Failing to replace a disposable razor quickly enough leads to tugging on the skin and increases the chance of cuts and ingrown hairs. It can also make shaving more uncomfortable and lead to irritated skin.
How many times can you shave with a razor is probably one of the most common question guys ask. It’s not like razors given you a warning when they are due for replacement….right? Well, that’s not exactly true.
The actual amount that you use your razor and where you shave will obviously impact how frequently you replace your blades. Do you just shave your face? Your head, too? The coarseness of your whiskers and amount of hair you have to shave matters, too.
It also depends on the quality of your razor as one would expect that a cheap disposable razor may not last as long as a more expensive one.
Replacing Disposable Razor Blades
Gillette: They suggest that their blades will last 3-10 shaves but that you should replace a blade when it feels dull.
BIC: Their Flex 3 razor should be replaced after up to 10 shaves according to BIC’s instructions. When I first started shaving and used their cheapest BIC Sensitive razor, I found it stopped shaving well after a handful of shaves.
Wilkinson: Users generally suggest that Wilkinson blades last for up to 5 shaves before replacement.
Double Edge blades: Generally speaking, double edge blades can be used 3-5 shaves before needing replacement.
I can’t lie…I have made many of the disposable razor blades I’ve bought over the years last significantly longer than 5-10 shaves… I won’t keep them if I feel like they are dull or are tugging on my skin but I generally don’t keep track of how many times I’ve used each one.
I’ve used many disposable razor brands upwards of 20 times each easily.
Replacing An Electric Shaver
Electric shavers – both rotary head shavers and foil shavers – eventually need to be replaced. Specifically we’re talking about the shaving heads and possibly the foil in the case of the foil shaver. I once had the foil slightly tear (it’s made of metal) and I needed to replace the whole thing as a result.
Remington: They suggest you replace the complete shaving head every 12-18 months. They also suggest you use your shaving experience to determine replacement frequency ie. when you begin to experience skin irritation or the shaver stops performing as well as it used to.
Braun: Braun suggests replace shaver blades every 18 months.
Philips: They suggest replacing shaver blades every 24 months.
For body shavers like the Philips OneBlade, they suggest replacing blades every 4 months. They come with a wear indicator that does advise you when to replace the blades too. You can see though that the lifespan of these blades are significantly less than electric shavers.
Again, how frequently do you use the body shaver and what is the amount of the hair you shave each time? These have an impact on how frequently you replace parts.
Also, let’s be clear that the sooner you replace anything, the better it is for the company selling it to you.
Conclusion: How Many Times Can You Shave With A Razor?
- Every shaving device needs to be replaced at some point and its lifespan will depend on how much you shave, the quality of the product and the coarseness of your hair among other factors.
- Disposable razor blades need to be replaced before they become dull otherwise you risk cutting yourself, getting ingrown hairs and irritated skin.
- In general terms a razor blade lasts 5-10 shaves depending on the brand and quality.
- Electric shavers need their shaving heads replaced too. Depending on the brand, electric shaver cutting tools will last 12-18 months on average although some brands may last up to 24 months.
- Your personal situation will largely determine when parts need to be replaced along with your shaving habits and quality of the product in question.
How frequently do you replace your razor blades? Let us know in the comments below!