How do you use and maintain a shaving brush?

Why are shaving brushes so popular?

Although many men use ready-made shaving foam, we sell shaving brushes daily. The shaving brush is becoming increasingly popular. We often hear from our customers that their new shaving brush really contributes to a pleasant and comfortable shave. Their morning ritual can no longer do without it. But how should you use and maintain your shaving brush? We have put together some tips. Of course, we distinguish between the types of shaving brushes: boar hair, badger hair, and synthetic hair. The usage differs per hair type. The maintenance is the same for every brush.

How do you use a shaving brush optimally?

First of all, you must of course wet the brush with lukewarm water. Put the brush in a bowl of water for half a minute or hold it briefly under running water. The hairs of the brush absorb water. The beauty of animal hairs is that they soak up water nicely. Due to the structure of the hairs, a lot of water remains hanging or sticking. And of course, you need water for foaming your shaving soap or shaving cream.

Stir the shaving brush a few times in your shaving soap and you immediately get shaving foam. Do not press the shaving brush flat into the shaving soap. It can help to moisten the hard shaving soap with water beforehand. This makes the foam release a bit smoother. If you prefer to use a shaving cream then put a little cream on your brush. Then the real foaming work begins.

We have said it before: "Beard hairs are as hard as copper wires. But they also absorb water." So take your time. Apply the shaving foam to the face for at least 1 minute. This softens the beard hairs more and more. This makes shaving easier. Applying less pressure with the razor provides more shaving comfort and less shaving irritation afterwards.

Shaving brush made of boar hair

A distinctive feature of boar bristles is that they are stiff hairs. Boar hair shaving brushes work best when you create foam on your skin with a light twisting motion. Hold the shaving brush flexibly and do not press too hard on the skin. You create as much foam as possible with the tips of the hairs.

Shaving brush made of badger and synthetic hair

Badger and synthetic hairs are soft, supple hairs. Badger shaving brushes and synthetic hair should not be pressed onto the skin with a twisting motion. Instead, apply with a gentle, light tapping back-and-forth motion and create shaving foam. Even with these hairs, you get the best foam with the tips of the hairs.

How do you maintain a shaving brush?

A shaving brush is a handmade product, has a long lifespan, and is an environmentally friendly investment. Incorrect use, poor maintenance, and not cleaning properly cause the shaving brush to lose hairs. Here are some handy usage and maintenance tips for long shaving pleasure:

1. Pre-wet the shaving brush before shaving with lukewarm water of maximum 40° C. Water that is too hot is not good for the glue or resin bond.
2. Use a rotating motion to pick up shaving soap or swirl in the shaving soap or shaving bowl. Do not press the shaving brush flat into the shaving soap or shaving bowl. This can cause the hairs to clump and break.
3. A shaving brush made of pig bristles should be used with a light rotating motion on your skin. A shaving brush made of badger and synthetic hairs should be applied with a light back-and-forth motion. Be careful not to press the shaving brush flat on your skin either.
4. After use, thoroughly clean the shaving brush under running water. Make sure to also rinse the core of the brush well. Use your fingers to open the core of the brush and rinse under the tap.
5. After rinsing, gently squeeze the water out of the brush and fan the brush dry for a moment. Then optionally lightly rub dry over a clean dry towel.
6. After use, always hang the shaving brush in a shaving brush holder. This allows it to dry properly.
7. Never clean shaving brushes with (boiling) hot water or cleaning or disinfecting agents.
8. If necessary, clean the shaving brush a few times a year with regular hair shampoo.

What happens with incorrect use and poor maintenance?

What should you especially not do with your nice shaving brush? Never press the shaving brush too much or hard flat into your shaving soap or on your face. Pressing flat causes the hairs to clump and break. See the photo below of what happens with too much pressing flat:

A shaving brush made of badger and synthetic hair should be applied to the face with a light tapping and back-and-forth motion. Minimize twisting these brushes on the skin. Twisting too much causes the hairs in the middle to wear out faster and you hollow out the brush in the middle. After a few years, you get a dent in the middle. See the photo below of a hollowed shaving brush:

Poor cleaning of your shaving brush causes the hairs to be damaged and break at some point. This results in a lot of hair loss with every shave. That is a shame and unnecessary.

Shaving soap (or cream) is alkaline, especially the cheap drugstore shaving products (such as De Vergulde Hand) are very aggressive and can damage the hairs of the shaving brush. We therefore advise that if you have bought a nice shaving brush, use especially good shaving soaps or shaving creams.