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.