History of the Razor

Men and women have been removing hair from their bodies since prehistoric times. The history of razors and shaving dates all the way back to 30,000 B.C. Many of the earliest forms of hair removal were related to other body modification rituals, including piercing and body art. For many primitive tribes, hair removal could be seen as a form of tribal status and wealth. Nowadays, hair removal has become much more a part of vanity grooming, with various social stigmas being attached to different types of hair removal. Razors have been a part of human invention since the dawn of time and while the basic social implications associated with human hair removal have changed very little, the tools used in the grooming technique have advanced greatly.

History

Archaeologists believe that the earliest razors used for hair removal were made of flint. These "blades" have been discovered in many excavations of prehistoric human dwellings and may date as far back as 30,000 B.C. Metalworking advancements developed in Egypt, India and Greece in 3,000 B.C. introduced the first permanent and reusable razors. It was these metal razors and modified versions of them that would be used for centuries to come, through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and into the Victorian era. In the early 1700s, the straight-edge razor blade was created in England. This invention is still used today in many barber shops across the world and is iconic of giving the closest shave of any razor, but it isn't used by the majority of people today because it isn't particularly safe. The safety razor, a stick shaver with a removable blade that fits into a permanent razor guard, was invented in the mid-1800s, but it was an invention from 1904, by King C. Gillette, that gave way to the safe and inexpensive disposable razor we are familiar with today.

Function

A shaving razor is a grooming tool that is used by both women and men to remove unwanted body hair. While the first razors typically focussed on male facial hair and female leg hair, modern razors are used on everything from underarms and bikini lines to arms and eyebrows. Razors use a sharp metal blade, which is attached to a solid handle, to slide across the skin and safely cut body hair that sits above the skin line. Razors remove only the visible layer of hair, leaving the root of the hair inside the skin's hair follicle. While there are a number of different types of razors available on the market today, they all serve the same general purpose, which is to remove unwanted hair from the skin's surface.

Potential

Because of the advancements in metal, plastics and rubber, both disposable and permanent razors have come a long way since 30,000 B.C. Modern razor models have stayed close to the standard stick and knife model, while adding unique advancements to the grip, number of blades in a head and the addition of moistures strips and safety devices to prevents nicks and cuts. In 1996, Herbie McNinch developed the Quik-Shave double-headed razor that is marketed to eliminate the need to shave every day and claims to save clients 18 hours of shaving time each year. In 2008, a new razor hit the market that moves away from the traditional shaving stick model, by introducing a ring-shaped handle. The Rolling Razor has a round head that holds back-to-back twin razor heads. High performance safety razors continue to boast closer shaves with additional safety standards, while luxury permanent razors are made from platinum stainless blades that promise a lifetime of close shaves.

Types

Shaving razors used for the removal of hair from both men and women come in a variety of types and styles. The most common hair removal tool for both men and women is the wet-shave disposable razor, which comes in the form of a throwaway stick or a reusable stick with disposable heads ad is bets used with water. Electric razors are another popular razor, more commonly used by men than women, for the removal of facial hair. Electric razors can be plugged into and electrical outlet or run on rechargeable battery power and are identified by a rotating or oscillating head. Electric razors allow the user to adjust the closeness of the shave, which isn't possible with a straight-edge or safety razor and they do not need to be used with water. Permanent razors are made from heavy metals and are usually designer from a solid piece of metal. Most permanent razors must be sharpened to maintain the closeness of the shave, though some newer models are made from metals or wrapped blades that resist dulling.

Warning

As the technology behind the craft of razors increases, so too does the safety and comfort of shaving, but there are several side effects associated with shaving that all people are at risk for. No matter how advanced razors become, people with sensitive skin will be at risk of suffering from cuts, skin irritation, dryness and bumps. Many of these side effects can be prevented by using new or freshly sharpened blades each time to shave, washing and exfoliating your skin thoroughly before shaving and applying a gentle lubricant to protect the skin while you shave. It is also important to be aware of the dangers of razors in the hands of children. Classic straight-edge razors and open-blade razors are as dangerous as knives and even safety razors can cut the skin if mishandled. Electric razors that are attached to an electrical outlet should not be used near water.

Resources

• Shaving in prehistoric times
• Sharpening your razor
• Why men shave