All about shaving brushes

The list of accessories that provide a comfortable and close shave is expanding every year. There are new types of razors, blades, new tools and products used before and after the procedure. Nevertheless, many men prefer the classics. It rightly includes shaving brushes. All about such shaving devices will be considered in this article.

The shaving brush is a familiar voluminous brush with an oblong thick handle.... The first models appeared in the 18th century, since then they have not lost their relevance at all. Thanks to the use of a shaving brush, several effects can be achieved.

• Abundant lush foam... Such foam will not be seen with shaving gels or other similar products. Thanks to it, shaving is comfortable and does not cause skin irritation.
• The ability to get to previously inaccessible places... You may not notice this, but while shaving, if you apply the product with your hand, there are still places that you did not notice. The fluffy shaving brush penetrates everywhere for a close shave. In addition, the villi raise the hair and cut it off more efficiently.
• Skin peeling... The use of a shaving brush allows you to remove sweat, impurities, and cleanse the pores of the skin. In addition, the product exfoliates dead cells, contributing to the regeneration of the dermis and a healthier appearance.
• Correct softening... Applying the product with their hands, the vast majority of men immediately begin to shave. This is a wrong step, since the skin has not yet had time to steam and soften. When using a shaving brush, the process slows down, the dermis has time to achieve the condition necessary for shaving.
• Relaxation. Slow stroking with a shaving brush on the face delivers pleasant sensations, promotes relaxation, relaxation. Such a ritual allows you to put your nerves in order, to be alone with yourself, to collect your thoughts.

All types of shaving brushes can be roughly divided into two types: models made of natural and synthetic fibers.

Natural bristles for making shaving brushes can be taken from different animals. Let's consider the features of each type of material separately.

• Boar bristles... This is a rather tough version of the pile. It is great for using solid soaps as it absorbs quickly. Boar bristles provide effective peeling and exfoliate well. These shaving brushes are very inexpensive. However, they are not recommended for men with very sensitive skin. Don't be intimidated by the strange smell coming from the new shaving brush. It is easy to remove by simply washing it with soap and water.

• Badger wool... Elastic and pliable material that quickly whips up a soft and fluffy lather. The shaving brush gently massages the skin, suitable for people with sensitive dermis. Average service life is about 10 years, but the price of "badger" shaving brushes is quite high. It is also worth noting that the wool for the pile can be of different quality, since it is taken from different parts of the animal's body. The highest category of fur is called Silvertip.

• Horsehair. This material is slightly tougher than badger wool. Horsehair holds moisture well and is also available in different colors. The material is very affordable for the price, but horsehair shaving brushes are quite rare. In addition, those who plan to purchase such a product need to remember that the tips of the villi are sharp, so it will not be very comfortable to shave.

• Squirrel fur. This is the rarest decision, since catching and killing squirrels can be criminalized.It is also the most expensive option. However, squirrel fur is soft, very fluffy, and belongs to the premium class. This shaving brush will be a great gift.

Shaving brushes made from synthetic materials, much more in demand than natural products. The reason lies in the price: it will be much lower. Typically, synthetic fibers are fiber. Such material is quite strong and durable, it will be an excellent travel option. Of the minuses, it can be noted that synthetics retain water worse. Therefore, there should be more liquid in the foam, which means that it will become less thick.

Finding a good shaving brush is not an easy task. In order not to regret the purchase, you need to find out in advance which manufacturers exist in general, and then compare their products. Consider the rating of firms worthy of the attention of buyers

• Spokar. This is a Czech company that has long been known as one of the best manufacturers of household goods, as well as brushes, brushes, and items for personal hygiene. Spokar shaving brushes are made of natural bristles and have a plastic handle. The pile is pleasant to the touch, the shaving brush quickly picks up and whips up the foam. It is suitable for sensitive skin, exfoliates keratinized particles well. The downside of the shaving brushes from this company is that the pile softens quickly and becomes less convenient to use.

• Proraso. Shaving brushes under this name are produced by an Italian company. Its range is simply huge: shaving accessories, a variety of tools, products for the care of facial hair. Proraso shaving brushes have a thermoplastic handle. It is comfortable to hold in hand, the product does not slip out during shaving. The pile is represented by boar bristles, so people with sensitive dermis will not be too comfortable to shave.

• Balea Men Professional Rasierpinsel. The shaving brush from Balea Men has received some of the best reviews. These devices are very light, inexpensive, and quite durable. High quality artificial fiber is used as a pile, thanks to which the shaving process runs smoothly. The fiber is hypoallergenic, which is ideal for men prone to allergies, inflammation and irritation. Another important plus is the presence of a shaving brush stand. Users do not note any significant drawbacks of the device.

