Shaving with a Brush – All You Need to Know

Yes! In fact, men who wet shave with a safety razor often choose to purchase and use one when shaving.

If you are making the switch to using traditional safety razors because of the waste problems with plastic razors, then you might be considering also using a shaving brush. But what purpose do they serve? Do you need one? And are boars really killed to make them? We answer all these pressing questions!

Do people still use shaving brushes?

What is the purpose of a shave brush?

There are many shaving brushes benefits.

• Shaving brushes help you build up a luxurious lather that will leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated even after the blades have scraped away at it for quite some time.
• The bristles will gently remove dirt and bacteria from your face without damaging or removing essential oils that keep acne at bay.
• A shaving brush will help you get the ideal consistency in your shaving soap foam.
• A shaving brush will help you build up a lather much more quickly. Use a circular motion on your face to scrub away dirt and dead skin cells.
• A shaving brush can also help you exfoliate the surface of your skin, which helps reduce ingrown hairs during every shave.
• The bristles distribute oils throughout one’s skin which helps cut down bacteria growth between shaves by providing protection against infection due to both moisturizing nutrient-rich blood supply directly onto problem areas.
• A shaving brush will help lift up your facial hairs making the task of shaving much easier. This will help you avoid any cuts, irritation or ingrown hairs caused by the razor tugging at your hair follicles instead of cutting them cleanly off.
• You will just enjoy the whole experience a lot more!

How to use a shaving brush?

To use a shaving brush, you will want to wet it thoroughly and then load the tip with your desired shave cream (or soap). Next, work the lather into your face in circular motions. This may take some time but is well worth it!

For easier access to hard-to-reach areas of the body like legs or the bikini line, it is best to lean over while you are working on your face (and then switch sides).

To rinse off the brush and get rid of any excess lather after you’ve finished shaving, simply hold it pointing downwards under running water.

Are shaving brushes hygienic?

Shaving brushes are very hygienic as they can be thoroughly cleaned and dried after each use. They last a long time if kept properly, so you won’t need to worry about replacing them too often.

How to Clean Your Shaving Brush

When you have finished shaving, to clean your brush simply hold it under the tap and run a little warm water through it. Shake off any excess water then leave to dry.

If you want to give your brush an even deeper clean, mix some shampoo with warm water while brushing the bristles against a towel while scrubbing them back and forth with one another for about five minutes or so.

What should I look for when buying a shave brush?

If you are shifting to a more eco-friendly shaving routine, when looking for shave brushes there are a few things to consider.

Firstly are you ok with animal hair or do you want to consider a vegan option with plant-based bristles or a synthetic shaving brush? Each has its pros and cons and really it’s down to personal preferences.

You will want the bristles to be soft against your skin (without being too soft that they don’t effectively exfoliate), long-lasting, and durable. If you are buying one for yourself it’s nice if the brush has some weight so that applying lather is easier.

Plus, make sure not to forget about looking for a brush that is stylish if you plan on using it as an everyday accessory!

You might just get a brush to match your double edged razor, or as part of a shaving set, and they should work well.

What kind of shave brush should I get?

There are different kinds of brushes available to buy; you will need to consider your skin type and what sort of bristles you want.

• Boar bristles are known to be great for exfoliation and give a really close shave, however, they might not suit sensitive skin types as the hairs can come out if it is too harsh on your face. These brushes feel rougher than other options but will last longer with proper care.
• Badger brushes are usually softer than boar bristles so they can be more gentle on your skin. They will last longer if taken care of properly, but the downside is that they don’t exfoliate or lather soap as well.
• Synthetic fibres which provide a good balance between softness and efficiency when applied to shaving needs are great for sensitive skin types. The problem with synthetic fibres is they are often made from plastic which means they do not decompose or break down in landfills.
• Plant-based fibres are vegan-friendly and decompose quickly after use. The downside is that they can lack in durability or effectiveness when it comes to shaving needs, but a good quality plant fibre brush will work wonders!

Are badgers or boars killed for shaving brushes?

OK, let’s bust a few myths!

There are many misconceptions about shaving brushes and what they are made of. Some people might think that boars were hunted to extinction in order for humans to use their bristles as a means of washing themselves or even painting canvases, but this is simply not true!

Instead, boars are farmed for their boar hair and they do not suffer in any way because of this activity. The hairs are removed when the animal is still alive without causing them pain or discomfort at all!

Once these bristles have been collected from healthy animals, they go through a purification process where they are cleaned and sterilized. They can then be used to make shaving brushes, paintbrushes or any other type of brush that needs boar bristles in order for it to function properly.

Boars are often thought to be the only animals whose hair is good enough for making high-quality shaving brushes but there are some badgers who are also killed in order to make shaving brushes from their hair.

But… Are they really killed?

Just like boars, badgers are farmed for their badger hair and badger bristles and not hunted! In fact, most animals used for the purpose of making brushes do not face any kind of cruelty at all.

However, if you are a vegan or don’t want to use any animal products then there are other options.

There are some shaving brushes that don’t contain any animal hair at all. Synthetic bristles will do just as good a job without the use of animal by-products.

Another option, which is becoming more popular is to use natural hair bristles made from plant-based fibres.

Are synthetic shaving brushes good?

Yes! Though not all are easily recycled. Plastic-based synthetic brushes are not decomposable so you will need to consider your choice of bristles if this is an important factor for you.

Do you have to use a brush with shaving soap?

No! This is a personal preference and some prefer to use their fingers to spread the solid soap for shaving or shaving cream. Your own shaving ritual will be unique to you, whether you add shaving cream or shaving soap is up to you.

Brushes help to work a richer lather and give more consistency which is important for getting a comfortable shave.

Can you shave without using water?

Well, technically you can…, but we advise against it! You should always make sure that your skin is wet before moving on with the process of getting rid of any unwanted body or facial hair. This will help soften up your skin and hair which makes it easier for the razor to glide over all of it.

What is the best material for a shaving bowl?

A shaving bowl makes the process of whipping up a lather easier. You can find handmade bowls made from many types of materials like ceramic, wood or metal (the most common).

They also allow the brush to stand upright on the bathroom shelf whilst you are shaving. You can check out our full range of saftey razor accessories here.

Do you leave shaving soap in the shaving mug?

No. You should never leave your shaving soap in the mug for too long as it will dry out and become unusable. If you’re not planning to use it again, put it into a container that will allow you to seal everything up properly so as not to let any moisture escape!

How do you get a good lather from shaving soap?

Make sure you have enough soap and enough water and mix thoroughly. If you have too much water add in some soap and too much soap add in more water until you are happy. Mixing in a bowl make it easier to create the perfect consistency.

How long does a shaving brush last?

It depends on the type of hair and how well you take care of it. For example, a boar brush can last for more than 20 years if properly taken care of! A badger one might need to be replaced every year or so but this is still better than shaving with disposable razors that only last up to three months before they need replacing.