A few decades ago, almost every man who shaved used shave brush. Due to modernization, quick and easy disposable products like shaving foams gained in popularity while the shaving brush became somewhat non-existent.
However, with the newfound fondness for the wet shaving, the popularity of shaving brushes is on the rise. Nowadays, more and more men are realizing the shaving, aesthetic and cultural benefits of using a shaving brush. Let’s get you in the loop right now.
WHY YOU SHOULD USE A SHAVING BRUSH?
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Softens Skin: A shave brush lifts hair, allowing shaving products (Shaving soap or Shaving Cream) to further penetrate the skin underneath the beard, which in turn hydrates, pampers and tenderizes the skin.
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Raising Whiskers: The shaving brush helps lift the facial hair, making it easier for the razor to remove it. Brushes also help to lift out stubborn facial hair by acting as a light Exfoliator. This is in direct contrast to application by the fingers of shaving gel or foam, which tends to matte down the facial hair.
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Creating A Slick Barrier: The moistened shaving brush, combined with shaving products (preferably Shaving Cream/Soap), creates an ultra-lubricated coat upon which a razor can easily glide. Consequently, less razor pressure is required to achieve an irritation-free close shave.
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Lather Coverage: The warm and fragrant lather a brush creates is simply very relaxing and appealing. It’s almost similar to a “Zen” or a meditative experience.
HOW TO USE A SHAVING BRUSH?
Any shave, with or without a brush, should begin with a clean, warm and moist face. After that, follow these steps:
- Wet the shaving brush with warm water and gently shake the shaving brush to remove excess water.
- Place a small amount of shaving cream on the tip or center of the brush. Alternatively, you can also rotate the brush over a tub of shaving cream or a shaving soap to create a rich and creamy lather.
- Lather cream onto the face in circular and scrubbing motion with the shave brush. To make a richer lather, add more hot water to the brush.
- Shave away facial hair using a clean razor and moving along the grain. Re-lather areas with brush if need maybe.
- Finish by rinsing face with cold water and applying a refreshing aftershave balm.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
- Post-Shaving, remember to rinse your shave brush with warm water to clean out the excess shave cream, gel, foam or soap.
- During rinsing or while shaving, never wring or twist or tug or pull the bristles. Doing so can result in damage to your beloved shaving brush.
- During lather creation or rinsing of brush, do not expose your shave brush to water that is too hot as this quickly damage your shave brush by undoing of the glue that holds your brush handle and bristles together.
- Avoid storing your brush in a closed cupboard or bag as this might result in the formation of mildew or a stinky brush with a foul smell.
- Place the brush hair down on a shave stand, preferably, so the water drops down and not into the brush.
