The $3.5 billion shaving industry is said to be declining because society has become relaxed about hair. While it’s true that some celebrities are sporting beards and armpit hair, a growing number of celebrities are switching to safety razors.
Until recently, the value of the shaving industry was based largely on disposable razors and cartridge razors – an industry that has been inventing gimmicky product revamps for decades. Remember the “Giraffe” razor extension? That didn’t work out so well.
Today’s celebrities don’t want gimmicks. They want classic shaving tools sold by companies like Shave.net that are built to last generations. They want to shave the old fashioned way.
So, what’s the appeal? Why are celebrities ditching their five-blade plastic razors and shaving like their grandparents?
Classic shaving tools provide a superior quality shave
The main reason celebrities are switching to safety razors is to get a better shave. No matter how hard you try, you can’t get a quality shave out of disposable razors. You can get close, but the results will always be lacking. Disposable blades aren’t that sharp so you won’t get a close shave. Multiple blades are also unnecessary – all you need is a single, sharp blade to avoid razor bumps and rashes.
Classic shaving is cheaper, but it’s not about the money
The irony is that it doesn’t cost more to get high quality shaving tools. You’ll pay less for classic shaving tools and replacement blades. According to Electrogent’s calculations, using a safety razor for 11 years will cost $99.68 while using a cartridge razor for 11 years will cost $619.46.
Although classic wet shaving does save some cash, celebrities want the whole shaving experience.
Classic shaving is a pampered experience
The main reason celebrities love a classic wet shave is because it makes them feel pampered. Shaving with a safety razor isn’t a sloppy chore where you slap some shaving cream on your face and scrape away. That method might work with disposable razors, but classic wet shaving requires a ritualistic approach – a ritual that makes you feel like a king or queen!
The pampered ritual of classic wet shaving
The classic wet shaving ritual begins with a set of high-quality tools, including:
- A weighted, all-metal safety razor
- A single, sharp razor blade
- Pre-shave oil or butter
- A puck of moisturizing shaving soap
- A shaving brush (made from boar’s hair or synthetic materials)
- A scuttle or shaving bowl/mug
- Aftershave
- A hot towel
To begin the ritual, most people prefer to take a hot shower to open their pores and soften their skin. However, if you don’t want to take a shower before you shave, placing a steaming hot towel around your skin will work wonders and feels amazing.
Once your pores are open and your skin has softened, the next step is to prepare your skin for the shave. You want to create a slick surface for your razor to glide over. Begin by applying a pre-shave oil to your skin and work it into and between the hairs. Applying pre-shave oil makes your skin feel silky smooth, and is exceptionally hydrating. The best oil to use is pure jojoba oil, but there are scented oils on the market if that’s what you prefer.
Next comes the art of creating thick, creamy lather. Whipping up lather by hand feels like a luxury compared to pushing a plastic button to dispense neon-colored toxic gel from a can. The process begins with a little bit of soap and a wet shaving brush. The idea is to use as little water as possible to whip up some creamy lather that stops short of being too hard and dry. The process itself makes you feel like you’re living in another time when people weren’t constantly being rushed out the door to sit in morning traffic.
Once lather is applied to the skin, the experience of shaving with a safety razor is unparalleled. You don’t have to push the razor into your skin – the weight of the handle provides enough pressure. The feeling of gently gliding the razor over the skin while the hair is removed effortlessly makes you feel fantastic.
Shaving should be an experience, not a chore
Celebrities know it’s a privilege to shave with a safety razor. They take pride in the ritual from start to finish. Whether they pay for a professional barbershop shave or do it at home, nothing beats feeling pampered.
