Whether you prefer using soft shave cream over hard shaving soap, a quality shave brush can make all the difference to your shaving success. Not only should a quality shave brush retain enough hot water to whip thick glycerin based emulsions into a slurry of rich creamy lather, it should also be firm enough to lift the whiskers without irritating the skin.
While boars bristle, horse hair and synthetic fibers are popular choices for shavers on a dental floss budget, shaving aficionados around the world all agree that badger hair brushes lead the field as the ultimate shaving accoutrement. The cost of a Badger hair shave brush can range from to 00 depending on the quality, density and rarity of the hair that has been harvested. The type of material and design elements that make up the handle can also be a significant factor in the overall price. Keep in mind that ornate handles made from exotic materials or precious metals might serve an esthetic need but can be too fragile for the environment or difficult to maintain. The true pleasure and efficacy is found in the quality and density of the fibers themselves.
Because brush manufacturers have their own methods for determining the grade and corresponding name given to their product, it doesn't take long for a novice shaver to become confused when they have to chose from pure, best, super, silver tip, extra silvertip, mid grade, bleached, machine cut, hand finished, etc. Ambiguities like "Silvertip" beats "Best" and "Pure" being inferior to "Bleached" can drive a shaver back to his Propane propelled can of foam in no time.
Like all new regimens, a certain amount of trial and error will have to play out before you are sure you have found the right brush for you. In the meantime, here are my TOP 3 TIPS to help minimize buyer's remorse.
Be prepared to spend or more on your first brush. If you've ever wondered what the difference was between a paint brush and a paint brush, chances are strong you've never painted a room before. Don't let cheap make you think it's not going to cost you! Budget shavers should look for a mix of pure and super grade badger. It will be a mottled salt and pepper colored bristle. If your wallet is more flexible, it should be super badger all the way.
Choose a brush with a knot size that suits the size of your face and a handle that feels comfortable in your hand. Too big can be obnoxious; too small can be tedious.
Don't get suckered into thinking your brush will work better or last longer because you've paid through the nose for a handle made out of Sterling Silver, Shell, Horn or exotic wood. Poly-resin is a popular material chosen for its ability to bounce off granite vanities without shattering and not crack, warp or tarnish in moist environments. It is available in an array of contemporary colors and attractive patterns often designed to imitate ivory, ebony, horn, etc. If metal is more up your alley, chose hard chrome over silver.
How to use your badger bristle brush:
Soak your brush in hot water. Apply a dime size amount of shave lather directly on to your cheek. Gently flick brush to remove excess water and begin priming the lather directly against the skin using a circular upward motion. Continue adding hot water throughout the shave to regenerate the lather. Always exercise caution when using HOT water.
You could also add your shave lather to a shaving bowl or prime it onto the palm of your hand. However, keep in mind that the more time you spend priming away from the face, the less time you get to enjoy a hot lather which is a huge part of the pleasure factor.
If you prefer to use a hard shaving soap, prime the lather by using the brush as if you were buttering a piece of bread or painting. Do not force your brush into the soap causing the bristles to splay outwards like a mop. You will damage you bristles and lose much of the water that should stay within the fibers.
How to care for your badger bristle brush:
Prior to using your new brush, wash well with soap and warm water. After daily use, rinse the brush under clean, warm water. Squeeze or shake out residual water before hanging brush in its holder with the bristles facing down. Allow brush to dry thoroughly before storing to avoid any unnecessary damage to the bristles.
For optimal care and sanitation, add ¼ teaspoon of Borax to a cup of boiling water. Submerge bristles and soak for 10 minutes. Rinse with fresh warm water and store as usual. Repeat once a month.
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