Beginner’s Guide to Using a Shaving Brush
Naked Armor
Perhaps you’re that guy who simply squeezes out a good amount of foam in your hands and applies it directly to your face when shaving.
Published by Naked Armor
It’s been working fine for you all these years—so why the need for a shaving brush then?
I'd say there are three reasons you want to use a shaving brush: heightened experience, better for your face and better on the environment.
Using a shave brush & natural soap helps you get the right soap to water ratio and softens your whiskers for effective removal.
Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in your body? Yep, that's why everything you put on that organ should be natural. Lots of shaving soap contains some gnarly chemical that you just don't need or want on your skin.
Lastly, using natural soap with a shave brush will help reduce your environmental footprint. No more throwing away those shaving canisters, just replenish your natural soap supply when needed and drop it in your soap bowl and you are good to go.
How To Use The Shaving Brush?
Waremakers discussed a step-by-step guide in wet shaving and emphasized the importance of the shaving brush in the process. Below is a 4-step process in using a shaving brush in your next grooming session:
- Prepare
Think about it as ‘combing’ your facial hair before starting your shaving ritual. You would want to soften the hairs and raise them away from your face so the natural soap penetrates and ultimately soften those tough stubbles.
- Build
After moistening the skin with warm water, place natural soap in a mug (or in the palm of your hand) and use the shaving brush to build the cream by whisking it. An amazing lather will form that is rich and creamy (but don't eat it). The key to getting a good shave is to build the perfect lather after you prepare with the warm water. Read our guide for a full step by step.
- Brush & Apply
Apply the lather on your skin and brush it in circular motions. Get in there and don't be shy, paint your face like you mean it. Smother the cream into the nooks and crannies of your facial hair leaving it moist and ready-to-cut for your razors. Should you choose to use a straight razor, you can watch this complete video guide perfect for beginners.
- Exfoliate
Often the neglected part in the shaving process, use the shaving brush to scrub off the dead skin that is clogged in the razor. This leaves your skin cleaner, more exfoliated, and more hydrated than ever.
The most important tool in the shaving ritual is the type of razor you’re using. Often, the sharpest razor is probably one of the best and safest for your skin. And so, if you’re using straight razors, make sure it is properly sharpened before use.
— D'Rock, Naked Armor Founder
Factors to Consider In Choosing A Shaving Brush
Sharpologist takes us into some of the factors to consider when buying a shaving brush. Here are some key takeaways from the article:
- Brush Size & Shape
You would want a brush that’s easy to hold, with just the right amount of hair to glide through your face.
- Bristle Strength
Boar, horse, badger, and synthetic bristles are some of the materials used in the shaving brush. There is no agreement on the best material to use. However, experienced shavers would want to go for the quality ones that last longer. We recommend the synthetic brushes to help keep the badger killing in check.
- Water Retention
You would want a bristle that can retain water during lather application, yet is able to dry quickly once you’re done with the shaving ritual and not gather mold in the corner of your bathroom.
- Temperature Range
You would want a shaving brush that can withstand heat to help you make that perfect lather. Most brushes can handle the heat you use, nobody should be using super hot water at any step in the process.
Shaving Advancements
There might have been several advancements in the tools and techniques for shaving since the pre-historic time but there’s one tool which many deem as insignificant yet only proved otherwise. Apparently, for experienced shavers, a shaving brush is more than just a handsome sink decoration.
How about you? Do you use a shaving brush on your shaving regimen or never bothered to get one at all? We would love to hear your thoughts, personal experiences and other great shaving tips in the comments below.
References:
- https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/shaving-brush-guide/
- http://sharpologist.com/2015/06/best-shaving-brush.html
- http://www.waremakers.com/warestory/why-use-shaving-brush
- https://www.nakedarmorazors.com/blogs/news/how-to-use-a-straight-razor-101
- https://www.nakedarmorazors.com/blogs/news/how-to-sharpen-your-straight-razor
- https://www.nakedarmorazors.com/blogs/news/history-of-shaving
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