A Clean Shave + Safety Razor Tips [Non-toxic, Eco-Friendly]

When I first decided to transition to clean beauty, I thought I already lived pretty clean (and I did!), so I didn’t expect the shift to change much except my skincare and makeup. But it legit has changed everything! The reason? It’s been more of a perspective shift than a product shift. And once your perspective shifts, you see everything differently. This means that in addition to being more mindful about the micro (what I use and how it affects my body), I’ve begun to think about the macro, too. How do these decisions affect mother earth? So when I started to look at making small changes towards being more eco-friendly, I surprised that it lead me to something simple like the razor I use to shave. But here’s the thing, it probably shouldn’t have taken me so long, because conventional shaving products are crap. So let’s talk about how you can get a clean shave 😉.

Why you should switch to a safety razor for a clean shave

There are a lot of reasons to switch to a safety razor, least of which is the aesthetic, but I must admit, this rose gold beauty by OuiShave started showing up in my timeline last year, and I just had to have it. I was buying my husband a new safety razor for Christmas (I got him this one), so I decided, I might as well bite the bullet and get my own. You guys, I love this razor. She’s gorgeous and substantial and makes me feel fancy. Honestly, any safety razor will do, each requires a learning curve (different weights), but let me just take a moment to tell you about THIS razor, because she’s different.

On top of her beauty, the Oui Shave safety razor is designed specifically w/women in mind (made by a woman of color, 👏🏽). The handle is longer (to reach those legs), the weight is perfect, even the angle of the blade is designed to with your sensitive bits in mind. It’s pure artistry, people. I bought mine (w/my own $, this is not sponsored) and I can personally attest to how much I prefer this to my hubby’s safety razor. It’s just that good.

But if you need more than that, here are a few other reasons to love her:

• It’s a zero waste option. The handle, which is expertly crafted in Germany, will last for.ev.er, and the blades are recyclable. Store them in a DIY sharps container or buy a blade bank and then recycle them at your local facility (some Whole Foods have collection bins).
• Say bye bye, ingrown hairs. Safety razors use a single blade which cuts the hair at the root. Less irritated skin follicles = fewer ingrown hairs.
• She saves you money. Who among us hasn’t cringed at the cost of replacement heads for those reusable razors ($25 for refills)? You pop the top off, toss it, and then stick on a new blade head, only to still get a mediocre shave. The replacement blades I use are $11 for 10 blades. Each blade lasts me about 5 shaves. You do the math.
• The closest shave ever. I mean, this right here is kinda the point — no bumps, cuts, or irritation. Just legs so soft I kept rubbing them.

The best technique for a clean shave

Alright, alright. I’m not sure there is a definite “best” way to do it, but here’s what I like to do.

1. Exfoliate

Exfoliating before every shave lifts the hairs from the skin allowing the razor to reach the root of the hair. You can do this with dry brushing (here’s a how-to), or by using your favorite b

Three Fave Body Exfoliators

1. Osea // Undaria Body Polish – A blend of Acai, Pumice and Guarana powders gently exfoliate your skin, and the lavender lingers for hours. I step into the shower rinse, rub this all over, then turn the water on again to rinse it off and start my shower.
2. Mālayā Organics // Black Tea & Neroli Body Polish – This stuff makes my skin GLOW. Formulated with Himalayan pink salt, rose kaolin clay, black tea extract, and neroli this is so beautiful.
3. Beneath Your Mask // Detox Body Scrub – This detoxifying body scrub draws out impurities (dead sea salt), smells delectable, and soothes irritated skin (colloidal oatmeal). The lemongrass makes me swoon. It’s a must.

2. Shave at the end

Do all your shower things, but save shaving for the end. This allows your hairs to soften making the shave just a little bit smoother. You can turn the water off and shave in the shower (making sure your hands are dry) and then just turn the water back on for a quick rinse when you’re done. If you prefer you can shave outside of the shower, as I sometimes do, and then just run a wet hand over your legs to remove any residual hairs.

3. Try using a shave oil instead

I know we all think of candy-scented shaving foams from our youth, but I’m telling you, switching to a shave oil will totally change the game. After you’ve exfoliated and showered, just slather on a bit of the shave oil and let the emulsion create the perfect (hydrating!) barrier for your razor to glide over. Bonus, your skin will still be soft and hydrated after you rinse away the excess.

