Usads

For some reason, the use of a shaving brush has seemed to have gone by the wayside. This is a bit of a tragedy as a quality shaving tool like this is a real pleasure to use. Whether used with a traditional cup and shaving soap or with modern shave creams, a brush definitely leads to a better shave with less face irritation.

On the surface a shaving brush is pretty simple. There’s a handle on one end and the bristles (called the bristle load) on the other. Handles are made from a wide variety of natural and synthetic materials and designs range from decorative to utilitarian. The handle also has an important functional aspect as it needs to feel good in the hand and be easy to move and manipulate around the face.

The other end, the bristle load, was traditionally made from natural animal hair, with badger being the most expensive, with boar and others also used. Natural bristles are known for better water retention and feel, and although synthetics are most common, connoisseurs still prize a high-quality badger bristles.

A shaving brush yields a better shave for a couple of reason. First, the bristle load holds water which when rubbed on the face gives a richer lather. The richer lather means the razor better glides across the skin giving less chance of nicks and scrapes. The stiffness of the bristles also mildly exfoliates the skin which helps keep it smooth and supple.

The biggest benefit is its effect on the shave itself. The stiff bristles thoroughly rub in the lather, fully coating the whiskers and standing them up to make them easier to shave off. Applying shaving cream by hand tends to flatten facial hair against the skin leading to a more inconsistent shave.

Finally, taking a moment to properly apply and rub in shave cream gives one a moment to relax, not feel rushed and connects us with past generations. And that might be the best benefit of all.