Hair Removal
Table of Contents
Introduction
We try to list solutions from most eco-friendly (or most impactful) to least whenever possible. On this page safety for users and technicians was also considered, but this was kinda tricky due to the lack of data about laser hair removal. At first it seemed like one of the safest, and most eco-friendly options (since one machine could serve many people), but during further investigation concern for laser technicians bumped laser hair removal down from 1st place to 2nd. This may chance in the future.
Razors & Shaving
Accessories
When first learning about shaving with cutthroat and safety razors, the communities and companies made it sound vital to have a badger fur brush for applying foam before shaving. They generally advised a little bowl for mixing up foam as well as a little stand to hold and dry out the razor/brush combo.
After the first few months of shaving this way, it became clear that these extras are probably more about 'making a little extra money', rather than an actual need. My personal advice is to buy a razor, use soap or body wash to create foam, then apply the foam with your hands. Instead of a fancy stand, you can just rinse the blades, shake off the excess water (dry it with a towel if you have a cut throat razor), then air dry your razor on a safe surface before storing in a drawer or on a shelf to avoid rust.
Traveling Safely with Safety Razors
If you need to travel with your safety razor, you can unscrew the blade guard, bull the pieces apart and flip the base piece (the safety "rail" that the blade sits on) upside down, then screw everything back together as normal. Just remember to take the razor appart and flip the base the right way around when you want to shave again or it won't work. This way you can leave it in your bag, even around delicate objects without worry it will cut things by accident. You don't need any kind of special bag or container
Cut Throat Razor Accessories
If you pick a cut throat razor then you will need a sharpening belt. Most of these are leather, which is extremely hard on the environment (production wise), and is not generally compostable. It is possible to find vegan belts made from fibers such as denim, but these can be super hard to find.
Cut Throat Razors
These are the most dangerous option as it is a single, unprotected blade and handle. You'll also need to buy a strap to keep the blade sharp, but I struggled with this till eventually I couldn't keep the blade sharp enough to use. Your local craft shop, hardware store, and other local businesses may know of a blade sharpening service in your area, or offer the service on site, but I'm not sure if they sharpen these specifically.
Safety
This is a bad option if you have hand/wrist pain because keeping the blade sharp will literally be a pain. These should also be avoided if you have shaky hands, trouble with controlling your movements or trouble gauging the amount of pressure you are experiencing/creating with your hands.
Life Expectancy: Handles can last for years, decades, or longer. Some have been passed down from grandparent to grandchild when taken care of. The blades last much longer than the plastic disposables. The blade can become dull after several uses, and can be a pain to re-sharpen. A leather belt is generally used for home sharpening, but vegan alternatives exist (I didn't have much luck with mine). People with dexterity problems, carpel tunnel syndrome, hand tremors, or arthritis should probably avoid using these razors because sharpening will be a big probably problem. A blade sharpening service may be able to do it for you.
Pro: No blades need to be recycled. Just re-sharpened. The blade can be dried with a towel and folded when not in use, making it safe for travel.
Con: Sharpening the blade can be tricky, or if the user has hand issues, potentially impossible without a local blade sharpening service.
Resources: These are mostly metal, often with a handle that can be made from many materials including wood, epoxy, stone, or bamboo.
Safety Razors
Safety razors look similar to modern single-use razors, and were almost certainly the inspiration for them. They require no sharpening, simply unscrew the safety guard or the razor handle (depending on your model), and exchange for a new blade. The blades come in very small paper wrappers (these seem to be waxed, so probably not recyclable), which come in very small sets in a tiny cardboard box. These can be recycled, simply use an old mint tin, pill bottle, or similar container to save up until you have enough worth recycling.
These are my favorite razors as they are the easier option to keep sharp. The plastic razors used to last long enough to shave my legs 1 -1.5 times, or enough to shave pubes, but never both. The safety razor however can keep shaving your legs all month with just one blade, even letting you get through a thick bush and armpits a few times.
Safety
These are most likely to nick while they are at their sharpest, so within the first day or few of use, but become safer after that as they dull. I've had about the same rate of injuries with these as with the single-use plastic kind. However you only get one nick from these, instead of 2+ like you can with the multi-bladed single-use type.
