You prefer a classic wet shave and have already purchased a razor, bowl, soap. You are satisfied with the choice you made, but there is not enough little thing for a complete set. Could it be a shaving brush?
Of course, you need, if not perfect, then one of the best specimens. Which will not only easily whip the soap into a thick lather, but also gently massage the face skin with its bristles, lifting the hairs for better passage of the blade through them. The perfection of shaving directly depends on the tools used in the process, and therefore there can be no question of an oversight! How to make the right choice?
All the secrets of the ordinary shaving brush – this is necessary not only for the classic wet shave, but also for the stylish male appearance of the attribute – have already been revealed in our article. Hurry up to find out about them!
Why do I need a shaving brush?
This attribute is indispensable for wet shaving. It forms a thick lather from soap or cream by whipping them, and also massages and warms the skin of the face.
A high-quality shaving brush will create an excellent thick foam for you
The role of the shaving brush is very important here. Because well-whipped lather lubricates the skin better, providing sufficient hydration for further shaving. At the same time, your face stays warm for much longer than in the procedure with the participation of funds from an aerosol can – the whipped foam retains heat and steams the skin at the same time. This motivates the hairs to rise, which allows the blade to easily shave them off at the very root. The risk of irritation is minimal here. In addition, the shaving brush helps exfoliate dead skin cells during the massage. All this makes shaving more comfortable, and the result is truly flawless.
The many faces of shaving brushes: what are there, what are the differences
This attribute appeared at the end of the 18th century and almost immediately fell into the category of aristocratic 'favorites', since it was in the high society of that time that the fashion for shaving was already widespread. Modern models differ in design, as well as in the material of brushes. Thanks to this, you can choose the option most suitable for a particular skin type.
The shaving brush has been successfully used by men for over two hundred years
Design features
Most often, a shaving brush consists of two parts: a handle and a brush. But on sale there are also travel options, which are often equipped with an additional case made of metal or ceramic. It is put on the brush with a shaving brush, excluding its contact with other objects in the men's toiletry bag, ensuring maximum hygiene.
Features of the design of the shaving brush 
The travel shaving brush has a distinctive case that keeps the brush clean and fit for the next shave
The shaving brush can be made of a variety of materials: acrylic, stainless metal, rubber, precious woods. You can also find specimens from the bone or horns of animals, but they are quite rare. Usually these are exclusive or rare items.
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Why do I focus on the material of the pen? Because the weight of the shaving brush directly depends on it and, accordingly, the feeling of comfort for a man and the quality of shaving. According to your preferences, you can choose a lighter or more massive option. All in your hands!
Types of brushes
Brush strokes differ depending on the bristle used in making their brushes, which has different degrees of hardness and softness. It is these properties that directly depend on the features of the application, as well as the cost of such a shaving accessory. Today, the following materials are used to make brushes:
- Artificial fibers. Synthetic brushes, like boar bristle analogs, are characterized by increased rigidity. Thanks to this, they perfectly massage the skin and are durable. Plus, in most cases, synthetic fiber brush strokes are more affordable than the competition.
- Boar bristles. Brushes made from it are similar to analogs made of artificial fibers in rigidity and advantages in application. The budget price and naturalness make such shaving brushes incredibly popular among buyers. An advantageous difference from a synthetic competitor – during operation, a boar bristle brush becomes softer under the influence of hot water and shaving products.
Boar bristle shaving brush
- Horsehair The brush of such a shaving brush is much softer than that of analogs from boar bristles, but harder than badger bristle. Although it is difficult to speak unambiguously here. Because the softness of the horsehair may fluctuate slightly in each case. Such shaving brushes are distinguished from analogues made of other materials by their favorable price and a variety of available colors. The softer the bristles of the brush, the more expensive this shaving accessory is. There are high quality horsehair shaving brushes. The only 'but' – on the territory of the CIS, this option is quite rare.
Horsehair Shaving Brush
- Squirrel fur – refers to the soft types of pile. This is a high-quality material for making shaving brushes, but today such a solution is used very rarely and not by all manufacturers. The reason is animal protection. In any case, this is a more expensive option than artificial analogs made of boar bristles or horsehair.
