What are the shaving options for the carry-on traveler?
This question rustled some jimmies! Now that we have more information I'm rephrasing it to fit in better with the overall picture, which is shaving options for travelers without checked luggage.
When traveling with carry-on luggage only, it's not always obvious what shaving equipment we can bring on a plane. For those of us that shave with open-ended blades such as double-edged safety razors or straight razors, as opposed to disposable and cartridge razors, the problem is exacerbated by trips with multiple stops where we have to tediously acquire blades at every destination.
Naturally, the most flagrant razor blades are not permitted on a plane, but some shaving equipment is. As a not-too-frequent traveler myself I've never quite really gotten a hang on this, and I end up chasing down razor blades at a kiosk in some far away place at 2AM.
There must be a better way! I figure frequent/business travelers must have developed several best practices of dealing with shaving by now.
From the perspective of someone who most certainly cannot bring their regular razor onto the plane, what options are there for a traveler limited to carry-on luggage only?
Best Answer
Disposable/cartridge razors are universally permitted in carry-on luggage. Here's the TSA on the topic: https://www.tsa.gov/blog/2010/08/17/safety-razors-and-disposable-razors
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Is there a TSA approved razor?
The kind that is completely disposable (handle and all), or the kind where you replace them with cartridges. These are permissible in carry-on luggage with the blade and replacement cartridges. Electric Razors: Electric razors are permitted in both checked and carry-on bags.How do you shave when traveling?
If you are traveling by air, be aware that TSA guidelines will allow you to carry on your safety razor; however, you cannot have a blade loaded in the razor or in your carry-on baggage. Keep your razor blades tucked away in your checked baggage or purchase a pack of blades when you arrive at your destination.Can you take shave on a plane?
There are no restrictions on electric shavers and razors, so you are fine to pack these in your carry on hand luggage.The Best Carry-On Travel Double-Edge Razor Option
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Answer 2
Another solution is to bring an electric shaver. While this won't give you the same clean shave as a proper razor blade, but in my opinion it's as least as good as those disposable ones. There are cheap (and lousy) travel shavers, but even the normal sized ones don't take up too much space in your carry-on luggage.
Answer 3
I've researched this problem extensively and tried out every type of shavers out there. My current solution is to use the fantastic Philips OneBlade:
It can obviously be taken as carry-on, works for a long time without recharging and is very lightweight. You cannot get a close shave with it, but it's amazingly gentle and won't cause any irritation even if you have extremely sensitive skin. It costs less than 50 Euros, so it's an easy purchase even if you're skeptical. There's also a "pro" model with fancy LED indicators, but it shaves exactly the same, so not worth the investment.
Answer 4
tldr:
Get the free one at your hotel
For me, good traveling generally means traveling with less stuff. The things I try to leave at home are soap, toothpaste, razors, and shave cream.
But wait - how do I stay clean? What about basic hygiene? Hotels "always" have soap, but what about toothpaste? In the US, most hotels will have "courtesy" packs. Specifically, most hotels will give you a complimentary razor, shave cream, and a toothpaste.
So call the hotel where you are traveling too, and ask them if they have complimentary razors. That will lighten your load, if just by a little bit.
If you are traveling on the cheap, like at a youth hostel, then probably skipping shaving is the way to go. I suggest continuing to brush teeth though, so bring a small tube of toothpaste.
Answer 5
Another option is applying a laser or IPL and remove your beard (semi-) permanently. I know depending on the cultures and preferences you are not willing to remove it altogether, but I'm quite satisifed with it.
You can get the treatment in a medical institute, but there is also a variety of products you can apply by yourself.
An example: SMOOTHSKIN GOLD:
These products don't have a razor blade attached and you can bring them safely (but once you finish it, you don't need).
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