(Newswire.net — May 13, 2020) — Shaving culture has gone through some interesting changes over the years. For more than a decade, some of the most prominent shaving brands on the planet have pushed “advanced” products like multi-blade razors and expensive cream and aftercare products, claiming they provide a better experience. But for men who shave on a daily, or even semi-regular basis, all these products get expensive.
Now, the tide is starting to shift, and men are starting to optimize their efforts to save money on shaving. It’s a necessity of daily life and should be comfortable, but it also doesn’t have to be a burden on your budget.
Less Shaving
One of the most straightforward tactics men are using is simply reducing the number of times they shave. The number of men with beards and facial hair in the United States has been growing steadily for years, and the facial hair “look” is currently well-regarded. If you only shave once per week, or if you don’t shave at all, you won’t need to spend money on razors or other shaving products.
Of course, there’s also a caveat to this approach. If you want your facial hair to look professional, attractive, or just presentable, you’ll need to spend some extra time and money on it. For example, you’ll need to regularly trim and comb your beard to keep it looking well-maintained. You may also want to use beard oil to maintain its appearance.
Simpler Razors
For years, prevailing razor blade brands have posited that for a closer and more comfortable shave, you need more advanced features, like multiple blades and lubricating strips. These extra features, understandably, make the blades more expensive. If they actually provided a better shave, most men would consider making the purchase. But the science suggests that simpler might be better.
Single blade razors offer a number of advantages. They’re much less likely to pull at the hairs on your face. They offer a closer shave and are generally more precise. They also produce less skin irritation, which is ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Of course, even if it weren’t for these advantages, single-bladed razors tend to be less expensive. Men can save hundreds, or even thousands of dollars over the course of years by switching to them.
Similarly, there’s a rising trend in favor of straight razors. Straight razors fell out of fashion due to their perceived difficulty of use, but in reality, straight razors can provide a close, comfortable shave—and they’re not hard to learn. Owning a straight razor requires you to conduct regular maintenance, like sharpening the blade, but it’s a one-time purchase, rather than requiring men to purchase regular replacements for their disposable razors.
Subscription Services and Deals
Subscription shaving services attempt to make shaving both less expensive and more convenient for men. There are different services for different demographics, but most provide basic shaving supplies, like fresh blades, shaving cream, and aftercare products, in exchange for a fixed monthly cost. Because they’re buying large quantities of blades, service providers can afford to offer lower per-unit prices to customers.
Home Maintenance
Men are also realizing that they can extend the lifespan of disposable razors by sharpening them at home. With a straight razor, it’s important to sharpen the blade regularly, but even single- and multi-bladed razors can be extended with simple sharpening techniques. One at-home trick that’s gotten popular is running the blades along the length of a pair of jeans.
Blades can also be properly maintained with a handful of basic techniques. For example, it’s important to clean and dry razors after each use, prolonging their lifespan.
Additional Shaving Products
With wet shaving, it’s advisable to use some kind of lubricant on your skin while shaving. For some men, a basic shaving cream would do. Others prefer the use of more obscure products, like coconut oil. Either way, men can save money on their overall shaving experience by choosing the best possible products, lathering efficiently, and avoiding products with more flashiness and flair than real substance. Pre-care and aftercare products can provide a better experience, but it’s also easy to spend too much money on these additional items.
The Trend Toward Simpler Shaving
For some men, shaving is growing less important. For others, it’s becoming increasingly evident that simpler forms of shaving are better. In both cases, men are finding new ways to save money while keeping the quality of their shaves high. In the coming years, expect to see a reduction in the number of products that attempt to overcomplicate shaving with unnecessary features and marketing fodder, and an increase in the number of products and services meant to give men what they need for a reasonable price.