How often should you change razor blades? Signs that the blade is dull

Most people change razor blades too late. The result is that you press harder, shave the same area multiple times and end up with redness, bumps and small cuts. The good news: you can avoid most of the hassle by changing in time and knowing the clear signs that a blade is worn out.

Here's a simple guide that makes it easy to assess when it's time to snap on a new blade, plus tips to make your blades last a little longer without compromising your skin.

How often should you change razor blades?

The short version is 5 to 15 shaves for most people, but the range depends on hair type, how often you shave and how the blade is stored.

• Daily shaving, heavy or curly hair: often after 3 to 5 shaves
• Daily shaving, normal hair: around 5 to 7 shaves
• 2 to 3 times a week: 2 to 4 weeks with the same blade
• Less frequent shaving or finer hair on legs and underarms: up to 4 to 6 weeks if the blade is kept dry and clean

If the blade is stored damp in the shower stall, the lifespan is significantly shortened. Rust, deposits and bacteria quickly reduce performance.

The most obvious signs that the blade is dull

If you experience one or more of the following, it's time to change. This applies regardless of how many times the blade has been used.

• It pulls the hair or skips the skin
• You need to push more than usual
• You need to drive over the same area multiple times
• Redness or small cuts that you don't normally get
• The shaver feels rough and rough on the skin
• There are deposits in the shaving head that don't wash off
• The lubrication strip is blurred or completely gone
• Leaf looks dull, discolored or stained

A sharp blade feels light and controlled. A dull blade feels like resistance. Go with your gut.

How long do different razor blades last?

Different scrapers and blades last differently. Use this table as a rule of thumb.

The important thing is not to count shaves, but to switch as soon as comfort decreases.

Why dull leaves cause more irritation

When the blade wears out, it no longer cuts the hair cleanly. Instead, it tears the stubble and pushes against the skin. This requires more pressure, creating friction and microscopic damage to the skin barrier.

It can be felt in several ways:

• Skin burns or stings after shaving
• Small red bumps appear, especially on the edge of the neck, bikini line or inner thigh
• More ingrown hairs because the hair is not cut cleanly and easily bends back into the skin
• Small cuts because the blade chops instead of sliding

If you're already prone to stubble, ingrown hairs or very sensitive skin, you'll almost always have a better experience by changing a little earlier than average.

Men, women and different areas of the body

Thin, straight hairs on legs and underarms wear less on the blade than thick, curly hairs in the beard or bikini line. This is one of the reasons why some people can use the same blade for weeks, while others can only shave a few times.

• Face and neck: strong hair, requires precision. Change often
• Bikini line and underarms: warm, moist skin, high friction. Change often and use mild product
• Legs: often finer hair and larger surfaces. The blade typically lasts a little longer

When in doubt, go for comfort. When shaving doesn't feel smooth and easy, it's time for a new blade.

How to make the blade last a little longer

You can't avoid wear and tear, but you can avoid unnecessary wear and tear. Small habits actually make a noticeable difference.

• Rinse thoroughly between coats to prevent hair and gel from building up
• Wipe the blade dry after use instead of leaving it wet
• Store the scraper outside the shower, preferably in a holder with air around it
• Avoid banging the scraper against the edge of the sink, it can damage the edge
• Use a gliding product without fragrances that can leave a film
• Let the product soften the hairs 1 to 2 minutes before scraping
• Shave with a light hand, short strokes and without scraping back and forth in the same spot

Small adjustments like these reduce friction, improving both skin and blade conditions.

What role does your shaving routine play?

Technique, preparation and aftercare can change how often you need to change. A good routine can easily give you two extra good shaves per blade.

• Wash skin lightly before shaving to remove oil and dirt
• Use warm water to soften hair and open up for better glide
• Apply gel or foam in an even layer and give it a moment to work
• Shave in the direction of the hair first, and only against the grain if the skin allows it
• Finish with cold water and a mild repair cream

This is where ShaveSafe stands out. Our products are fragrance-free and designed to reduce bumps, itching and ingrown hairs, even on sensitive skin. You get a close result while reducing friction.

Try our sensitive shaving foam, developed for delicate skin and intimate areas. It provides stable glide and helps the blade do its job without irritating.

When the blade stops

An overlooked problem is clogging. Hair, skin debris and product can accumulate between the blades. This increases the amount of bacteria and reduces cutting performance.

Here's how to avoid it:

• Rinse in warm running water with the back of the blade facing the jet
• Do not use a brush directly on the cutting edge
• If you see deposits that are not rinsing off, change the blade
• Avoid oils and fatty pre-shave products that can stick to the blades

A blade that is not rinsed clean is a blade that needs to go.

