Once you start to get into a habit, it can be quite hard to break it. This is perhaps especially the case with shaving – once you start using a certain kind of razor, it can be difficult to think of a good reason to start using a different option.

Part of that reluctance to change often derives from simply not knowing what the alternatives are.

If you’re wondering whether your current razor of choice is the best option for you, then you’re in the right place – read on for a quick rundown of the different kinds of shaving razors that are available.

This is a contributed article.

woman with blue and green paint on her face

Double edge safety razors

If you’re looking for a stylish alternative to straight razors, then you might want to have a look at razors like these. 

Double edge safety razors were invented in the 18th century as – you guessed it – a safer alternative to the relatively dangerous straight edge razors that were common at the time. 

While cartridge safety razors have come to dominate the shaving market, double edge safety razors are seeking a resurgence in popularity.

Straight razors

Straight razors are one of the oldest kinds of razors. They were first made in Egypt around 3000 years ago, but they weren’t manufactured in their current, steel form until the 17th century, in Sheffield, England.

Like double edge safety razors, straight razors are seeing a sharp rise in popularity. It’s true that you need to be a lot more careful when using them, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll find that they provide the closest, cleanest shave you can possibly get. Just make sure you keep them sharp and clean, to get the most out of them.

Cartridge razors

Cartridge razors hit the market in the 1960s, and took the world by storm. They’re generally the cheapest option nowadays and are pretty simple to use.

There’s a big range in terms of quality. Some are designed to be thrown away after not so long, containing a couple of simple blades, while others have rows up to 5 or 6 blades that provide a smooth experience.

Electric razors

Finally, electric razors. Using a range of different blade technologies (primarily either oscillating or rotating), electric razors are designed to provide a quick and easy experience to users.

While older electric razors didn’t provide quite such a tight shave, newer models can provide a cut that’s pretty much as close as most people will need. They’ve also gotten a lot cheaper in recent years, making them an economically viable choice for most people.

If you’ve only ever tried using a single kind of razor, the chances are that there’s an option out there which might suit you even better. 

Give them a try – with the exception of straight razors, there’s really not much that can go wrong with most of the different models. And even with straight razors, if you’re careful and keep your razor sharp, you should be in for a good experience.