B. Cluz asks…Is there really a difference between men and women’s razors? The women’s razors always seem to be more expensive and I’ve heard it’s because they put in those moisturizing strips, women’s hair is different, etc, etc. But honestly, can’t we use a men’s razor to do the same thing?
The Left Brain’s razor sharp reply:
There is a popular notion belief that women’s razors get dull faster so they must be different. But when you compare apples to apples there doesn’t seem to be much real difference.
Razor reality
First, it is likely you’ll see differences if you’re comparing different brands at different price points. For example, if you’re comparing a basic Schick disposable for women to a Gillette Mach 3 for men with triple blades and a moisturizing strip, yeah, you will see differences.
Second, you may also see differences in razor performance because of the difference in how men and women shave. Men shave thicker beard hairs off their face that has a relatively small surface area. Women shave thinner hairs off both legs that have a much larger surface area. Scraping across all that leg skin can dull a blade much faster.
Masculine marketing
If you want to read more, here’s a USA Today article that discusses Gillette’s expansion of their Mach 3 vibrating razor technology into their Venus line for women. While there’s no proof that the blades are the same, there’s no mention of any fundamental differences in technology between the two either. But even if the razor’s aren’t very different technically, the razor companies should know how to market to men and women differently. Here’s a great post from Learned On Women about how NOT to market to women. This blog tells the truth about marketing to women the same way The Beauty Brains tells the truth about science. Check it out.
The Beauty Brains bottom line
The simple answer is, yes, you can use a man’s razor. There are obvious differences like color, style, feel of the grip, etc., but functionally they’ll both cut hair the same way.
Have YOU ever shaved with a man’s razor? Did you notice a difference? Leave a comment and share your shaving suppositions with the rest of the Beauty Brains community.
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That link isn’t right. Is it possible that you meant:
http://learnedon.com/2005/05/when-men-market-razors-to-women/
What about maneuverability? I’ve noticed that men’s razors tend to be a little stiffer and don’t get into areas like behind the knees as well as women’s razors.
I’ve tried using razors made for women and have either been disappointed in the performance compared to the men’s razor I usually use, or highly aggrivated for having to pay more just because the razors are PINK! I’ve used the men’s Shick Slim Twin disposable razors almost religiously for years now, and they do a fine job shaving everything I need to shave.
I don’t know about any of you ladies, but if I use a razor that has more than two blades, I end up knicking myself all to hell, even if it has safety wires wrapped around the blade to prevent you from knicking yourself. =P
Actually I find the fewer the blades, the more nicks I get. And those ones with wire are even worse, plus they keep the blades from getting close enough to do a decent shave. I also found the wires actually cut my skin too.
My experience has been fewer nicks with more blades. I am very happy with the Fusion 5 blade men’s razor. Virtually no little cuts on legs, underarms or lady parts. For some reason the two bladed disposable kinds take a chunk out of my shins not to mention other areas. Ouch.
I’ve always used a man’s razor. I just didn’t trust the companies that said women’s razors were different, or should be different. Isn’t it just hair?
IMHO the only difference in a Mach and a Venus is the color of the handle.
So I guess I’m the only one who finds that men’s razors don’t do behind the knees, around the ankles, or over the tops of the feet as well as women’s razors? Or am I the only one who feels and checks?
some of the men’s razors can be a little stiffer in the pivoting of the head, but if you’re careful, like you would be if you were using a solid disposable, it works just as well. Also, if you get one of those ones designed to “follow the lines of the face” or what have you, they pivot/bend a lot better.
I’ve used mens razors (Gillette Mach) for years…bottom line, they’re cheaper. The cost of razor blades are one of my pet peeves. There can’t be but a few coins in the cost of making them; but they have to pay for all those commercials!
The razors I use have a moisturizing strip and they are as expencive as women razors.
I use the men’s 5 blade, have for years. My Dad, who is notoriously cheap on things like grooming products swears by it and I agree. I used a bic twin blade in an emergency last year and cut my legs all to shit-5 blades = faster shaving and less chance of slicing myself.
I’m posting this a bit late, but after using Venus razors meant for women for years now, I’ve come to the conclusion that men and women razors ARE different. I have PCOS, meaning the stubble/hair on my legs is thicker due to hormones and my genetics.
I was able to use 2 Venus Breeze razors and make them last about 2 months all together. Granted, they did dull quickly but I tried to get the most use out of them until they really didn’t do the job anymore.
This time around I’m trying out the Gillette Fusion for men. Tons of my PCOS sisters have used the razors meant for men and have told me how much better they are. Honestly, a razor is a razor. I don’t see why they can’t use the same razor that men use and just put pretty colors on it and market it to women too. Instead, they add an extra blade, moisture strips, use a whole nother razor all together that doesn’t perform as well and jack up the price. I don’t think the extra blade and moisture strips make that big of a difference tbh.
That’s just my $.02.
I find men’s razors tend to provide a closer shave. That is great until you nick your self several times. As a result, I now choose a Venus razor. I nick myself less but I have found ways to get a really close shave. I like the moisture strips. I feel the help provide a smooth shave.
have been a faithful venus blade user for a while until i either ran out of them or they fell from plastic holder and broke. they do provide a pretty close/smoother shave and i am less likely to use moisturizer afterwards. the Gillette 3 blade for men, not sure what the exact name for it is (e.g. Mach etc) is ok. even though its 3 blades, havent managed to cut myself too many times. but because it is lacking the moisture strips i do have to put cream on. in the end both venus and Gillette for men, in terms of how well they shave, i think its all the same.
I think Men’s razers are completely different from women’s! For one, every single time I use a men’s razor I end up knicking myself therefore I have to be super careful not to, and with my Venus razor it takes me three minutes tops in the shower to shave both my legs and under my arms. Then again, the hair on my legs is quite non-existent and thin/blonde, but I still hate stubble so I shave once to twice a week. Also, men’s razors are wayyy sharper than womens, which is probably why I knick myself. They ARE hard to maneuver, and lastly they seem to be cheaply made compared to women’s razers!
I used to knick myself constantly with many varieties and brands of ladies’ razors for years. I ran out of razors one day and my boyfriend gave me one of his. I didn’t knick myself a SINGLE time! I use his brand of razors now.
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