All about disposable razors
Disposable machines for shaving differ in budget cost and easy operation. They are designed to remove hair from various parts of the body. They are often used by men for hygiene procedures on business trips or travel. Since they are recommended for single use, they are considered the most hygienic items for removing unwanted hair from the face and body. Let's take a look at everything about disposable razors.
Peculiarities
Disposable razors have been known to mankind since 1901 - that's when Kinglom Campam the first machine was produced. Among men and women, they have been in great demand for more than a dozen years. The benefits of these shaving accessories include:
- a wide range of models of domestic and foreign production;
- financial availability - prices vary from 25 to 300 rubles (the cost depends on the manufacturer, model and configuration);
- ease of use - no special skills, knowledge or efforts are required to shave;
- good shave;
- no need for regular lubrication and sharpening of the blades.
Disposable razors can be used multiple times (5 to 10). The disadvantage of such machines is the rapid blunting of the blades.
With a loss of sharpness, they stop sliding over the face, can pull out hairs by the roots and injure the skin, delivering painful sensations during shaving.
Varieties
There are several types of disposable razors. On sale meet models with replaceable cartridges... Such products are equipped with a movable head. They are convenient to use due to the ability to "adjust" to the relief of the face and shave hairs in hard-to-reach places. T-shaped machines are equipped with different types of heads. It comes with a straight, oblique or open cut. The first models are recommended for daily use.
Products with an open cut and knurled head best used for shaving off thick stubble - these accessories separate the hairs and shave them off easily. Oblique models they are able to shave off hairs at the very roots, but to use them will require skill - with awkward movements, you can injure the skin. Manufacturers also offer shaving razors with a moisturizing gel strip. It facilitates sliding, saturates the integument with nutrients. These products are recommended for people with dry or sensitive skin types. And machines are one, two-edged, less often - with three blades.
What is the difference between a disposable and reusable razor?
Disposable Shaving Razors not designed for repeated use... The most budget models are designed for one use, more expensive ones can be used several times - this is the main difference between disposable products. Reusable models are made of high quality steel, so they can be used for 1-3 months. These razors are equipped with replaceable cassettes - as the blades become dull, you can change the block.
Disposable machines are cheaper than reusable ones... For 200 rubles, you can purchase a set of 5-10 razors for single use. They are sold at almost any hardware store.
These products are smaller and lighter than reusable ones, so they don't take up much space in a backpacking or travel bag.
Overview of manufacturers and their products
Disposable razors for men and women are produced by many companies, but the leading positions in sales belong to products from manufacturers. Bic, Schick and Gillette. According to consumers, these are the best brands.
Bic
This is a French company engaged in the manufacture of inexpensive, but high quality and reliable razors. All disposable razors are equipped with 1 cutting element. The blade is made of carbon steel. In the Russian market, counterfeits of Bic razors are often found, which is why some buyers have a negative opinion about the manufacturer.
Schick
American manufacturer producing disposable machines with 3 blades. Peculiarities such razors - a rubberized handle, a lubricating strip soaked in aloe vera extract. Schick shaving accessories are easy to use. They glide smoothly over the skin and do not cause irritation. The moisturizing strip saturates the skin with vitamins and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Gillette
It is a brand owned by the American company The Procter & Gamble. Under this brand single and double-edged disposable razors are available. Some models have floating head, which is able to "adjust" to any face relief. The products are equipped with anti-friction blades.
Other
Disposable machines are also produced by Russian, Japanese, Korean, Turkish and Chinese manufacturers. The most popular of them are Blade Pivot, Derby, Dorco, Arko, Real Man. The machines of these brands are easy to use, they can be used every day, regardless of the type of skin.
How to choose?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a disposable razor.
- Number of blades. The more their number, the less movements will need to be done for high-quality hair removal. A two-blade machine is considered optimal for hair removal. Razors with a large number of blades remove the protective layer of the epidermis, which is why the risk of irritation is high.
- Additional functions. These include a floating head. These models are recommended to buy for people who have just begun to comprehend the intricacies of shaving. The floating head will allow you to hone your movements and make the process more efficient.
- Gel strip. These razors are recommended for people with skin prone to irritation and excessive dryness. A lubricating strip is optional, but it will make your shave more comfortable and less traumatic.
- Slice type. The closed one provides a secure shave. With an open cut, the cutting part protrudes above the comb, due to which it is possible to achieve a greater smoothness of the skin, but when using such a machine, the risks of damage increase.
When choosing a disposable razor, you need decide with the manufacturer. Famous brand products will cost more than unknown brands.
You should not choose too cheap products of dubious production - low-quality steel is often used in their manufacture, which quickly becomes dull and rusts.
How to use?
When using disposable machines, consumers usually do not have any difficulties. However, for the hair removal to be of high quality, you need to shave correctly. The hygienic procedure is carried out in several stages.
- Washing your face with warm water and soap or using special care products.
- Apply shaving gel or foam by hand or using a shaving brush. It is necessary to cover all unwanted hairs with the product.
- Removing stubble with a disposable machine. During the procedure, the shaver should be held by the handle, while the angle of inclination of the blade should be approximately 30 degrees. You need to shave from top to bottom along the hairline. If the machine is equipped with 1 blade, 2-3 passes in one area are enough to achieve perfect skin smoothness. When shaving, do not apply too much pressure on the razor, the movements should be smooth.
- At the end of the procedure, the remaining foam or gel is removed by washing with warm water.
- The skin should be blotted with a towel and then applied with an aftershave gel or lotion.
After shaving, you should pay attention to the machine if it is still planned to be used. The razor blades should be cleaned or rinsed under a pressure of warm water, turning it at different angles. To remove shaved hair, it is not recommended to bang the blades against the edges of the tub or sink. In this case, the accessory could be broken. Often, such actions lead to a change in the position of the blades - with further use, they can damage the skin.
Removing hair from the blades is a must after every shave. Otherwise, they will provoke the growth of pathogenic bacteria, leading to rust. After washing, dry the machine and treat the surface of the blades with an alcohol-based disinfectant. Such measures prevent the development of pathogenic microorganisms. Removing hair from the razor, washing the blades and disinfecting them are procedures that will help extend the life of your shaving product.
How to sharpen?
Many men wonder how often need to change or sharpen the blades. Cutting elements need to be sharpened when they begin to pull in hairs, traumatize the skin, or scrape off the upper layers of the epidermis. In this case, shaving is accompanied by the application of physical efforts.
For self-sharpening of the blades, it is recommended to resort to one of the following methods:
- using fine-grained sandpaper - the material is pre-soaked with water; after that, you need to hold the machine 20-30 times in the opposite direction when shaving the hairs;
- with the use of a sharpening stone - the sharpening procedure is carried out by analogy with the use of "sandpaper";
- with the use of foil-clad aluminum - to sharpen the machine, you need to hold the razor against the end of the roll at least 20 times in the direction away from you;
- using denim - the fabric should be spread out on a flat surface and run over it with a razor 20-30 times in the opposite direction to shaving.
To replace the cutting elements at home, you need to disassemble the razor and take out the blades. For this, the machine is unscrewed, the cover is removed from the head. After that, you need to pull out the dull blade, rinse all parts with warm water and disinfect with an alcohol-containing composition. The new blades need to be positioned in the same way that the old cutting elements were installed.
Next, they are fixed by tightening them between the head and the mount. Timely replacement or sharpening of the blades can protect against pulling hairs, their ingrowth into the skin, and irritation.
To avoid these problems, sharpening should be done after every 4-5 shaves performed.
The following video provides a mini overview of the Gillette 2 disposable razor.