Heya,

I’ve been looking into razors and trimmers to take care of facial and body hair, including sensitive areas. Just looking up these products shows that pretty much anything as explicitly male or female marketed, including not just stereotypical elements like colour and such, but also explicitly calling themselves “for men” or “for women”.

Is there anything to this label? Does it actually make any difference or are these just arbitrary visual differences?

Also, do people here have good recommendations for what to go for? It’d be nice to have something that maybe makes it a little easier than using disposable normal razors, as that’s associated with some major constant effort and has some less fulfilling results in sensitive areas.

Thanks for reading!

  • AnarchistArtificer@slrpnk.netEnglish
    0·
    11 days ago

    I think it’s almost entirely marketing.

    Anecdata:

    • using a “men’s” face razor on one’s legs will blunt it far quicker (and make it so it can’t be used on the face anymore). I have heard it suggested that maybe razors intended for shaving legs are more durable for this purpose, but I think that the skin on the legs is probably more forgiving towards blunt blades.
    • When I was using either men’s or women’s razors depending on whatever was cheapest, I found that the most consistent determiner of shave quality was fresh razors (especially as I tend to not change blades often enough, partly because they’re bloody expensive)
    • due to this, I switched to using double edged safety razors. The blades are cheap as hell and I got a way better shave. It was intimidating at first, but easier than I expected. (Get a little box or tin to dispose of old razors in). The cheap blades encouraged me to switch more often.

    The technique is a bit different from what disposable razors require, so I’d maybe recommend getting a double edged safety razor, but allowing yourself some time to practice using it on less sensitive areas (using things you’re more familiar with for those areas in the mean time)

    As well as cost, I get far better results, including fewer ingrown hairs. Now I’m used to this new kind of razor, even shaving my vulva and butt-crack is quite straightforward and quick. I have only cut myself once or twice using a double edged safety razor, and it was when I was being a dumbass and not taking my usual level of care. Just make sure you use plenty of soap/foam (hair conditioner works great too)