How often do I need to change my razor blade? This is one of the top questions men ask when it comes to wet shaving. And it’s also one of the most important points to consider, whether you’re new to wet shaving, or if you’ve been shaving for years. This is because the sharpness of the blade makes all the difference to the experience of shaving and the smoothness of your skin once you’ve finished. Some men leave it too long between blade changes and others change them more than is necessary. In this blog, we clear up the confusion once and for all about how often to change razor blades.

How Long Do Razor Blades Last?

So how long does one razor blade last? Well, this should always be based on the number of shaves, not the number of weeks. Ideally, you want to change your razor blade after 5-10 shaves. Gillette actually recommends 5-7 shaves, but this is just a general rule and it actually comes down more to the thickness and density of your facial hair. As a general rule, the thicker and denser your hair, the faster your blade will wear out and need replacing.

This can get confusing, however, if your hair is dense but soft, or sparse but thick. When considering how often you should change the blade on a razor, if you find yourself having to “tug” the razor across your skin, that is a sure sign that the blade has gone. Dragging is what occurs when blades aren’t changed often enough. Remember, your razor should glide effortlessly.

Making Your Blades Last Longer

There are some simple steps you can take to get more value from your blades and make them last longer. Always rinse the head with hot water both during and after the shave. This reduces the amount of hair, soap and dead skin left on the blade, or in between the blades in the case of multi-blade razors. Debris build up in blades can cause faster blunting, so be sure to always keep your razor clean and well-rinsed.

Don’t be tempted, though, to cut down on the amount of shaving soap, gel or cream you use. In fact, be generous – both for your face and the blade. The better lubricated the surface of the skin, the less resistance there is as the blade passes over, meaning the sharp edge won’t dull so quickly. And if you want a high-quality razor handle, you may like to browse the range of razors Smartshave has on offer. Click here to take a look through our selection.