You get up in the morning, take a shower, get dressed and give yourself a quick shave before rushing out the door to work.

You use a cartridge razor because they are seemingly cheap and get the job done in less time. And in the morning when you’re rushing out the door, you need all the extra time you can get.

Shaving is just a part of your daily routine. You don’t really think about it, you just do it.

And when it’s time to purchase new razors, you don’t really think about that either—you just buy what you need.

It is an understatement to say that most shavers object to the high costs associated with shaving products. Because maintaining facial hair is a must for most men, razor companies take advantage of this and charge high prices.

As a result, most men feel like there’s no getting around paying high prices for shaving.

However, saving money on shaving is possible and easy, without sacrificing a good, quality shave.

Read on for some tips on how to find the most affordable shaving products, and save money on shaving.

However, if you were to add up what you spend on a weekly or monthly basis on shaving cream and cartridge razors, we are willing to bet you will be surprised at how much you spend in a month, and even in a year!

Believe it or not, you can save hundreds of dollars each year simply by adopting a new shaving technique.

If you have been following the wet shaving blog, you would know we are big advocates of traditional shave techniques. Read on to learn these top three tips for saving money on shaving.

1. Wet Shaving

There are a number of myths surrounding wet shaving. Many men believe that it is an old-fashioned, outdated form of shaving, and it can lead to more dangerous and painful nicks and cuts.

However, the truth is wet shaving is actually safer than using a traditional cartridge, and its accessories are cheaper over time. And the best part? Wet shaving reduces the risks for that painful and literally irritating razor burn.

Here’s a glimpse of the costs associated with wet shaving:

• A good safety razor = $30 (give or take)
• Five razor blades = $2-3
• A wet shaving brush = $25
• Shaving cream = $10-$15

TOTAL = $75-$100

So, how does wet shaving save you money? Now take a look at what cartridge razors cost. A package of four Gillette Fusion replacement cartridges costs approximately $15 to $30. Add this up over time, and you will easily see that wet shaving is a better investment—and more cost efficient—over the long term.

2. Shaving Cream

Yes, canned shaving cream is dirt cheap, priced at approximately $1-$3 per can. However, for a few extra dollars, you can purchase tubed shaving cream, which is better for your face—and the environment.

For example, Cremo Shaving Cream is priced at only $5-$6 a tube, and it ensures a better shave. This is because tubed shaving cream doesn’t mat to the face and hair the way that canned shaving cream does. Tubed shaving cream also doesn’t dry out your face, leaving it itchy and irritated.

So, over time you save money—and your face—by switching to a tubed shaving cream.

3. Shaving Soap

If you want to ditch the canned shaving cream, but you don’t want to pay more for tubed shaving cream, then shaving soap is another effective and cost-efficient option. For example, Williams Shaving Soap is one of the oldest and cheapest brands available. You can purchase a box for only $1-$2.

According to customer reviews, it’s not the greatest product in the world, but many enjoy using it. Shaving soap is also better for your face than canned shaving cream. This is because shaving soap is often rich with naturally-based ingredients, which nourish and moisturize your face rather than drying it out.

Issues With Today’s Costly Razors

Razor Price Inflation

Time Magazine refers to shaving as one of life’s “most annoying rip-offs.” Quoting an article published by the Wall Street Journal, Time stated that customers are eager to save money on shaving.

According to analyst Ali Dibadj, “There aren’t more razor blades than years ago, [the industry growth] is through pricing.” High prices are the primary reason why shavers use a pair of denim jeans to sharpen dull razor blades.

The Cartridge Conundrum

Cartridge razors are still incredibly popular despite their high prices. Many consumers circumvent the costs of replacement blades through programs like The Dollar Shave Club. Many have also figured out DIY ways to make their own shaving cream to help offset the recurring cost of cartridge replacements.

With a price point of near $4 per cartridge, cartridge customers are revolting. In fact, cartridge razors are a money pit, costing individuals nearly $200 per year. Furthermore, the increasing cost of replacement cartridges is a major reason why many shavers have switched to using a safety razor.

Why Safety Razors Save Money

Yes, some safety razor models are more expensive upfront, depending on the type. There are a handful of safety razor models that make great options for beginners who are interested in trying their hands at using safety razors.

Regardless of the type of safety razor you choose, you can save significantly from purchasing replacement blades. Purchasing a pack of replacement blades for a safety razortypically costs approximately $0.10 to $0.50 per blade at most. And, not only can the blades be recycled, safety razor blades will last longer if you clean them.

Since the replacement blades for safety razors are significantly cheaper, shavers are typically less likely to try to squeeze out one more good shave using a dull blade. Like cartridges, safety razor blades should be replaced every six to eight shaves.

Safety razors also provide a closer, satisfying, and a better quality shave, making the initial investment well worth it.

Tips to Save Money on Shaving

Most wet shave enthusiasts will swear by ditching the cartridge razor for a safety razor. Shavers who use electric shavers claim they are easy to use, and eventually pay themselves back over time without having to purchase cartridge razors.

Regardless of your shaving preferences, you can still save money on having products. And here are some tips on how to do that:

Buy Online: This isn’t earth-shattering news, but sometimes shopping online can be cheaper, especially if you can take advantage of free shipping. Much like other shaving products, safety razor replacement blades are also ridiculously cheaper online.

Switch to A Safety Razor: As we discussed above, safety razors can be little more expensive upfront but are a better investment over the long term. As you gain experience using a safety razor, not only will you enjoy getting a smooth, comfortable shave, you will also be able to use your savings to invest in a more sophisticated safety razor model and accessories.

Join Razor Clubs: The Dollar Shave Club is the most well-known example. Some brand name razor companies and other manufacturers are getting into this game as well. If you prefer using cartridge razors, these programs can save you some serious cash.

Shaving Shouldn’t Be Expensive

All in all, if you are tired of the high cost of shaving—regardless of the type of razor you prefer to use—there are some ways to get creative and cut costs. Although some shaving products might cost more upfront, you will save more over time from having to purchase replacement cartridges.

Shaving shouldn’t be expensive. Use these tips or a trusted pair of jeans to save a few bucks.

A Cheaper—and Better—Shave

So, there you have it. If you are trying to save money, and are looking for creative ways in which to do so, take a look at your own daily habits. One easy way to save money is simply by adopting the wet shaving technique, which can save you hundreds of dollars every year on shaving cartridges.

Of course this will require some money upfront, it will eventually pay for itself in 2-3 years. And, you’re giving yourself a better shave. What could be better than that?