TSA, Wetshaving, and You: A Brief Holiday Travel Guide

Are you traveling this holiday season but don’t want to compromise the quality of your shave? I can help you avoid TSA shenanigans!

If you're going to be going through any TSA checkpoints over the holiday season (or any other time), here are some tips for new shavers and/or infrequent travelers from someone who goes through TSA 2-3 times per week. Take it from a pilot (me) if you want to keep your shaving gear.

Safety Razors

Safety razors of any sort (even un-assembled) are immediate triggers for alarm going through security. When I travel with a safety razor in my carry-on, I put it in a "dog-bowl" of its own, de-constructed/opened up, and ensure that there is NO BLADE. If you do bring a safety razor, don’t leave it buried deep in your Dopp Kit. Keep it in an easily accessible exterior pocket, because 90% of the time it will trigger a check. Doing this means that you'll never get a "special check." They won't confiscate your razor, but if you don’t, you will cause a delay in the security line.

Disposables are an easy solution to the safety razor when it comes to traveling. Maggards even offers a great alternative that is primarily marketed for the Asian Market, called the Gillette Guard. The Gillette Guard is a single edge disposable razor that is very nearly the same experience as using a Safety Razor. I personally try to avoid using disposable razors, but Maggards sells them and they’re a solid option for travelers.

Obviously, straight-razors are impossible to bring in your carry-on.

Soaps

Most artisan soapmakers put soap in tubs that are larger than 3.4oz. This combined with most shaving soaps also being "soft" means that you're not going to get them through security. I've accidentally forgotten a full tub in my carry-on and had it confiscated because it was "soft." I still wouldn't risk TSA with a hard soap. If you have the ability to transfer your soaps to a sample tub, you'll be able to get through security without issues. Sample tubs can be purchased for cheap on amazon. You can also buy some samples from Maggards and reuse them when they're finished.

Aftershaves

The majority of aftershave bottles are 4oz, so I've transferred the aftershaves that I want to travel with to atomizers. Same as above, It's easy to re-use sample aftershave atomizers from Maggards or buy some on Amazon. If you're not sure about the seal on the sprayer, some silicon tape around the threads has saved my travel kit on more than one occasion. I’ve actually moved many of my aftershaves to atomizers anyway because the coverage and scent are usually improved when applied in this method.

Blades

As I mentioned above, blades should be removed when you're traveling, but seeing as I know my destination more than a few days in advance, I mail myself a few blades. Most hotels won’t have a problem holding mail for you if you also write on the letter when you’ll be staying with them. I HATE paying the exorbitant prices for blades at Walgreens/CVS, so for the price of a stamp, I'm usually set.

 Bowls

If you still need a bowl to shave, I recommend learning to face lather sooner rather than later. I personally believe bowls are a waste of time, space, and money.

Bottom Line: Pack your shaving kit in your checked baggage, create a cheap travel kit... or be prepared to lose your shaving gear.