Three Faves for Shaving

1. Olìe Biologique // Whisker Oil – This oil is moisturizing, hydrating, and has superb ingredients like Black Seed Oil, Camellia Oil, Borage Oil, Rosehip Seed oil, and aloe, etc. that will leave your skin nourished + hydrated.  Save 20% on Amazon w/code SHOPFELIX20.
2. Oui Shave // Neroli shave oil – this oil is a blend of everything your wants & needs to be hydrated and happy & smells of Jasmine. Grapeseed oil, Argan Oil, Vitamin E, and Neroli oil, etc.
3. Ursa Major // Stellar Shave Cream – If you just have to have a cream product. I’ve heard great things about this one and it’s got pretty stellar ingredients.

Frankly, you could use organic olive oil or argan oil or jojoba oil and they would get the job done. These just have added skincare benefits for delicate skin in need of extra love. Whatever you choose, please just steer clear of traditional shave creams (so many toxic ingredients and fragrance).

4. Shave Slowly & at a 30° angle

Facts: If you try to rush through a shave using a safety razor, nicks are inevitable. Slow and steady definitely wins the race when it comes to shaving with a safety razor. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll have a feel for how quickly you can go without getting a nick, and if you’re like me, you’ll play the razor’s edge of that window. 😉

5. Finish up with body oil (even if you want a little cream, too).

After you’ve shaved, give yourself a good rinse or finish off your shower. And as soon as you step out slather on your favorite body oil. That’s right, directly onto damp/wet skin. This will create an emulsion (like lotion) that will lock in moisture for dayssss. If you’re prone to extra dry skin, slather on your creamier moisturizers once the oil has soaked in.

Two Body Oils + Body Serum (oilish)

1. One Love Organics // Vitamin C body oil – This oil is lightweight, absorbs quickly and is perfect for summer (citrus scent + hella hydrating).
2. Osmia Organics // Body Oil  (I dig Night) – Frankly, Osmia can do no wrong. But this body oil is so luxe, and I just can’t quit it. This scent combines lavender, cedar, and chamomile and is just so grounding. Whenever they drop a craft series body oil (like the Sacred Rose) I typically pick one up the moment they drop; these are super limited (200 or less) and sell out super fast!
3. Siam Seas // Kwam Rak Body Serum  – This stuff is unique and hydrates like a mother. It’s a creamy emulsion made with aloe juice and inner fillet gel and uses ayurvedic herbs to help with circulation (it tingles) and the texture of your skin. It also has ceramides to heal, hydrate, and help skin retain moisture.

More of a cream/lotion girl? I got you!

1. Osmia Organics // Body Mousse – I bow down to the whipped goodness that is Osmia mouses. I love the Lavender for any time, but whenever they drop a craft series body mousse (like the Rose Geranium, Ginger, or Palo Santo) RUN to get them because they sell out like hotcakes. I’m obsessed. In the winter, I like to put body oil on right out of the shower (like the Osmia Naked, which is unscented) and then follow up with a layer of the mousse. This mousse is light, fluffy, creamy, and just utterly amazing. If I could only pick one body moisturizer for the rest of my days, I’d probably go with this.

A few tips for a clean shave

• Get familiar. The first time I put mine back together without paying attention and couldn’t for the life of me figure out why the blade wasn’t exposed. I’d put the head back upside down. 🤦🏽‍♀️
• Consider doing armpits outside of the shower. I’ve been doing mine while looking into a 5x mirror pulling my skin taught for the closest shave.
• Rinse well throughout the shave and after you’ve finished removing hair and oil buildup.
• Let it air dry outside the shower. I keep mine in the medicine cabinet next to my sink; out of reach of tiny hands. My husband hangs his on a razor stand.
• Change the blades every 5-6 uses. I reserve the bikini line for the 1st shave. Then use the blade to shave my legs and armpits a few times before restarting that cycle. ⇒ I don’t shave my bikini line that often because I prefer to wax, but this razor is great for touchups AND is excellent at preventing irritation.
• Dispose of the blades properly– Do NOT throw them into the trash. Use a DIY container (marked “biohazard” or “sharps”) and recycle appropriately. Or buy a blade bank like this one (only $3.75 & holds 50 blades). Also, some blade boxes, like mine, have a slot for reinserting the used blades; just recycle appropriately when you’ll all done.

Making the Switch

If you’re considering making the switch to a better for you, more sustainable, eco-conscious razor I highly recommend the Oui Shave razor. It’s expertly engineered by a German company that has been in the business of making razors for over 100 years. Additionally, it’s designed by a woman who was specifically looking out for a women’s needs when creating this razor. When I hold my husband’s razor in my hand, I can feel the difference. I love it because it’s not just a pretty piece; it is truly thoughtfully designed.

Are you on the fence? If so, ask me your questions. I’m happy to help. Let me know if you take the plunge, I promise you won’t look back!

Want to be even more eco-friendly? Have you considered a menstrual cup for a zero waste period?

Xo, Kimberly Fe'Lix