• Dittmar. Dittmar products are manufactured in Germany. All models of shaving brushes are of very high quality, the pile is dense, whips up the foam well. The first option is fiber models. Such shaving brushes are completely unpretentious in care, but if you want a premium option, it is recommended to choose products made from badger wool. Soft fibers are hypoallergenic and prevent irritation. In addition, all Dittmar shaving brushes have a unique resin handle. The only disadvantage of the products is the very high price.

• Kellermann. This is another shaving brush from Germany. Very durable, since only natural materials are used in its manufacture. It can be wool from different animals, but the most common is badger hair. The handles of the products are wooden, plastic or resin. The shaving brush does not slip in the hands, it is easy to clean and use. However, some users claim that over time, the pile softens and no longer performs its functions so well.

• Omega. This is an Italian manufacturer that makes shaving brushes from synthetic fibers or badger wool. The handle is made of plastic, quite comfortable and has an ergonomic shape. According to customer reviews, the pile is not deformed, it is soft, does not cause inconvenience for sensitive skin. But you have to pay for the quality - the price of such brushes is more than 6,000 rubles.

Having decided on the manufacturer and having studied the reviews of the products, you can proceed to the selection of the product. It is recommended to take into account several parameters.

This parameter is determined by the node of the brush brush. There are several options: small, medium, large, extra large... At the same time, the diameter can vary from 2.2 to 2.9 cm. Both experts and buyers argue that the best and most convenient solution would be 2.3–2.4 cm. In addition to the diameter of the brush knot, you need to pay attention to the length of the brushes. On average, this is 5 centimeters, but there are also longer options.

A wide variety of materials can be used to make handles. The most common are wood and plastic.... The tree looks expensive and beautiful, but from constant contact with water it can begin to swell. To prevent this, it is recommended to apply olive oil to the handle once every 2 weeks... Plastic is more durable, water is not afraid of it, but the product does not look so interesting. The list of materials is not limited to this. There are models with a handle made of ivory, metal, acrylic, brass, resin. These are more expensive solutions, they are well suited as a presentation.

Another selection criterion will be the mass of the shaving brush. Depending on the metal, the weight is different, but the most convenient options are those weighing 50-70 grams. The price should also be taken into account. Her range is very wide. There are products for several hundred rubles, and there are models, the price of which reaches 10 thousand rubles. You should focus on your own budget, remembering that the most expensive product is not always the best choice. The correct solution is average price shaving brushes. The most expensive sets are best bought for a gift.

In addition to the above points, you should take into account additional accessories for the shaving brush, for example, a stand. It is needed to fix the device while you are not using it. The stand ensures proper drying, making it easy to clean the appliance.

Using a shaving brush is a very simple matter and shouldn't be difficult. However, there are a few important rules to consider.

• First you need to prepare a container in which the foam will be whipped.... It should be doused with hot water and then a shaving product such as soap should be placed in it.
• Beat the foam with quick and confident movements, from time to time pressing with a shaving brush on the bottom. The resulting composition should not be liquid and not too thick, the "golden mean" is important here.
• If the shaving brush is new, an unpleasant odor may come from it. It is easy to get rid of it by soaking the product in warm water for half an hour and then rinsing it with shampoo or gel.
• After beating up the foam, it is collected on a brush and applied to the face and neck in circular motions.... Do not hesitate, otherwise the foam will dry out, you will have to wash it off and apply a new one, which can provoke skin irritation.
• Start the application process from the chin, then move to one cheek, rise and again descend to the chin. Then the same actions are done with the other cheek. Try to keep the foam cool. To do this, you can draw hot water into the sink, close the drain and put a container there.

In order for the shaving brush to serve for a long time, and its pile always remains dense and does not crawl out of the brush, the device must be looked after. The recommendations will be as follows:

• after applying the shaving brush you need it rinse well in cool waterby thoroughly cleaning out the remaining foam; then you should hang the shaving brush with the pile down so that the water glass; it is impossible to dry with a pile upward, so the material will begin to deform quickly;
• if dirt has formed on the shaving brush, it can be quickly tidied up with warm water and shampoo; NSto avoid the formation of mold on the pile, once every few months sprinkle the product with water with borax powder mixed in it;
• store the shaving brush on a special stand, which is included in the kit in most models; if not, put the shaving brush in a dry place or put it in a box;
• there are a few things you shouldn't do: knock the product on the sink or bathtub to shake off the water, twist the nap, try to wipe it off with a towel; all this can cause rapid wear;
• if the brush at the shaving brush is too hard, it needs to be softened a little - it's very simple, you just need to put the shaving brush in warm water for a few minutes; this simple procedure heats up the bristles and makes the brush softer.

For an overview of the popular shaving brushes, see below.