Why are shaving brushes so popular?
Even though many men use ready-made shaving foam, we sell shaving brushes every day. The shaving brush is becoming increasingly popular. We regularly hear from our customers that their new shaving brush really contributes to a wonderful and comfortable shave. Their morning ritual is no longer possible without it. But how should you use and maintain your shaving brush? We have listed some tips. Of course, we make a distinction between the type of shaving brush: pig bristle, badger hair and synthetic hair. The use differs per type of hair. The maintenance is the same for every brush.
How do you optimally use a shaving brush?
First of all, you have to wet the brush with lukewarm water. Place the brush in a bowl of water for half a minute or hold it briefly under running water. The bristles of the brush absorb water. The great thing about animal hair is that it absorbs itself nicely with water. Due to the structure of the hairs, a lot of water remains stuck or stuck. And of course you need water to foam your shaving soap or shaving cream.
Stir the shaving brush around in your shaving soap a few times and you will immediately get shaving foam. Do not squish the shaving brush in the shaving soap. It can help to moisten the hard shaving soap with water beforehand. This makes dispensing foam a little smoother. If you prefer to use a shaving cream, put a little bit of cream on your brush. Then comes the real foaming work.
We've said it before: 'Beard hairs are as hard as copper wires. But they also absorb water.' So take your time. Apply the shaving foam to the face for at least 1 minute. This makes the beard hairs softer and softer. This makes shaving easier. Applying less pressure with the razor ensures more shaving comfort and less shaving irritation afterwards.
Pig bristle shaving brush
A distinguishing feature of pig bristles is that they are stiff bristles. Boar bristle shaving brushes work best if you create foam on your skin with a light rotating motion. Hold the shaving brush smoothly and do not press too hard on the skin. You make as much foam as possible with the ends of the hair.
Shaving brush made of badger and synthetic hair
Badger and synthetic hair are soft, flexible hair. Dassen shaving brushes and synthetic hair should not be pressed against the skin with a rotating movement. But apply with a smooth, slightly tapping back and forth motion and create shaving foam. Also with these hairs you get the most beautiful foam at the tips of the hairs.
How do you maintain a shaving brush?
A shaving brush is a handmade product, has a long lifespan and is an environmentally friendly investment. Incorrect use, poor maintenance and improper cleaning cause the shaving brush to lose hair. Here are some useful usage and maintenance tips for long-lasting shaving pleasure:
- Wet the shaving brush before shaving with lukewarm water of a maximum of 40° C. Water that is too hot is not good for the glue or resin bond.
- Pick up shaving soap in a circular motion or spin it around in the shaving soap or shaving bowl. Do not squish the shaving brush in the shaving soap or shaving bowl. This can cause the hair to tangle and break.
- You should use a pig bristle shaving brush on your skin with a light rotating motion. You should apply a shaving brush made of badger and synthetic bristles with a light back and forth motion. Be careful not to flatten the shaving brush on your skin.
- After use, clean the shaving brush thoroughly under running water. Make sure you also rinse the core of the brush thoroughly. Open the core of the brush with your fingers and rinse it clean under the tap.
- After rinsing, carefully squeeze the water from the brush and fan the brush dry. Then rub it lightly on a clean, dry towel.
- After use, always hang the shaving brush in a shaving brush holder . This allows it to diffuse well.
- Never clean shaving brushes with (boiling) hot water or cleaning or disinfectant products.
- If necessary, clean the shaving brush a few times a year with regular hair shampoo.
What happens with misuse and poor maintenance?
What should you not do with your beautiful shaving brush? Never press the shaving brush too much or hard in your shaving soap or on your face. Flattening causes the hair to tangle and break. See the photo below to see what happens with too much flattening:
A shaving brush made of badger and synthetic hair should be applied to the face with a light tapping and back-and-forth motion. Rotate these brushes on the skin as little as possible. If you rotate too much, the bristles in the middle will wear out faster and you will hollow out the brush in the middle. After a few years you get a hole in the middle. See the photo below of a hollowed out shaving brush:
Poor cleaning of your shaving brush will eventually cause the bristles to become damaged and break. This causes a lot of hair loss with every shave. That's a shame and not necessary.
Shaving soap (or cream) is alkaline, especially the cheap drugstore shaving products (such as De Vergulde Hand) are very aggressive and can damage the bristles of the shaving brush. We therefore recommend that if you have purchased a nice shaving brush, use good shaving soaps or shaving creams.