Chart: When should you definitely switch?

Keep an eye out for these situations, even if the blade has only been used a few times.

• Visible rust or discoloration
• Leaf smells strange or feels sticky after rinsing
• The lubrication strip is gone
• You've left the leaf damp in the shower for several days
• You've been sick or you've cut yourself and want to minimize bacteria
• You're shaving for a special occasion and want optimal results

It costs less to change the blade in time than to save an irritated skin.

Great products that make replacement and care simple

ShaveSafe makes it easy to keep both skin and blades in top shape.

• Use a sharp razor with even pressure distribution. Our ShaveSafe Razor with 5 high-quality Swedish steel blades and precision trimmer is designed for both men and women
• Ensure a steady supply of new blades. You can order scraper blades separately and change in time
• Choose mild, effective, fragrance-free products. Try our sensitive shaving foam when your skin needs extra care

All our formulas are designed to prevent bumps, itching and ingrown hairs. No fragrance, no dyes, high proportion of organic ingredients. It's skincare that works with your follicle instead of against it.

What happens if you shave with a dull blade for too long?

In addition to worse results, you increase the risk of:

• Redness and burning sensation
• Multiple cuts and lacerations
• Ingrown hairs and razor bumps
• Skin infections because bacteria can more easily get hold of small micro wounds
• Skin that becomes more sensitive over time because the barrier is stressed

The skin benefits from rest. A clean, sharp blade cuts cleanly, requires less pressure and irritates less. You can see it after the first shave.

Should you switch by time or by feel?

Use both. A simple starting point is to set a reminder after about 1 to 2 weeks if you shave daily. But let experience be your guide: if it no longer feels comfortable, change ahead of schedule.

A few concrete rules can help:

• Change at the first sign of draft at the latest
• Change after illness if you want to minimize the risk of bacteria
• Change earlier during hot, humid periods
• Change before an important day when you want to be completely smooth without redness

Especially for intimate shaving and sensitive areas

Here the tolerance for friction is low. Always use fresh leaves and mild products. Let the product soften the hair for a moment and keep the pressure light. Scrape in the direction of the hair first. If you are prone to bikini line bumps, more frequent blade changes make a big difference, precisely because the hairs are often thick and the skin area is warm and moisturized.

Choose fragrance-free products with proven efficacy against ingrown hairs and bumps. For persistent bumps in the bikini line, a targeted repair cream can be a good idea, along with frequent resurfacing and good hygiene.

Errors that shorten blade life

Even experienced users can get much more out of blades by avoiding these things:

• Leaving the scraper on the shelf in the shower
• Pushing hard instead of letting the blade do the work
• Sharing scrapers with others
• Dry the blade with a towel by rubbing back and forth against the edge
• Using too hot water on the metal itself for a long time
• Shaving dry skin without gel or foam

If you change just one thing, store the scraper in a dry place. That alone can significantly extend its lifespan.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if 5 to 7 shaves applies to me?

Think comfort over numbers. If you have thick or curly hair, change more often. If you have sensitive skin, change before redness occurs. If you have finer hair and rarely shave, you can stretch it a little longer.

Can I sharpen a cartridge blade or disposable scraper?

No, it rarely makes sense. When the edge is worn, it's time for a new blade. Attempting to sharpen can make the blade uneven and more annoying.

Does storing the leaf in oil help?

It can reduce rust, but is rarely practical and can collect dirt. Dry, airy storage is usually sufficient.

Should I change the whole squeegee or just the blade?

On modern scrapers, you only change the cartridge. The handle itself can last for years. For safety scrapers, you change the metal blade itself.

Why do I get buds even though the blade is new?

Often it's about technique, preparation or product choice. Use a mild, fragrance-free product with good glide, shave in the direction of the hair first and avoid going over the same area too many times. Cut down on pressure. Change blades a little more often during hot periods.

A simple system that works

• Start with warm water and a mild lubricant
• Use short, light strokes and rinse between each stroke
• Stop when you feel resistance and change the blade
• Finish with cold water and a calm, repairing care
• Store the scraper in a dry and airy place

When you combine a good razor, clean, fragrance-free products and timely replacement, shaving becomes closer and more comfortable. That's exactly the experience we strive for at ShaveSafe. Our patented formulas help you avoid bumps, itching and ingrown hairs so your skin feels healthy and smooth every time. And with a high-quality handle and blades, it's easy to maintain a steady level of everyday use.

If you have questions about skin type, product selection or replacement frequency, please contact us. We'll help you find a solution that suits you and your everyday life.