If wet Shaving is your routine, then a good shaving brush is indispensable. With a traditional Shaving Soap and a quality Safety Razor, you are at your best in the Bathroom.
However, good Material also needs to be excellently maintained to benefit from it as long as possible. This certainly applies to your shaving brush. This sensitive instrument also needs TLC to remain Fresh and effective.
Why is maintenance necessary?
If you do not give a traditionally produced shaving brush the necessary maintenance, you will eventually notice it Brands. The hairs of a shaving brush absorb soap and oils to the root. But also minerals and lime from tap water. Over time, this accumulates and gets a grip on the hairs and the base of the brush.
Due to the present substances and possible molds, the hairs break easily. The glue layer where the brush hairs are mounted can also become weak and lose its function.
Note: A shaving brush with synthetic hairs is slightly less sensitive to the negative effects of all residues compared to Shaving Brushes equipped with animal hairs.
When is maintenance necessary?
To start, ensure that you rinse the shaving brush well after each shave and hang it upside down in a shaving brush holder. If you Shaving every day, we recommend thoroughly cleaning your shaving brush every 2 weeks.
Daily cleaning after Shaving
If you use your shaving brush 3 times a week, you don’t need to clean it every day. However, make sure that after using the shaving brush, you rinse it well with lukewarm water. Carefully under a running tap so that the soap residues leave the hairs.
Let the brush hairs dry downwards in a brush holder. Preferably outside the Bathroom. Do not dry with a hard towel. Shake the brush out a bit before hanging it in the holder.
Periodic cleaning
Just like your Safety Razor, it is also wise to give your shaving brush more attention from time to time by planning this periodically. Like in a climate system where filters are also periodically cleaned or replaced.
Cleaning after Shaving
Exactly as we indicate above, it is important to rinse the shaving brush well with lukewarm/warm water from the tap after Shaving. If you leave the soap residues in, the brush will mold sooner and deteriorate in quality faster. And: you will have much more work if you perform major maintenance.
Rinsing after use
Suppose you don’t have time (or take it) when you are in a hurry to leave. At least rinse your brush under the tap. Then you have at least rinsed most of the soap residues from the hairs.
Drying after use
A traditional shaving brush is best dried by shaking or shaking it out and then letting it air dry. Rubbing with a (rough) towel can damage the brush hairs.
Periodic maintenance
A shaving brush also requires periodic maintenance. Take some time for that. With proper maintenance, your brush can last 10 to 15 years. Sometimes even longer.
What do you need?
Just a few items
- Large cup
- Dish soap or Shampoo
- Warm water (not hot!)
- Vinegar (for thorough maintenance)
How does it work?
Make sure to fill a cup/mug with warm tap water. Add a few drops of Dreft (or another soap) to the water.
Move the shaving brush in a circular motion in the cup and gently press the brush hairs against the side and bottom of the cup. Then let the brush rest in the soapy water for about 2/3 minutes. Remove the shaving brush from the water and rinse all soap from the hairs.
Now repeat the above process but with a few drops of natural vinegar. Fill the mug halfway with warm water. About 30 degrees is more than sufficient. Stir the brush in the cup so that the water and vinegar soak into the hairs.
Then let the shaving brush sit in the water for 15 to 20 minutes. After that time, remove the brush and rinse it completely clean under the tap. So that all the vinegar is also removed.
Tip: some top layers of a shaving brush are made of satin. This layer can react poorly to the effects of vinegar. So make sure to keep the water to vinegar ratio at 90% to 10%. Do not submerge the shaving brush in the cup or mug for more than 10 minutes (!) – It's a shame if the outer layer starts to peel off.
Maintenance tips
Let your shaving brush dry naturally
For the longevity of your shaving brush, it is important to hang it in the holder with the bristles facing down. You can shake out the shaving brush after rinsing. But leave it at that.
Avoid hot water
Hot water is detrimental to both the hairs of the brush and the holder. Especially the glue bonds can become weak due to the heat, causing your shaving brush to suffer from Hair Loss. The plastic holder can also crack due to the heat.
Do not wring or twist the bristles by hand
Wringing or twisting the bristles is a no-go. This deforms the hairs and can easily cause them to break.
Store your shaving brush in a shaving brush holder
The best way to keep your shaving brush in optimal condition is with a shaving brush holder. Never place it on its base with the hairs facing upwards. This way, all the Shaving Soap and oils drip unnoticed to the base where the hairs are glued.
Additionally, it is also a breeding ground for mold. Letting the shaving brush float upside down is the solution and the way to ensure your shaving brush has a long and Fresh life.
Note: do not throw your shaving brush wet into a toiletry bag. Unless you want mold!
Final tips
As you may know, the Shaving Brushes come in a number of variants. Not only in terms of holder but also in hairs. For example, there are Shaving Brushes made of badger hair, horse hair, boar hair, and synthetic Hair. Fortunately, the latter is becoming increasingly popular and is not inferior to the relatively expensive badger hair version.
Also, the shaving brush with synthetic hairs is easier to keep clean and, unlike the animal variants, absorbs dirt less quickly. And if you are an animal lover, then the choice is not difficult at all.
Preferably use artisanal Shaving Soaps, Hair Gel or cream. The ingredients in these are the most friendly for your shaving brush.
Now you know exactly how to handle your shaving brush. You will enjoy it the longest. If you still have any questions, feel free to ask them!
Good luck!
Your friends, The Alpha Men.