The Gillette Fusion Proglide is the razor that responds to every contour of your face. It features reengineered razor blades with finer, thinner edges.
They also have a low-resistance coating that provides a smooth cut through the hair. Another good thing about this model is the optimal razor blade spacing that improves cutting performance and comfort.
But have you ever wondered how long a Gillette fusion Proglide blade lasts, considering that eight refills (five-blade cartridges) cost approximately $35?
Let’s find out!
How Long Does a Gillette Fusion Proglide Blade Lasts?
Gillette Fusion Proglide Blade. (Source: indiamart.com)
The manufacturer recommends a razor blade that can be used for 1 month or an equivalent of 20 shaves. However, depending on your shaving pace, condition of the hair, and shaving technique, the blade can last you up to four months.
When the blade is sharp and in good condition, you should expect it to shave smoothly. It will cut through your beard and around the curves of your face with ease. You can experience that feeling for at least three dozen shaves. The smooth feeling, however, will start to deteriorate after the 42nd shave.
The uncomfortable feeling isn’t mainly because of the deteriorating sharpness of the blade. It has much to do with the plastic lubrication strip. It is the thing that provides slickness when you are shaving. The blade will glide smoothly during the first few days. Then you will start to notice the difference in slickness after a week or so. But you will have no problems with the blade pulling, tugging, or catching your facial hair.
Here is the experience of a man with a soft, chin-to-neck beard. If your beard is longer and thicker, the razor may dull faster than the experience below:
After 7 Shaves
During the first seven shaves, you will feel the smoothness and slickness of the enhanced lubra-strip. The blade will breeze through the hair with ease, especially if you have a short or medium-length beard.
After 14 Shaves
You may probably not feel the supreme smoothness the lubra-strip provided during the last 13 shaves. But the blade will run through your facial hair effortlessly.
At this point, you cannot mainly depend on the lubrication strip to provide the slickness and smoothness you need for shaving. Instead, you will have to soften your facial hair by taking a shower or exfoliating the face.
After 20 Shaves
By now, the mojo of the lubrication strip will be less effective.
You should shave while taking a warm shower for the best experience. If you just soak your beard in warm water, it will take you a lot of time to achieve the same results as when you shower.
If you attempt to shave your beard without softening, you would likely experience some pulling.
After 42 Shaves
You will probably have to pull the plug on your Gillette Fusion Proglide blade after the 42nd shave. On the 42nd shave, you may experience tugging and pulling while shaving against the grain.
You should be able to complete the shave when shaving with the grain but it will not be slick and smooth.
Factors that Affect the Longevity of the Gillette Fusion Proglide Blade
How long a Gillette Fusion Proglide blade can last depend on several variables, including:
Beard Thickness and Toughness
You will be surprised how strong your facial hair is when you compare it to copper wires. A coarse beard that is thick, dry, and tough will wear out the blade faster. Here is the summary of the number of shaves you should expect with different types of beard thickness:
- Coarse beard – You should expect the blade to last about 15 to 20 shaves
- Medium beard – You should expect the blade to last about 25 to 35 shaves
- Light beard – You should expect the Gillette Fusion Proglide blade to last up to 42 shaves
Shaving Technique
The shaving technique you use will affect the longevity of the blade. We recommend you shave with the grain if you want the blade to last as long as 42 shaves or more. Shaving against the grain will not only wear out the blade but also the lubricating strip.
Speed of Beard Growth
How fast your beard grows affects how frequently you need to shave. If you usually experience a 5 o’clock shadow, then you will have to shave on a daily basis.
You could also consider keeping a 5 o’clock shadow for a couple of days before the next shave to prolong the life of the blade.
If you are the kind of man who doesn’t mind keeping a stubble, then you can prolong the interval between shaves up to 10 days to prolong the life of the blade.
Shaved Surface Area
The surface area the blade will cover during a shave will affect the speed at which a Gillette Fusion Proglide blade will last.
A man who grows hair on every part of a beard (front, side, mustache, cheek line, sideburn, and neckline) covers a wider surface area when shaving and will need blade changing more frequently compared to a man who grows facial hair on the mustache, neckline, side, and front.
You will definitely need frequent blade changes when you use the blade to shave your legs instead of your beard.
Beard Preparation
This is probably one of the most important factors. Poor beard preparation could seriously shorten the life of your Gillette Fusion Proglide blade. Here are the key steps for prepping your beard:
- Step 1: Take a Long Shower
Take a long shower to soften your facial skin as well as your facial hair.
- Step 2: Trim Your Beard
A coarse, thick, and long beard will not be the easiest to shave. So, it is always a good idea to trim the beard to a manageable length.
- Step 3: Apply Shaving Lather
Clear out the friction and resistance by applying a rich shaving lather.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Gillette Fusion Proglide Blade
Your Gillette Fusion Proglide blade’s worst enemy is not shaving but the water that causes rusting, microscopic pitting, and oxidation. This usually leads to an uncomfortable and irritating shave and the need for you to change your expensive blade. Here are the key things you should do:
- Rinse the blade thoroughly after every use
- Shake off any excess water to effectively dry the blades
- Dip it in mineral oil to prevent rusting
- Store your Gillette Fusion Proglide blade in a dry, ventilated space
Final Thoughts
How long does a Gillette Fusion Proglide blade lasts? You should expect it to last about 42 shaves. But keep in mind that the longevity of the blade will vary depending on the thickness of your beard, shaving technique, and beard preparation. You will know that it is time to switch to a new blade when the shave is not only uncomfortable (the lubricating strip is worn out) but also causes pulling and tugging.
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