What is available when you are shopping for shaving brush
Most guys believe the razor is the key to a perfect shave. But that’s just half the story. A great shaving brush is as important as a razor for a great shave. The shaving brush softens and lifts facial hair from the face; it also exfoliates the skin and adds heat to the mix to open pores, lubricate the skin, and provide a closer shave.
Shaving Brush Benefits
Before we get into the details, why do you need a shaving brush?
It makes a considerable difference in shaving. A good shaving brush will produce a rich lather creating smaller bubbles and, in turn, causing less irritation (no one likes razor burn or ingrown hairs). It can also exfoliate your skin, giving you that baby-soft skin we all want.
Here are some tips on what makes a great shaving brush:
When choosing a shaving brush, this is what you need to look out for;
Brush Material
A shaving brush’s bristles are made of a variety of materials. There are several brush materials to choose from:
Boar Bristle
Boar bristles, the most common material for shaving brushes, are inexpensive but take time to break in. The first few shaves may feel rough, but they will soften with time. On the other hand, the stiffness is a great exfoliator and an epic way to start the day. However, if you have sensitive skin, you should choose something softer.
Badger Bristle
This is the gold standard for shaving brushes because it produces the best lather and retains more heat and water than other bristle types. Badger hair is the softest against the skin and absorbs the most water of any bristle type, which is a huge plus.
Badger bristles are classified into three types: pure, best, and silvertip. The most opulent and expensive grade is silvertip. It is incredibly soft and easily absorbs a large amount of water, resulting in a moist, rich lather.
Horsehair
Horsehair is a unique material that combines the stiffness of the boar bristle with the softness of the badger bristle. Whereas most shaving brushes should be used in a circular motion, a horsehair brush should be used to “paint” your shaving cream on.
Synthetic
These are mostly made of nylon and are becoming increasingly popular due to their low cost and cruelty-free material; however, quality is essential. For example, some synthetic brushes are overly stiff, while others are excessively soft and floppy. Make an informed decision here.
Handle Material
Shaving brush handles are made from a variety of materials. Some are more delicate than others and will break if dropped.
Furthermore, shaving brush handles are frequently regarded as works of art. Style, heaviness, and shape are all important considerations. What does it feel like in your hand or when you hold it?
The most common types of materials are wood, acrylic, resin, and plastic.
Resin and plastic: The least expensive options are resin and plastic. Solid resin has a great feel in hand, whereas hollow plastic, while less expensive, does not.
Wood is a stylish material, but keep in mind that it will degrade if exposed to a lot of water.
Size
The size of the best shaving brushes vary, and two factors impact it: loft (the length of the bristles) and handle size.
The average loft for most shaving brushes is about 50 mm. Brushes with a higher loft will retain more water (remember, that’s a good thing) while also making it easier to lather larger areas. But at the end of the day, bristle length is a matter of personal preference.
The handle should be a size that fits well in your hand (it’ll be different for everyone) and easy to use. This will vary, so it’s best to try out various handles and hold different brushes in your hand to get a feel for them.
Just In Closing
The best shaving brushes vary in size due to two factors: loft (the length of the bristles) and handle size. Most shaving brushes have a loft of about 50 mm. Brushes with a higher loft will hold more water (which is a good thing) and make it easier to lather larger areas. However, bristle length is ultimately a matter of personal preference. The handle should be of a size that fits comfortably in your hand (this will vary from person to person) and be simple to use. This will vary, so it’s best to experiment with different handles and hold various brushes in your hand to get a feel for them.
We do stock some of the best quality brushes in store, why not drop in and ask our barber to show them to you. Alternative order your brush online at https://moroccanbarberjhb.co.za/shop/