Before King Gillette introduced his safety razors in the 19th century, men had to contend with straight razors, or let their facial hair run wild.
Nowadays, the American shaving brand is still going strong, occupying a leading role in the global razor market. But which designs should UK buyers go for? Should they choose Gillette Fusion blades offers, cheaper Blue models, or Mach 3 designs.
If you can't tell the difference, don't worry. This hotukdeals buyer's guide will explain everything razor buyers need to know if they want to get the perfect shave, every time.
Before King Gillette came along in the 1880s, the vast majority of men had to maintain straight-edged razors, and carefully shave their faces, constantly risking lacerations. Even getting ready for work was fraught with dangers in those days, and the stage was set for a revolutionary range of “safety razors” to make things easier.
Gillette realised the potential for disposable products that could be used a couple of times, and then thrown away. After several prototypes, he came up with a solution, in the form of a pre-stamped disposable steel razor. Taking advantage of advances in steel production, Gillette managed to combine sharpness and low costs (well, low enough for millions of Americans to embrace the product). And by the 1900s, he was a multi-millionaire. Although he would later lose his fortune in real estate speculation, Gillette had left a legacy that would help men across the world.
From the 1920s onwards, the Gillette company blossomed, introducing its iconic blue handled models, pioneering detachable blades, adding multiple blades and handle grips, and generally allowing users to achieve ever-closer shaves.
Nowadays, its range includes budget one-blade models, three-blade designs which minimise skin irritation, and deluxe 5-bladed designs. But the actual concept remains strikingly similar to the style pioneered by King Gillette himself. And, as sales figures show, customers still value the brand's mix of low prices, choice, and quality – even in an age of electric shavers.
Gillette's products tend to fall under the category of “safety razors”. The “safety” element of the name is important. This means that the razor has some form of protection placed between the blade and the skin, reducing the risk of accidental cuts (but not totally erasing the potential to draw blood when shaving).
Most Gillette razors now use more than one blade, with 3 or 5 blades now standard. Using more blades ensures a closer, less risky shave, providing users with more precision. So as a rule, the more blades a razor has, the more expensive it will be.
These blades are mounted on what are known as “cartridges.” With cheaper models, the cartridge remains fixed to the handle, and the whole razor needs to be disposed of when the blades become dulled or blocked by hair and shaving cream. With more expensive Gillette models, cartridges can be removed, and need to be purchased separately in multi-packs.
Finally, Gillette Razors usually feature a green strip above the blades. This feature, which is a distinctive aspect of the brand's products, is infused with aloe, a plant with naturally soothing properties. That way, shavers can minimise the risk of irritation when using their razors.
That's basically it. Safety razors are extremely simple to use, and there's no great science behind them. Nevertheless, Gillette markets a range of different styles, and it's important to pick the right one. So let's explore what the company has to offer and help you make a decision.
Gillette's razors can broadly be divided into three brand areas: Blue, Fusion, and Mach. So let's deal with each one in turn to tease out their distinctive qualities and features.
Gillette Blue – The cheapest form of Gillette Razor, the Blue range features two main options: the II and III. The II has two blades, as the name suggests, and comes in standard and Slalom varieties. The Slalom version features an ultra-grip handle and flexible head, which moves to follow the contours of your face, so it's noticeably superior. The Gillette Blue 3 has 3 blades, giving it greater sensitivity, and Gillette claims that it is much easier to rinse than the II. So it should last longer. However, some customers report that the III actually doesn't shave as close as the II, which may be worth bearing in mind. In any case, all Blue razors come with the aloe “lubrastrip”, and all are 100% disposable (so you won't need to buy separate heads). 20 razor multi packs offer the cheapest option per razor, and are great for those on a budget.
Gillette Mach 3 – More expensive than Gillette Blue razors, the Mach 3 range delivers an enhanced shaving experience all-round. This time, buyers will have to pick up a basic Mach 3 handset, which can then be used with separate cartridges. The lubrastrip has been widened, and “micro-fins” around the edges of the blades provide extra protection against nicks and cuts, while the pivot which tracks the shape of the face has been refined and made more sensitive. So if you want a closer shave, with fewer accidents, the Mach 3 should serve you well.
