That question mark may be a bit off-putting, honestly, it was for me too. Last week, a class disruption erupted, stopping our workflow, on the discussion of women’s razors. All the women in the class unanimously stated that we all bought men’s razors as they were simply better. I recall Gregor, admittedly being quite shocked at the topic, had simply stated “No that can’t be right? The way you’re describing it, everyone would just buy men’s razors? Why do they even make women’s razors?” to which we responded “Yea man, thats why we all buy men’s razors. It’s a total rip-off.”. So, what’s the point anyways? Why do women’s razors even exist?
The packaging of the razor itself may try to convince you that the razor differs due to a pink “soothing” strip that conditions the shaving area after being shaved, as though that is a new concept. Unsurprisingly, on a men’s razor exists the exact same thing, calling itself an “aftershave” oftentimes coloured in blue. Same product, more expensive for women, and oftentimes, HORRENDOUSLY designed.
Why? The reality is, good design costs more. Design is currency in this world; it considers the best shape possible, the best material, at the best price per unit.
Oftentimes, men’s razors will be made with a thick, heavy metallic stem, something that is meant to last and feels good in the hand. They have a rotating head, and straight body so they can be used on various body parts.
For the same product with the women’s shaving stem will have a simplistic cheap plastic material, whose shape is pointed downwards. Honestly, only with the idea of shaving our legs in mind… or anything below the belt (yes I’m implying what you think I may be implying).
Believe it or not, plenty of women have to shave their faces due to menopause, hormonal imbalances, or due to the impossible beauty standards placed in front of us. Although, our products are curated for one act or type of shaving, whereas the men’s stem has a much more applicable form.
I took a break from writing here. If you haven’t noticed, my writing style changes a lot in my blogs. Most of this is mood change, maybe passion. I recognize most of the time I should be passionate, and I am. Although admittedly some content will get me more involved than others. The frustration of growing up as a woman means a lot of the time my needs were not met, considered, or prioritized in products. That has made me admittedly bitter. I’m okay with that statement being out there in the universe, it is true.
Anyways, back to the discussion. Now that I’ve grown, I’m happy to see that there’s been quite a bit of change in women’s products. I’ve seen a lot of development in terms of period products, which I’m grateful for. In about 2019, the diva cup blew up (I absolutely despise the name, but I’m willing to fold for the quality of the product). Great design. Reusable and considerate to the various widths and shapes of women’s vaginas, the product is a home run. I’m grateful for the development, although I absolutely don’t think it’s where it needs to be.
Especially considering I can’t find a multifaceted good quality women’s razor at the same price point as the men’s razors. What’s my point here? Development in the world of women’s products is happening, and I am grateful for that. But great design considers all and takes advantage of no one. No matter your gender, a razor is a razor. We all use it to shave different parts of our bodies, and a woman’s product should not be used as an opportunity to make more bang for your buck. Great design is inclusive and equal.