Shaving Savings: How To Spend Less on Razors and Shaving Products

Use Less Shaving Cream

More shaving cream doesn’t necessarily produce a better shave.

Experiment with gradually reducing the amount you use until you find the smallest amount that still provides enough lubrication and protection for your skin.

If you use traditional shaving cream or soap, a shaving brush can help create and distribute lather using a relatively small amount of product.

Pay attention to the dispenser, too. It’s easy to press a little too long and end up with twice as much shaving cream as you need.

See Whether You Already Own a Shaving-Cream Substitute

You may not need a separate shaving product at all.

Some people successfully shave with a mild soap or body wash they already use. Hair conditioner is another common substitute, particularly if you have a bottle you bought but don’t especially like for your hair.

Using up an unwanted conditioner as shaving lubricant turns a potential waste into savings.

Whatever you use, make sure it provides adequate lubrication without irritating your skin.

Don’t Pay a “Men’s” or “Women’s” Premium Without Comparing

Shaving products are heavily marketed by gender, but the label doesn’t determine whether a product will work for you.

Compare razors, shaving creams and other products across the aisle rather than limiting yourself to products marketed specifically to men or women.

Look at the actual product, features, quantity and unit price.

You may find the less expensive option is sitting five feet away in different-colored packaging.

Share Shaving Products, But Not Razors

Household members can certainly use the same container of shaving cream, shaving soap or other appropriate products.

Individual razors and blades are different.

Don’t share them. Razors can cause tiny cuts and come into contact with blood and bacteria, making them personal items rather than something to pass around the household.

You can still save by buying a multipack and dividing unused razors among family members.

Consider a Safety Razor

If replacement cartridges are taking a significant bite out of your personal care budget, a traditional safety razor may be worth considering.

There’s an upfront cost for the razor, but replacement double-edge blades can cost considerably less than proprietary cartridges.

There’s also a learning curve. A safety razor uses a different shaving technique, so don’t switch solely because someone online says it will save you a fortune.

Research proper use first and decide whether it’s something you’ll realistically continue using.

If you try one and hate it, an inexpensive blade isn’t saving you anything sitting unused in the bathroom cabinet.

Consider an Electric Razor Based on Long-Term Cost

An electric razor requires a larger initial investment but may make financial sense for someone who shaves frequently and would otherwise go through a lot of disposable razors or cartridges.

Before buying, investigate more than the razor’s purchase price.

Check the expected cost and replacement schedule for heads, foils, cutters or other parts. Find out whether the model requires special cleaning cartridges or other ongoing purchases.

Then take care of it according to the manufacturer’s instructions so you get as many useful years from it as possible.

Be Careful About Replacing Shaving With a More Expensive Solution

Waxing, epilators and other hair-removal methods are sometimes promoted as ways to save on shaving.

They can save money for some people.

But compare the complete cost.

Salon waxing can obviously cost much more than shaving. At-home waxing requires supplies. An epilator requires an upfront investment. Some methods also take considerably more time or simply aren’t comfortable for everyone.

If you’re happy shaving inexpensively, you don’t need to buy a new device in an attempt to save money.

If you already pay for professional hair removal, however, researching safe at-home alternatives could produce meaningful savings.

TDS Takeaway: Find Your Cheapest Comfortable Shave

Personal care is personal.

One person may get weeks of comfortable shaves from an inexpensive disposable razor while another gets irritated skin after a few uses. Someone may love a safety razor while someone else would happily pay more never to use one again.

That’s why shaving savings aren’t about finding the absolute cheapest razor.

They’re about finding the least expensive combination of products that reliably works for you.

Once you find it, stop letting marketing convince you that your razor needs another blade, another feature or another expensive refill to do a job you’re already getting done.