Life Expectancy: Handles can last for years, decades, or longer. Some have been passed down from grandparent to grandchild when taken care of. The blades last much longer than the plastic disposables. When I used disposables I often had to use one for my legs and armpits, then another fresh razor for my pubic hairs. With a double-sided metal blade, I can shave my whole body several times before needing to replace it. Since they can be saved up and recycled at designated locations, the metal can be reused, basically indefinitely! Any rust will burn off in the process, so very little is lost in recycling.
Pro: These are safer and easier to use than cut-throat razors or disposables. They don't require sharpening and the blades stay sharp longer than disposables, but are also easy to recycle once they do wear down.
Con: These are most dangerous while changing the blade, and used blades need a secure "sharps box" to store, then a safe place to take them for recycling. They can't be simply thrown into a recycling bin as they can harm both workers in the recycling system, and any wildlife that may rummage through the recycling bin. Finding blades for these can be a huge pain if you are avoiding Amazon and want to buy locally. Try finding an eco-friendly beauty supply company and buy a big box which will last you a long time, to cut down on shipping waste and emissions.
Resources: Steel for the razon blades. The handle and other parts may be made from many materials including metal, plastic, wood, and bamboo.
Blade Recycling
A cut throat razor should be useable for a lifetime with proper care, and blades with plastic components are generally not recyclable, but safety razor blades should be put into a "sharps container" and then sent to a recycling facility. Click the Razor Blades button to learn more.
Laser Hair Removal
"Laser hair removal is more than just ''zapping'' unwanted hair. It is a medical procedure that requires training to perform and carries potential risks. Before getting laser hair removal, you should thoroughly check the credentials of the doctor or technician performing the procedure.
If you are planning on undergoing laser hair removal, you should limit plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for six weeks before treatment. That's because the laser targets the hairs' roots, which are temporarily removed by waxing or plucking.
You should also avoid sun exposure for six weeks before and after treatment. Sun exposure makes laser hair removal less effective and makes complications after treatment more likely." - WebMD
Life Expectancy: Laser hair removal also isn't permanent and requires around 7 procedures for full effectiveness. More procedures may be needed over time as hairs try to come back. Results may last for months or even years, but should not be expected to be totally premanent.
Pro: Produces less waste than other types of hair removal: no blades or handles, no chemicals down the drain, or strips thrown in landfills.
Con: Lasers can cause burns, blisters, as well as permanent colour change in a person's skin, especially if they get too much sun exposure around the time of the procedures. Waste may come in the form of single-use medical gloves and other items used for hygiene. "Laser hair removal procedures can generate high exposures to ultrafine particles for dermatologists and other individuals performing laser hair removal, with exposure varying based on multiple determinants." - National Library of Medicine
Resources: Electricity and a hair-removal device. A vacuum and vent system should be used to assist in removal of radioactive plume to protect everyone in the procedure room and office area. Gloves and masks are generally used, in addition there may be other single-use waste if a liner is used for the patient to lie on.
Hair Removal Creams & Waxes
Hair Removal Waxes
"Strip waxing is painfully wasteful (and just plain painful). Wax strips contribute to a lot of paper and plastic waste, with in-salon hot wax generally made with synthetic resin (which makes plastic). Sugaring is a waxing process that’s been around since 1900 BC, using sugar or honey as the sticky wax agent instead of synthetic products." - The Green Hub Online
Sugar Waxes
This can be made from eco-friendly ingredients, in fact they can even be made at home from edible ingredients. They are also considered to be less painful because they only attach to the hair, instead of pulling on and hurting the skin. They can also be safely washed down the drain.
Synthetic Waxes
These use problematic chemicals and result in strips that need to be thrown away into landfills. They often cause soreness and skin irritation.
Hair Removal Creams
These are full of chemicals which can end up in your body, waterways, and the ocean. The main smell you will notice when using products like Nair is the strong ammonia, which is linked to asthma and other lung problems. This probably is the least eco-friendly and least body-safe option. These should be only used on approved body areas. Using them around genitals can cause serious pain and other health risks.
Consumer Safety Guides
EWG: Hair Removal lists a number of hair removal creams and waxes, with easy-to-understand ratings. The ratings are broken down by ingredient to help you understand which ingredients are safe or toxic. They explain which ingredients are known to cause problems including cancer, asthma attacks, and allergic reactions.