Rose & Thorne entered the world of ‘double edge safety razors’ to find they ticked every ‘eco’ box, but were predominantly aimed at men and looked like they belonged in a toolbox not a bathroom.
Trying to find out how to use a double edge safety razor was also challenging, all the guidance was tailored for men and their faces; not women or the different parts of our bodies.
After persevering and muddling through Claire their founder discovered nothing to fear from double edge safety razors or razor blades. In fact she was saving money, her razor bumps had reduced and ultimately it was the best shave of her life.
So she set out to spread the word amongst women, create everything she had failed to find and to reclaim the double edge safety razor for women and the world.
Rose & Thorne hopes you enjoy the benefits of shaving sustainably as much as they do.
The Rose & Thorne travel pouch is made from natural cotton and is free from any toxic chemicals and dyes.
They wanted beautiful packaging but low environmental impact. This meant conscious, considered choices. Rose & Thorne designed a box so no adhesive or equivalent additional parts were necessary. Responsible sourcing of our papers means rainforests are being saved. De-bossing the logo meant no need for ink and no harmful chemicals.
Rose & Thorne use no plastic in any of our packaging, right down to the parcel tape which is made from rubber instead, is 100% biodegradable and free from animal products.
A brief history of the double edge safety razor and it’s relationship with women.
Double edge safety razors (or DE razors) are an all metal razor consisting of a handle and a head, in to which you sandwich a disposable (but recyclable) blade.
While originally used in WW1 soldiers supply kits, women did actually begin to use double edge safety razors in the 1950’s. This was until marketers realised more money could be made from selling women disposable plastic razors, to keep their profits high regardless of the environmental impact.
And so only men continued to use double edge safety razors, brands focused their attention on them; creating adverts and content speaking to swords, cut throat sharp blades and ‘the best a man can get’ leading to the male dominated environment and scary perceptions of today.
Double edge safety razors such as the Rose & Thorne Double Edge Safety Eco Razor offer women a closer shave, less skin irritation, and both a better economical and environmental solution. It’s time women reclaimed the double edge safety razor for both themselves and for the environment.
Why does shaving cause skin irritation and our top tips for an irritation-free shave.
For some a result of shaving too often, for others it’s just part of their shaving life; sore red bumps and itchy skin has effected most women. Especially common in our nether-regions and also among the curlier haired, whatever you call it; razor burn, bumps or rash, skin irritation from shaving is never fun.
Razor rash or razor bumps refers to redness, soreness and irritation brought about by shaving. This irritation is a result of the process of the shaving, as it scrapes off the top layers of skin whilst cutting the hair. Razor rash is common when using multi-bladed razors as several blades are being drawn across the skin, which can especially add up if you use multiple strokes over the same area.
Hair grows at different angles, and for the curly ones among us it can grown in different directions. When a hair is cut a sharp edge is created, meaning when a hair starts growing back in the direction of the skin, it can cause inflammation in the form of little red bumps.
Exfoliating removes any dead skin and lifts the hair at the same time, meaning your razor can catch them all.
Leave shaving until the end of your shower or bath, this gives time for the hairs to soften and your pores to open, meaning less resistance and an easier glide for your razor.
Creating a barrier between your skin and the blade that helps the razor glide across your skin with the least resistance will reduce irritation. Choose your saviour of soap, oil or cream - as long as there is a good lather (and preferably natural) then your skin will thank you - and under no circumstances ever dry shave!
Ditch the multi-bladed razors and switch to a safety razor. The single blade results in fewer layers of skin being removed during shaving, resulting in less irritation. Also the chance of razor burn is reduced when shaving with a safety razor as less pressure is applied while using the razor compared to multi-blade razors.
After the perfect shave do not undo your hard work by wearing tight underwear that may encourage the hair to grow back in to itself. Loose underwear (ideally organic cotton) will give the skin and hair room to breathe and space to grow back naturally - although who says you have to wear underwear at all?