Do razor blades expire? If you wonder about this problem, this article is for you. Here, we give a blow-by-blow explanation and offer some helpful advice.
The razor industry has developed quickly over the years. Most users get familiar with replacing blades regularly, yet do razor blades expire? When do you need to replace them?
In fact, some widespread razors, which are cartridges, safety, and electric razors, need to replace their blades after a few months. Meanwhile, the blade of straight razors don’t require replacement but stropping them frequently to maintain their sharpness.
Because blades are the go-to and affordable items, many people have a habit of buying many blades at the same time. Thus, the shelf life of the blade will definitely be an issue you care about.
Besides, what are some main factors that affect the blade’s lifespan? How to expand the razor shelf life? All these questions will be addressed in this article.
Many people wonder if razor blades expire or not
Do Razor Blades Expire?
Shortly, Yes. Razor blades do expire if you have opened the package of razors due to being exposed to air. Otherwise, unopened and sealed packages of razor blades can last forever.
Once exposed to the outside of the box, razor blades become rusty during a metal oxidation procedure which leads the blades to wear and tear quickly. Oxygen is present in both air and water, so the risk of this issue increases when you take the package off.
As a result, learning how to maintain your razor blades is essential because it helps you receive the optimal result.
Let’s read on to understand what happens if you open your razor blades and master some ways to make them last longer.
3 Signals To Know Your Razor Blade Expire
It is advisable to understand some potential indications to change your expired razor blades at the right time. Here are three main signals to pay attention to your product.
Tugging and pulling
It is tactical to remember that an effective razor glides smoothly. Therefore, one of the most fundamental signals to change your used blade is when you find it difficult to shave with your razor.
That means you need to tug or drag your razor blade across your skin. If you handle this issue, it is time to change your tool as soon as possible.
The tugging issue is the first typical sign of expired razor blades
Poor shaves
If you realize that some hair is not shaved as close as it should, this is the sign of getting a new razor blade.
Unfortunately, this indication also shows that your razor blades have become dull, which results in some hair left after shaving.
Rust
When you see rust on your razor blades, it is time to switch immediately. The rust builds up due to the improper cleaning process and storage methods.
Rust item not only brings you unclean shave but also causes some potential risk for your health, including severe blood infections if your skin is damaged during shaving.
Change new razor blade immediately with rusty problems
3 Vital Factors That Affect Razor Blade’s Shelf Life
After knowing some key signs of expired razor blades, it is advisable to understand elements that influence your product’s lifespan. Here are some fundamental factors to consider to extend your razor blades.
Your hair
The thickness of your hair influences the speed at which your razor blades will become rusty and dull.
When a razor blade does lots of work, it tends to lose its sharpness quickly. If you have coarse hair, it is best to replace your item more often.
The thickness of hair influences razor blade’s life
Shaving methods
The shaving technique and shaving routine also affect the lifespan of your razor blades. The force you apply and the rate of strokes each shave influence your product’s longevity.
For example, it is best to use the three-pass shaving method to get a close shave. However, this technique may make your blades dull faster than a single pass.
Or, if you use strong force frequently, you may make your blade dull easier than those who apply sufficient force and shave every few days.
Shaving methods affect blade’s performance
Shaving surface area
The bigger the surface you shave, the more regularly you will change your razor blades. However, there are some different surface areas with various kinds of hair growth each shaver can check out:
- Chin
- Cheeks
- Mustache
- Scalp
- Neck
- Body hair
- Sideburns
Changing new blades will be slower if you only shave one or two areas a day than shaving all the areas mentioned above. Nevertheless, several of these shaving surface zones may create more damage to your razor blades than others.
For instance, the hair on your mustache is prone to be coarser than your body hair, producing more damage to your blade per stroke.
Essential Methods To Extend Your Razor Blade Life
Learning proper methods to prolong your razor blade lifespan brings you various benefits. Here are some must-try ways to extend your product longevity.
