Trends often come and go in waves. What’s all the rage now might fade into obscurity, only to reappear years later with a fresh, meaningful twist. Sometimes it’s nostalgia driving the revival, other times it’s about standing apart - but every once in a while, something makes a comeback simply because it’s a smarter, more effective choice.
We’ve seen this with sourdough bread reclaiming its spot over mass-produced loaves, glass milk bottles making a stylish and sustainable comeback, and even handwritten notes finding their charm in a digital age dominated by texts. Now, quietly but steadily, another classic is making its way back into daily routines across the UK, and that's the traditional safety razor. It’s not just a blast from the past - it’s a smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable way to shave that’s winning hearts all over again.
While cartridge razors and their plastic counterparts have dominated supermarket shelves for decades, an increasing number of women are opting for sleek, long-lasting safety razors over flimsy, disposable options. And no, it’s not just a passing eco-fad. According to industry forecasts, the UK safety razor blades market is set to grow at a 2.2% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in volume and a whopping 11.2% in value from 2024 to 2035 (indexbox). This shift isn’t just about smoother shaves, it’s about sustainability, style, and reclaiming the ritual.
Style Meets Sustainability
You only need to look at the Edwin Jagger Pink Long Handle DE Safety Razor to understand why this movement is gaining ground. It’s elegant, efficient, and importantly, plastic-free. Unlike disposable razors that are almost impossible to recycle due to their mixed materials, safety razors leave behind only a slim steel blade, which is 100% recyclable and refreshingly guilt-free.
Safety razors are proving to be one of the simplest yet most impactful swaps in the battle against single-use plastic. Think of all those razors you’ve tossed over the years, now likely floating somewhere in the Pacific or buried in a landfill. Now imagine only needing to change a tiny blade every few weeks: small change, massive difference.
Real Women, Real Results
The rise isn’t just in numbers, it’s in attitudes. A recent market report shows that over 61% of users now prefer reusable razors, with the biggest switch coming from millennial women who are balancing busy lives with a genuine desire to make more thoughtful choices.
And it’s not just eco-credentials driving the trend. Vogue, never one to get excited about just any old grooming tool, recently spotlighted safety razors as the stylish, sustainable solution modern women didn’t know they needed. With their minimalist aesthetic and long-lasting performance, they’ve become the go-to choice for women who want their daily rituals to feel as good as they look.
A Better Shave, Without the Burn
Let’s be honest, multi-blade cartridge razors don’t always deliver on their promises. More blades can often mean more irritation, especially in sensitive areas. By contrast, a single, sharp blade on a well-balanced safety razor glides across the skin with minimal tug and reduced risk of ingrown hairs or razor burn. And beyond comfort, switching to a safety razor can make your skin healthier in the long run - less irritation means less redness and fewer bumps.
Take the Merkur 23C Long Handle DE Safety Razor. Built with Italian craftsmanship, it offers a smooth, consistent shave that rivals any five-blade cartridge system, minus the plasticky guilt or the post-shave redness. And for those who like a bit more control? - The Rockwell 6C Adjustable Safety Razor in white chrome has extra precision and a close shave that genuinely lasts.
Unlike clunky cartridges, safety razors are all about balance and simplicity - no pivoting heads or lubricating strips, just a solid tool that does its job well.
An Investment That Pays Off
Yes, safety razors might cost a bit more upfront. But once you’ve made the switch, you're looking at pennies per shave. A pack of Double Edge Razor Blades from Blades & Whiskers costs a fraction of what you'd spend on cartridges. You're not just saving the planet, you’re saving money, too. There’s also the satisfaction in knowing your grooming routine is aligned with your values. Fewer trips to the shop, less plastic in your bin, and a shaving tool that feels built to last - durable, reliable, and made for years of use.
Ritual Over Rush
In an age where convenience often comes at the cost of quality, there's something inherently satisfying about slowing down and shaving the right way. Applying a rich lather, running a beautifully weighted razor across your skin, rinsing and patting dry - it becomes less of a chore and more of a self-care ritual - a chance to connect, reflect, and reclaim a moment of calm in a hectic day.
At Blades & Whiskers, we’re seeing more women make the switch every month - not because they have to, but because they want to. Our range of safety razors isn’t designed with a one-size-fits-all mindset. From pink-handled classics to precision-engineered semi-slants, there’s a razor for every skin type, every preference, and every shaving goal. Whether you're after a close, everyday shave or something gentler for sensitive skin, there's a perfect match waiting to elevate your routine.
Showing Plastic The Door
There are plenty of ways to move forward without losing what works. Some of the most progressive choices are the ones that take us back to smarter, simpler solutions. Safety razors are sustainable, stylish, and stunningly effective. They’re giving women everywhere the power to shave on their own terms.
They offer a sense of control and calm in an otherwise rushed routine, plus the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a conscious, eco-friendly choice. Whether you’re shaving every day or once a week, the difference is in the experience and the results.
So if you’re ready to ditch the plastic, reduce your waste, and upgrade your shave, take a look at our collection. Because sometimes, going back is the best way forward - smart, sustainable, and perfectly suited to you.