If you are like most men, shaving and grooming of facial hairs is something you have to worry about often, maybe even daily, to retain your classy look. Since it is something you will often be doing, you need to do it well. Since shaving is a precise practice that can lead to skin complications if not done properly, it is something that should be handled carefully.
When shaving, the ideal tool is a clean, rust-free razor blade, but have you ever wondered if you can manage with a rusty razor once in a while?
The straightforward and emphatic answer is “NO.” When it comes to shaving, the condition of the razor that you use can make a huge difference. If the blade is sharp and new, it makes for a cleaner and faster cut. It also ensures that you do not suffer from bumps and other skin irritations that usually arise from shaving with a blunt razor. Most importantly, don’t ever use a rusty razor or you may be inviting an infection.
It is often said that what is worth doing is worth doing well. If you have decided to be amongst those with a clean shaved area on your face, then you need to do it without endangering your skin.
What Can Happen If You Use a Rusty Razor?
By now, you know it is not okay to shave with a rusty razor, but here are the actual reasons why you shouldn’t.
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Bacterial Infection
When a razor is rusty, most times, various bacteria are also trapped in the uneven surfaces of the rust on the razor. The bacteria and viruses that come with it can be really problematic. When these microorganisms come in contact with your skin or get into your body through small cuts caused by the rusty uneven blade surface, they can infect you. A lot of people get tetanus and other types of infection from a rusty razor.
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A Bad Shave
With a rusty razor, you will spend more time and effort and still not get a good result. What can be more annoying than that? You will have to shave over your skin over and over again in your quest for a smooth shave. While you do that, you will accumulate nicks and scrapes. The problem with this type of shaving is that it can lead to skin irritation and infections that you don’t want.
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Bumps
As your rusty dull blade tugs at your skin, you will get inflammation around your hair follicles. That is the beginning of razor bumps. Though they are temporary, they can be painful, disfiguring and annoying. In severe cases, it may even lead to scarring.
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Cuts
Since you will be applying more pressure than you should, your chances of sustaining a cut increases. Such cuts, coupled with rusty blades that are susceptible to bacteria, make a deadly combo that easily leads to infection.
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Ingrown Hairs
An ingrown hair occurs when newly growing hair cannot sprout out of the skin because some dead skin has clogged the hair canal. This too is common with blunt or rusty blades.
If you ever use a rusty razor, ensure that you apply an after-shave gel or clean your face with an antiseptic to eliminate the bacteria that might have contaminated your skin from the shave.
Cleaning Your Rusty Razor
If you must use your razor even after it has rusted, which is very unlikely considering how cheap razors can be, then here are a few things you can do to make it fit for use again.
First of all, rusts happen when razors are exposed to moisture for an extended period. It is a chemical reaction that occurs between the metal from which your razor is made and the moisture it is in contact with that leads to the deposition of rusts as the product of the reaction.
To remove rust, here is a procedure you can follow.
- Clean with white vinegar:
- Vinegar, sea salt and an old toothbrush can be used to remove rust. To do this, rinse your razor with clean water, put it in a bowl containing white vinegar and allow to soak for about 30 seconds. Then make a paste with your sea salt and vinegar. With your old toothbrush, scrub the blade very well. After scrubbing off the rust to your satisfaction, rinse it with clean water.
- You may repeat this process until you get your desired result.
- With your blade free of rust, the next thing is to dry it, and that should be done with cotton wool and alcohol. The alcohol will accelerate the drying of the blade.
- You can also use lemon juice, sea salt and toothbrush. The procedure is similar to the one we discussed previously. The only difference is that your lemon juice will replace your vinegar in this second procedure.
Extending the Life of Your Blade
Now that you know you can’t afford to allow your razor become rusty, here are a few ways you can ensure that rust doesn’t creep up on your shiny blades.
- Rinse your razor with a stream of hot water after every use. This will keep the blade clear of any clogged hair.
- Dry your blade properly. Remember how moisture is the chief ingredient for rust? You need to keep it out thoroughly. To do that, blot the blades with a clean towel, not wipe. If you have a blow dryer, you can give your razor a quick blast for about 10 seconds.
- Apply mineral and rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol can initiate quicker drying while still sterilizing the blade in the process. Mineral oil, on the other hand, will enhance your blade’s performance.
- Blades should be stored outside the bathroom. In the spirit of keeping out the moisture, your razors should be stored outside the bathroom and safely tucked away in a cool, dry place. If you can get a small ziplock bag for your razors, that can do the trick.
Your Choice of Blade
When discussing razors and their tendency to rust, we still have to factor in the quality of the razors because that too can influence the rust. A quality razor is not just good for its stronger anti-rust features; it can also decide if you will get a good shave or not.
Generally, razors fall into either of the four main categories, which are:
- cartridge razors
- electric razors
- safety razors
- straight razors
Regardless of its category, a good razor must possess standard desirable features. You can check out the Gillette Fusion5 Men’s Razor Handle + 4 Blade Refills. It is a cartridge razor with space for 5 blades so the job is done as quickly and smoothly as possible. The blades are in a class of their own as they come with anti friction features that further reduce the chance of irritation. They also have a micro mob feature that guides hair to the blades as you shave.
Another great choice is the Merkur Mk34c Double Edge Razor with Heavy Duty Short Handle. It is a safety razor with top notch features. The way it is designed ensures that you do less and achieve more with its short and thick handle carrying a heavy head. Generally, experts agree that safety razors are better because they cut with one blaze which prevents hair from getting trapped between blades and causing irritation.
How Long Should You Use Your Disposable Razor?
I know you can maintain your razor and make it last longer for you, but then there is a limit to how long you can use a blade and get the best out of it. Ideally, disposable blades can be used for 3 to 10 shaves depending on how well you maintain it. Around 6 shaves per razor is standard. Anything higher than 10, you risk exposing your skin to a blunt razor.
You must not wait until you use your blade the tenth time before you change it. Change it immediately when you notice it is becoming dull and ineffective. At such times, it will start to pull on your skin as you shave, and it will feel rough as it glides across your skin. At such times, change your blades.
To make it easier for yourself, get reusable razors – not disposable ones. Reusable razors allow you to take out your dull blades and replace them with new ones. They come with a detachable blade cartridge that makes it possible to change out your blade easily. They have a razor handle that you keep and use everytime you shave. With a disposable razor, you throw the entire thing away.
Final Thoughts
Razors of all kinds are a great and very commonly used tool for men who prioritize grooming their facial hair. Never use a rusty razor. I am not saying that rusty razors won’t cut your facial hairs. Although a bit slower, they will do the job, albeit, not as well.
The real problem is the infection and irritation that may follow using a rusty razor. Ensure you change your razors or blades promptly so you can maintain your health as well as that classy look.
Since razors are fairly cheap, there is no reason to risk getting an infection from a rusty razor. That being said, if you want to be frugal and rehabilitate your old rusty razor, you can effectively clean the rust off using the process I have described.
The best way to keep smooth and healthy skin when you shave is to use a clean, sharp and new razor or blade. Simplify your life. Don’t wait for bumpy, irritated skin to tell you when to change to a new blade. Change out your blades at least weekly if you shave every day, and don’t forget to clean and dry them in-between uses to extend their life.