Keep your blades dry
After the shaving process, it is critical to keep your razor blades in well-ventilated areas. If water remains on the item after shaving and you haven’t cleaned it properly, oxygen and salt residue from your skin will make it rust.
Therefore, the most helpful tip is to make sure you dry off your item before storing it by using a blow dryer or dry and lint-free cloth to remove any water. Then, dip your razor blade (not the handle) into almond oil, baby oil, and mineral oil.
Water and oil don’t mix, so these oils work as a sealant to avoid oxidation issues and prevent moisture from reaching your blade.
Finally, maintaining it in a dry and cool place is tactical, including closets and your bedroom closet.
Store your razor blades in well-ventilated areas
Apply proper shaving techniques
In general, using correct shaving methods prolongs your item’s life span. Moreover, it is best to use the three-pass shaving method to get a close shave. However, this technique may make your blades dull faster than a single pass.
As a result, performing the first pass with the grain is advisable if you are a beginner.
Use the stropping method for straight and safety razor blades
Stropping to extend the blade’s sharpness is also another excellent strategy to prolong your safety and straight razors’ life.
Use a pair of expired blue jeans or belt and sharpen the blades along the direction of razors. Then, apply enough force to run the razor against the old jeans.
Strop the straight razor with an old belt
Use shaving creams with low acid content
Most shaving creams include acids, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
Unfortunately, these acids wear down your product speedily, leading to expired blades. As a result, purchase shaving creams that possess medium or low acid content to help your razor blades last longer.
Besides, being generous when using shaving cream is one of the most helpful tips after purchasing medium acid content products. This way boosts the longevity of your disposable, electric, and safety razors effectively because the better greased the surface of your skin is, the less resistance there will be when your blades pass over.
Purchase high-quality razor blades
The quality of the razor blades is a critical part of prolonging your safety razor’s lifespan. Here are some critical factors to consider when buying top-notch products:
Coating
It is best to buy a durable coating, including ceramic, platinum, tungsten, and chromium.
These materials are the main element that helps the blades last longer. In addition, they reduce friction and provide you with a smoother shave.
Material
One of the most sturdy materials is the stainless steel safety blades.
These types remain sharper than other common ones, such as carbon steel metal, which easily rust in moist environments.
Brands
Purchasing well-known brands will guarantee your blades’ warranty. In addition, high-quality products offer you a smoother and safer shave.
Grinding
Grinding mentions the out-of-the-package thickness sharpness of your razor blades. Search for a blade that offers your shave the optimal performance.
Some users love a duller blade to begin, while others want one that is sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could I use expired razor blades?
It is not an ideal option to use expired razor blades because you may confront the risk of infection.
In addition, irritated skin and expired razor blades are risky as you can not see some minor cuts on your skin. Therefore, it is best to purchase a new product to guarantee your overall health.
How often do you change razor blades?
In general, it is advisable to replace your razor blades after 6 to 10 shaves if you notice some signals that your blades become dull.
Also, as a common rule, the denser and thicker your hair is, the quicker you need to replace your expired razor blade.
Can razor blades be recycled?
The answer depends on the material of your razor blades. Specifically, individual blades made from metal can be recycled, such as the type you apply in a double edge razor.
Nevertheless, you can not recycle disposable razors, which blend metal, rubber, and plastic. The most straightforward method to reuse your product is to store it in a blade disposal tin.
How do you dispose of expired razor blades?
Most users throw away used razor blades because they become dull. However, there are some additional choices to deal with expired blades.
For example, collect them and send them to a local recycling center, office, gym, and college.
Send used razor blades to recycling centers
Conclusion
All in all, the razor blades will be out of date if you have opened your item due to the oxidized effect. Meanwhile, if the package of your razor blades was sealed or protected from the surrounding, their shelf life lasts forever.
I hope after this article, you will acquire the most suitable way to maintain your blades for the best.
If you find this post helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with everyone to learn more methods to maintain the razor blades correctly for long-term goals.
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