Gillette Fusion 5 - The Fusion 5 is probably Gillette's most popular razor model. The “5” refers to the use of 5 specialised “anti-friction” blades, which combine with the lubrication strip to ensure a closer shave than is possible with Blue models. Unlike Blue razors, Fusion models feature separate cartridges, so customers will have to buy the handset and then replacement Gillette Fusion blades, raising costs a little. On the plus side, Fusion cartridges come with a trimmer on the rear, which provides a useful way to reach hard to get at stubble. So they have a precision advantage over cheaper handsets.
Gillette Fusion ProGlide - Fusion models don't just come in the standard style You can also purchase Gillette Fusion ProGlide razors which up the ante compared with standard Fusions. They feature everything you get with the Fusion 5, but Gillette Fusion ProGlide blades improved lubrication strips, theoretically resulting in a smoother experience. Because of this, it could be the ideal product for customers who are prone to skin irritation, and customer feedback tends to back this up.
In general, as you rise up the Gillette product ladder, the prices rise, and the quality becomes higher at every tier. There aren't many technical innovations between the Blue and the Fusion ProGlide, but buyers will certainly notice the differences when they use them regularly.
This isn't the case with the Fusion ProGlide Power. A major step up from the manual razors listed above, the ProGlide Power uses batteries contained within the razor casing to deliver more shaving potential and achieve more reliable results. It comes with a “FlexBall” mechanism which gently tracks the curves of your face, and tends to require less pressure to achieve good results, thanks to the speed of its vibrating blades. So the danger of drawing blood is radically reduced. Of course, it comes with an elevated price tag, and the need to deal with charging, but that won't be an issue for many guys, and the ProGlide Power discounts at hotukdeals will usually ease any financial pain.
Before we look at some practical elements of buying and using Gillette razors, it's really important to put the brand into perspective. These days, Gillette is one among many grooming brands, and it may not be the best one to choose. So what do customers and shaving experts say about its current product range that will persuade us to stick with Mach 3 or Fusion ProGlide razors?
Actually, there's quite a lot of love for Gillette products out there, including some of the web's most respected men's grooming blogs. For example, ShaverGuru has assessed the Fusion ProGlide Power and praised its FlexBall technology, trimmer, and the ability to shave without using too much force. And customer feedback for the standard manual ProGlide is similarly positive, as a quick scan of Amazon listings shows.
However, there are some dissenting voices with all of Gillette's razors. Whatever model you focus on, you'll find some people who experience cuts or poor-quality results, partly due to their technique or the way their facial hair grows, and partly because they just don't get along with the product. So buyers may need to check out alternative brands.
This isn't the place to assess all of Gillette's competition, but if you aren't excited by the company's razors, check out brands like Merkur, Feather, Schick, and Dorco. Some of them are boutique brands with higher prices, but all have their fan base, and offer some excellent manual razors.
If you've decided to stick with Gillette, that's great. But don't just rush over to the hotukdeals listings to find Mach 3 or Gillette Fusion blades offers. There are plenty of things to think about before making a decision if you want to get the right results and the best prices.
Precision – For some people, their buying decision will be heavily influenced by the need to achieve precise shaves and definition where it really counts. If that sounds like you, the Fusion collection will be the way to go, with its sensitive blades and trimmer, which allows you to square off stubble with ease.
Comfort – If you have extremely sensitive skin or are prone to bleed when shaving, the Fusion Power is a clearly superior option. Its “micropulses” ensure excellent shaving results, without the need to press down hard on skin, drastically cutting the risk of cuts. And the trademark Gillette lubricated strip helps to minimise irritation.
Thickness of Hair – The Power also excels when cutting through relatively thick facial hair, whether that's moustaches or beards. While other Gillette models can become snagged, and require multiple passes, the Power tends to cut smoothly, even through shaggy facial hair.
Price – If your needs aren't great, and you just want a daily shaving option to maintain a smart appearance, why spend more on deluxe razors? The Gillette Blue collection or a Mach 3 handset will usually perform fairly well, and lower your grooming bill in the process. In any case, we would advise buying cartridges in bulk once you have chosen your preferred Gillette model. If you find one you love, commit to it with multi pack purchases, and you'll make big savings. Bags of 20 heads are common, and you'll often find multiple bags for sale at hotukdeals from major retailers.
