HISTORY OF THE SHAVING BRUSH

Do you remember your dad or grandfather using a shaving brush with a cup and soap?  I do, and I was never quite sure why he used a shaving brush.  There is an art of shaving and it is all about the shaving brush.  I have devoted the past 25 years of my cosmetology career to men’s grooming services.  Even after many years, I continue to learn more about this niche market.  After a recent conversation with a long-time client, I was reminded of the reason men need to use shaving brushes.  I found a great explanation of the history, brush quality, and need for shave brushes on Wikipedia.

The Reason Men Use Shaving Brushes

The use of a shaving brush to apply shaving cream or soap onto the face before shaving has been a part of traditional wet shaving for centuries. The history of the shaving brush can be traced back to the 1700s. Men once used animal hair or boar bristle brushes to apply lather to their faces.

However, it wasn’t until the 1800s that the modern shaving brush began to take shape. The first synthetic shaving brush was invented in the mid-1800s. By the late 1800s, the use of badger hair had become popular due to its superior ability to retain water and lather.

During the early 1900s, the design of the shaving brush continued to evolve. Manufacturers experimenting with different shapes, sizes, and materials. In the 1920s and 1930s, the use of pure badger and silver-tip badger hair became increasingly popular. The shaving brush became a symbol of the modern man.

“The greatest benefit from shave brush use is the tendency to soften and lift facial hair before a shave. Applying shaving cream by hand mats hair or raises it unevenly. Shave brush use, however, requires agitation of the soap or cream in a mug to form a lather suitable for a shave, before application of the lather to the face in a gentle circular motion. Therefore, a razor does not need to be pressed to the skin in order to provide a close shave…”

–Wikipedia  

Wikipedia also shared a secret about the shaving brush.  The more bristles on the brush the more water the brush holds, which leads to a richer lather consistency.  A thicker shave lather will create less drag from the razor over the skin. This will lead to less irritation.  Today, there are many different types of shaving brushes available on the market. From synthetic brushes made with modern materials to high-end badger hair brushes that are handcrafted using traditional techniques. The shaving brush remains an essential tool for achieving a smooth and comfortable shave. Its history is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional wet shaving.

Why Men Need to Use Shaving Brushes

Shaving is an essential part of personal grooming for many men. Over the years, various tools and techniques have been developed to improve the experience. One of the most important tools in a man’s shaving kit is the facial shaving brush. This post will explore the purpose of a facial shaving brush and why it is an essential component of a man’s grooming arsenal.

The Purpose of a Facial Shaving Brush

The primary purpose of a facial shaving brush is to assist in the lathering and application of shaving cream or soap to the face. The brush’s bristles are specifically designed to help create a rich and creamy lather that adheres to the skin and hair, making it easier to cut and remove. The brush helps to lift the hair away from the skin, ensuring that the razor blade glides smoothly over the face, reducing the risk of nicks and cuts.

The brush’s bristles play a crucial role in the lathering process. They are made from a variety of materials, including natural animal hair and synthetic fibers. Natural hair brushes are preferred by many for their softness and ability to retain water, which helps to create a richer lather. However, synthetic brushes are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability and the fact that they are cruelty-free.

A good quality facial shaving brush will have bristles that are soft, yet firm enough to create a lather. The bristles should be able to hold enough water and soap or cream to create a lather that covers the entire face. The brush’s handle should also be designed for easy grip and control during use, ensuring that the brush does not slip out of the hand during use.

Benefits of Using a Shaving Brush for the Art of Shaving

There are several benefits to using a facial shaving brush to experience the art of shaving, including:

• Exfoliation: A facial shaving brush can help to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and impurities, and leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.
• Softening of the Hair: The brush’s bristles help to soften the hair, making it easier to cut and reducing the risk of irritation and razor burn.
• Better Coverage: The brush helps to ensure that the shaving cream or soap covers the entire face, providing better coverage and a more comfortable shave.
• Increased Comfort: The brush’s bristles help to massage the skin, promoting circulation and reducing the risk of irritation and razor burn.
• Longer-lasting Shaving Cream: Using a facial shaving brush helps to create a richer lather, which means that less shaving cream or soap is needed, resulting in a longer-lasting supply.
• A Better Shave: Using a facial shaving brush ensures that the hair is lifted away from the skin, making it easier to cut and reducing the risk of nicks and cuts.

How to Use a Facial Shaving Brush 

Using a facial shaving brush is relatively simple. It is important to follow the correct technique to achieve the best results. The following steps should be followed when using a facial shaving brush:

• Wet the brush: The brush should be wetted with warm water, and any excess water should be shaken off.
• Apply shaving cream or soap: A small amount of shaving cream or soap should be applied to the brush’s bristles.
• Create a lather: Using circular motions, the brush should be worked over the face to create a rich lather. The brush’s bristles should be worked into the hair, lifting it away from the skin.
• Shave: Once the face is covered in a rich lather, the shaving process can begin. The razor blade should be used in gentle strokes, following the contours of the face.
• Rinse: Once the shaving process is complete, the face should be rinsed with cold water to close the pores.

Best Men’s Shaving Brushes | The Art of Shaving

I’ve purchased many shaving brushes for our guests to buy over the years at FOR MEN Salon | Spa.  Having researched this topic, I now feel more equipped to explain the features and benefits to our guests. I can also now make better purchases of badger brushes in the future.  I do not have biases toward any particular shaving brush brand. However, based on customer reviews and ratings, here are ten highly rated shaving brushes for men:

• Simpson Chubby 2 Super Badger Shaving Brush
• Parker Safety Razor 100% Silvertip Badger Bristle Shaving Brush
• Edwin Jagger Best Badger Hair Shaving Brush
• Omega 10066 Boar Bristle Shaving Brush
• Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle Shaving Brush
• Muhle Silvertip Fibre Synthetic Shaving Brush
• Thater 4125/1 Silver Tip Badger Shaving Brush
• Vie-Long Cachurro Horse Hair Shaving Brush
• The Art of Shaving Pure Badger Shaving Brush
• Taylor of Old Bond Street Pure Badger Shaving Brush

Please note that this is not an exhaustive or definitive list.  There are many other great shaving brushes available on the market.  Ultimately, the best shaving brush for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. To experience the art of shaving, a quality shaving brush is essential.  

Book your appointment to experience the art of shaving at FOR MEN Salon and Spa today.