Grooming Lounge Blog

Even though almost 70% of the male population has no idea what purpose they serve or how to use one, our thinking is is that in general, most gents are intrigued by their regal and classic nature. Supporting that theory are the dozens of e-mails and inquiries we get each month, posing such questions as: “What the hell do I do with the shaving brush I just got?”; “Why are these suckers so expensive?”; and “My brush smells… how do I clean it?” Anyway, here’s all you might ever need to know about em’.

TYPES OF SHAVING BRUSHES
A high-quality shaving brush can last more than a decade with proper care. To ensure your brush is up to snuff, select one made of badger hair. Badger brushes will remain soft and pliable over time and come in a variety of grades, including Standard, Best and Super (hair gets softer as you go up and higher-priced brushes are usually hand-assembled). These badger brushes are much preferred to the more economical synthetic or hog bristles, which are known to shed very easily and do not provide the lathering many desire.

METHOD OF USE
Any shave, with or without a brush, should begin with a face that is clean, warm and moist. Then, follow these steps:
1. Wet the shaving brush with warm water and gently shake off any excess H20.
2. Place a small amount of shaving cream on the tip or center of the brush. For ease of use, one can also rotate the brush over a tub of shaving cream or a shaving soap
3. Lather cream onto face using a circular, scrubbing motion. To make a richer lather, add more hot water to the brush. Be certain not to add too much water though, as it will create more of “slime” than a lather.
4. Shave away as per our Guide To The Greatest Shave Ever, re-lathering areas with brush as needed.
5. Finish by rinsing face with cold water and applying a soothing post shave balm.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE
After each shave:
A. Rinse brush thoroughly with warm water and flick brush hairs to remove stubborn H20.
B. Place “hairs down” in a stand so water can move away from the base of the hairs.
C. To avoid mildew or smell, avoid placing in a closed cupboard or bag.