darker skin tones. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Roscioli, G., et al. (2020). How hair deforms steel. Science.
