What is the difference between womens and mens razors? Is it all just marketing and are women missing out through another pink tax?

We take a look at the similarities and differences.

Women’s razor

Womens razors have been designed for comfort and control across the contours of our bodies. Moveable heads and a greater amount of moulding around the razor blades make womens razors designed for curves. And with greater colour options, some might think they are more appealing to women.

There are benefits to having a rounder head, with inset blades. Women often shave awkward areas where the skin might not be as taught or over bones, like armpits, knees and ankles. Having a razor that spreads the pressure over a broader distance, helps reduce the chances of cuts and scrapes. The above image is of a Dorco Eve razor – popular in the UK.

Mens razors

Typically narrow headed, with a lubrications strip (ok, that bit is just marketing), and multiple blades, these razors are tailored to facial shaving. Men mostly shave too fast, so multiple blades are positioned at shorter distances from the skin to help create a fast shaving experience. Grooves help lift and position hair for easy cutting and less drag or pulling.

The downside of these multiple blades and smaller head is that they can clog up quickly, and the narrow head means often strokes are repeated, increasing the chance of cuts when shaving at speed. The above image is of a Gillette razor, the number one brand in the UK.

What they have in common

Both womens razor blades and mens razor blades are the same. As in the end, it’s a sharp piece of metal. It’s the surrounding head, the handle and the colours that vary. We know (and are) men who shave with womens razors, and women who shave with mens razors – so to be honest there isn’t a lot of difference. Cuts and scratches happen when we try to rush and shave too fast, or without the right preparation. That’s more important than whether you use a male or female razor.  

Gender neutral razors

People are moving to metal razors which are plastic free and zero waste. We have our own, called the Kairn razor. We’ve sold these to men and women; all of whom love it. There is technology to prepare and align the skin, and when used properly can provide one of the closest and friction free shaves around. There are differences, and it isn’t perfect all the time, but it comes into its own if you want to reduce overall waste and invest time in your skin.

Extending the life of the blades

Whatever razor you choose, we think there is huge opportunity to make the blades last longer. By keeping them cleaner and honed, you can double the lifespan of your razor blades. That’s what our customers tell us who use our razor strop.

It’s a small leather strip which can be used in between shave strokes, to remove gunk from the razor, and also act to keep the blade edge sharper for longer. There is a ridge in the middle for people who use a plastic razor, and it works just as well for those using a metal razor. To see our Blaidmat, or learn more about how it works, take a look at our product section.

Womens and mens razor products from Kairn

We offer shaving oils, balms and skin scrubs to help ensure wonderful skin, friction free shaving and plastic free living. Take a look at our plastic free shaving range for more information.