How Often Should I Change My Razor? Here's How To Know

Unsplash/Manki Kim

We get it — there’s a lot going on in your life and sometimes you just don’t have time to think about mundane things like replacing an old razor. But not switching out your shaving tool frequently enough could leave your skin exposed to rust and infection-causing bacteria, which can lead to little red bumps appearing on your skin after shaving. And since shaving often causes little nicks in the skin, shaving with an old razor that’s likely been exposed to bacteria could allow that bacteria to make its way into your body and cause even more damage. Not to mention, an old razor isn’t as effective in giving you the silky-smooth skin you’re shaving for in the first place. So here are a few rules of thumb to follow when deciding whether it’s time to swap out that razor.

The more you shave, the more frequently you need to switch out your shaving tool.

Someone who’s shaving on a daily basis needs to change their razor more frequently than someone who only shaves every two weeks (no judgment here). If you shave more frequently, your razor will dull sooner, so daily shavers should swap razors out every two weeks. Luckily, many popular razor brands offer home-delivery refill subscription plans and at discounted rates so you can replenish your stock at the frequency of your choice without breaking the bank. A good indicator that it’s time to kick that razor to the curb is if you notice any rusting on the blade or if you feel tugging on your skin when you shave. Getting frequent razor cuts is also a sign that it’s time to swap out that razor.

Where and how you store your razor matters.

Pexels/Bruce Mars

Storing your razor in a wet or damp area like your shower can cause the blade to rust much faster and can also increase its exposure to harmful bacteria. To increase your razor’s shelf life, consider removing it from the shower, patting it dry and placing it in a less steamy place like your bathroom cabinet. It’s also important to wash your razor after you use it to prevent shaving cream and soap from getting caught in between the blades, which decreases the sharpness of the blades and results in a less effective shave.

Consider disposable razor alternatives.

Frequently buying disposable razors can become expensive, not to mention pretty harmful for the environment. What’s up with all that plastic? If you find that you’re going through razors at warp speed, consider investing in an electric shaver or even giving up shaving altogether in favor of waxing or laser hair removal. The latter is a little more pricey up front but could end up saving you a ton of time and money in the long run.

How Laser Hair Removal Benefits Your Skin Health

5 Self-Care Olive Oil Hacks That’ll Come In Clutch