Finally, a couple of ethical issues that customers may want to take into account. Ideally, if you are using disposable razor blades, they should be easy to recycle. There's no need to add to the mountain of plastic waste polluting our environment, but are Gillette razor blades recyclable? Sadly, they generally aren't. In the USA, the company has been exploring recycling options, but most UK recycling schemes won't accept cartridges where metal blades are attached to plastic casings. If you want to be really eco-friendly, pick a razor with a detachable blade instead.
Some customers will also be very concerned about animal rights. So, do Gillette test on animals? Animal rights campaign group PETA waged a long campaign against the company, claiming that it unnecessarily tested products on animals, but this was dropped in 2012. However, that doesn't automatically give Gillette a clean bill of health. Its parent company Proctor and Gamble may have committed to minimising animal testing, but hasn't unequivocally stated that Gillette razors are "cruelty-free." So if you're worried about animals, it's probably a brand to avoid.
Some buyers will be worried about whether their Gillette razors can travel across borders. With recent crack-downs on potentially dangerous items, razors may seem like exactly the kind of item fliers will be prohibited from carrying, and in many cases, that's true. However, the answer to the question are Gillette razors allowed on planes is more complicated than you might think.
Most of the time, blades mounted inside safety cartridges don't contravene aviation security regulations, meaning that passengers can carry them onto planes and use them to freshen up before landing.
When you purchase Gillette razors, that's probably not going to be the end of the story. Along with cheap Gillette blades and handsets, buyers will almost certainly need creams or lotions, along with other shaving accessories – all of which can be found for less at hotukdeals. Here are some common buying ideas:
Shaving Cream – Gillette manufacturers its own popular selection of shaving creams, which are intended to complement its razors. They are designed to moisturise hairs during shaving, making it easier to slice through them without putting stress on the skin beneath. And they also protect the skin directly, putting a barrier between steel blades and soft flesh. So most users find that cream is an essential purchase. Generally, Gillette offers both shaving foams and shaving gels. There's not that much difference between them, aside from the slightly superior skin protection provided by gels. However, gels will usually be more expensive, and many people won't find that the extra expense is necessary.
Aftershave – Guys who use aftershave will tend to have their own preferences, but even if you already have a favourite, it's worth checking out Gillette's own creations. Divided into Cool Wave and Arctic Ice, the company's aftershaves offer an efficient way to refresh skin after shaving sessions, as well as an appealing set of fragrances to neutralise the scent of shaving gels.
Beard Conditioner – Gillette also offers specialist beard conditioners for guys with facial hair. They tend to be affordable, no-frills conditioners, which moisturise and nourish beard hair, and make a great partner to Fusion ProGlide Power shavers.
Gillette has been around for over 100 years, and it continues to set the agenda where razors are concerned. As we've seen, buyers have a variety of razors to choose from, stretching from affordable Blue versions, to sleek Mach 3 handsets, and advanced ProGlide models. By now, you've probably got a good idea of what style you'd prefer, but what about finding the cheapest Gillette Fusion blades, or the most affordable Mach 3 handset?
In that case, hotukdeals offers the ideal solution. Buyers will find all of Gillette's razor models at the hotukdeals Gillette listings, including handsets, disposable razors, battery-powered ProGlide Power devices, and replacement blades. All of the UK's biggest grooming merchants are available to browse, including Boots, Argos, John Lewis, Superdrug, Amazon, and many other affordable High Street and online sellers.
When picking up a razor for the first time, don't just look for the handset itself. Try to combine it with replacement blades, as bundle deals regularly become available. And if you can add shaving cream or aftershave – all the better. Whatever you do, don't just head to the nearest store and pay shelf prices. Razors and blades are notoriously expensive in-store, when discounts aren't available, making it absolutely vital to secure the best Gillette offers, and hotukdeals is the place to do so.
Gillette used to market itself as “the best a man can get.” Well, things have changed since then, with many alternatives, but the American brand remains a mainstay for men who need to look neat and tidy. Gillette razors come in a variety of models and styles, with premium and low cost options. But whatever style men choose, they can keep their grooming costs low via the hotukdeals Gillette razors listings.