- Badger wool. This material has been used in the production of shaving brushes for over two centuries. It is more expensive than the competitors already mentioned above. The reason for the high cost of such brushes lies in the unique advantage – increased elasticity and softness of the pile. Due to the heterogeneous structure of badger wool, its properties are slightly different. That is why shaving brushes are divided into categories: Silvertip, Super badger, Best badger, Pure badger. However, some manufacturers change the number and names of the pile categories. So, at the popular company MUEHLE you will find: badger pile of the highest category Silvertip, fiber of the highest category Silvertip, badger pile of the Fine category and the so-called natural badger pile.
Silvertip Badger Bristle Brush
Silvertip (bicolor with silvery hair tips) is the most expensive and high quality natural material. A distinctive advantage is its special thinness and softness, as well as the high absorbency of its pile. This allows you to quickly whip up excellent quality foam and make a luxurious massage to the skin. For such qualities the Silvertip category is appreciated! Crafted entirely by hand, these brushes are renowned for their durability when properly cared for. Manufacturers claim that they can last 10 or even more years.
Super badger bristle brush
Super badger pile is usually taken from the back of the badger. It is also soft, like Silvertip, but has a slightly different color. Its tips are whitish rather than silvery. A shaving brush in this category will cost a little less than a more expensive analogue, although it will not yield to the latter in terms of bristle quality. According to manufacturers, super badger brushes can last up to 10 years with proper use and care.
Best badger badger brush
Best badger category is cheaper than Super badger or Silvertip. They also hold water well and provide a comfortable shave, but still differ from their more expensive rivals. They do not have such a thin and soft pile. Although, in my opinion, only a professional will understand the true difference. The available colors range from light brown to gray. Manufacturers claim that with the right approach, their service life can be up to 6 years.
Pure badger badger brush
Pure badger is the most affordable badger bristle brush. They have a softer bristle than boar or synthetic bristles, but stiffer than Silvertip and Super badger. However, such a shaving brush has proven itself excellently in facial massage. Plus, it also delivers a quality shave. Available in colors ranging from brownish gray to pure black. With proper care, such an accessory can last up to 3 years.
How to shave using a shaving brush?
Wet shaving is impossible without the following accessories:
- Razor (hazardous or one of the types of T-shaped machines);
- Shaving brush;
- Bowl for high quality foam;
- Shaving soap or cream.
Some of the accessories you need for a good wet shave
If you prefer a classic, or royal, straight razor shave, add a towel to this list. It is necessary for steaming the face.
Wet shaving includes the following steps:
- Preparatory;
- Foam preparation;
- Foam application and facial massage;
- Shaving.
First of all, you need to prepare the shaving bowl. It is preheated by rinsing with boiling water. Then put the required amount of soap or shaving cream into the bowl and beat with quick movements using a damp shaving brush until a thick foam is obtained. Add a few drops of water if necessary. It is more optimal to use Scuttle or Tettauer mug, because they are equipped with a special container into which hot water is poured. Thus, the whipped foam maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the entire process, being heated from below through special holes. You can also put a shaving brush in a container with hot water. His brush hairs will become soggy and softer.
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Next, you need to apply foam on the face with a shaving brush, distributing it with a fairly thick layer over the vegetation. Start at the chin. Gradually move to one of the cheeks. Do not feel sorry for the foam, its layer should be enough to lubricate all the hairs on the face. Massage the skin with light but firm movements. Then return to your chin and cross over to the other cheek. Is everything well oiled? Well, now you can safely take up the razor.
Shaving brush and care
There is nothing difficult here. Just rinse the brush well in warm water after use and don't forget to rinse the brush in cold water. Now hang it upside down on a special stand. It is necessary to let the water drain, and dry well.
Shaving brush stand will extend its life
If it is heavily soiled, wash it with your regular hair shampoo. Some manufacturers recommend rinsing the brush from time to time in a borax solution to prevent mold from forming at the point where the pile is attached.
Do not dry the shaving brush with the brush upwards, this has an extremely negative effect on the condition of the pile and its service life.
Finally
A shaving brush can have a different cost, the value of which is influenced by several factors: the handle material, the pile used in the brush and, of course, the brand name. But the price shouldn't influence your choice. Since the quality of shaving directly depends not only on the density of the whipped foam or the thoroughness of the facial massage, but also on the feeling of comfort experienced in the process. Remember this when choosing the best shaving brush for yourself!
Well, I look forward to your comments and impressions. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or an experienced 'player'. Write, your opinion is very important!
