Shaving Facts & Questions
FAQ
Information About Shaving Brushes
This page is to educate new users to the shaving brush lifestyle and to share the information we have complied from customers and manufacturers of our shaving brushes. This is based on the most frequently asked questions and we hope this will help you to make an informed decision.
What is the difference in brush hair grades: All of the shaving brushes will provide a lathery shave. However there are several different and distinct grades that determine price and performance. Please understand there is no universal standard and bristle grading can be subjective.
a) Hog bristles "boar" (aka pure bristle, white or sketched) - Stronger and thicker than badger hair. These bristles are not as flexible as the badger. When water comes into the hog-bristles they are not as elastic as badger hair and the user cannot make the shaving soap as creamy as he could do with a badger brush. That's why hog bristles are the least expensive class.
b) Badger "dark solids" (aka standard dark badger) - This kind of hair is the under-hair of the badger. It is not as elastic as tapers for example. But it keeps its flexibility much better than hog bristles. This hair is dark (nearly black) and has a cylindrical structure. That means each hair is the same at both ends.
c) Badger "greys" (aka standard pure badger) - This explanation is used for the hair from the tails and the back of the badger, which has nearly the same structure as dark solids although it is from the upper-hair. This hair is lighter than dark solids – nearly grey.
d) Badger "tapers" (aka fine or best badger) - This hair has the typical sketch on it (light-dark-light). It comes from the back of the badger and its structure is conical. That means that the tips are thinner than at the base of the hairs. This provides a softer feel while in use. Moreover it guarantees better foaming of the shaving soap. This hair is much more expensive because it is more rare than the types b) or c). These brushes are hand assembled or handmade.
e) Badger "silver tips" (aka super badger) - This explanation is used for the neck hair only which is the softest, rarest and most expensive kind of badger hair. In the winter this neck hair gets extremely light tips, which we call, winter fur (aka upland/colder region). These brushes are hand assembled or handmade. What are some shaving tips? Moisten area to be shaved with warm water to soften hairs, wet brush, shake off some excess water, rotate brush over shaving soap and apply in a circular scrubbing motion to shaving area - the lather is created on your face and the brush should not be dripping water. You can control the amount of lather created by how much water remains in the brush, how much soap is applied to the brush and the scrubbing motion used on the shaving area. OH! Shaving Soaps are made using only the finest ingredients and essential oils for a masculine scent and beneficial for skin care. It lathers well and provides a nice shave while rinsing clean. We have had a lot of positive comments on this soap formulated for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Not only is it a good shaving soap, you can bathe and shower with it too!
Do I need a stand to hold my shaving brush with bristles facing down between uses? I have heard both answers to this question, Yes and No. While it makes sense that a brush will last longer when excess water can drain out, I have also noticed that a well-rinsed brush that is shaken of excess moisture does not have dripping water. However, a brush with the bristles facing down in a holder will provide you with the longest brush life. We feel a stand is especially beneficial for wood and metal handle brushes.
What about wooden handle brushes? Wooden handle brushes and razors are water resistant and will be long lasting when properly cared for. Wood is a personal favorite and is why you will see a variety of wooden handle selections to choose from. Wood has its own personality and will weather over time. Sometimes wood may discolor by the rim near the bristles, especially if well used and the hairs remain moist most of the time. A damp cotton swab can be dipped in bleach and swabbed on the wood around the rim occasionally where the bristles meet the handle to help cut down on discoloration and keep things fresh. You can also spiff things up and add back oils to the handle by using a polish, wax or oil safe for wood items - test a small area first to check results.
What about metal: Chrome, nickel, gold and brass finishes are popular products and are long lasting when properly taken care of. Golden items are not of a high-grade gold unless specified otherwise. Generally, most finishes are platting over brass. Be sure to keep items dry between uses. For example, keeping metal in the shower would not be a good idea. Sometimes metal may discolor by the rim near the bristles, especially if well used and the hairs remain moist most of the time. You can use a metal polish and old toothbrush if helpful to clean brush handles, razors, stands and so forth to freshen things up. Test the kind of polish on a small area first. We find the carnauba wax types to be gentle and multi-purpose. Toothpaste on an old toothbrush works well to gently scrub razor heads and parts that have been soiled by soap buildup.
Brush care & which kind of brush - boar or badger? Both kinds of bristles will work up lather and provide a good shave. Typically, boar is stiffer and may even be preferred by men with course hair or when extra scrubbing action is desired. Badger is more expensive and comes in different grades. Badger is generally softer and more flexible. Some hair loss is normal with the shaving brush lifestyle, however should not be unreasonable. A brush needs to be thoroughly rinsed of excess soap and shaken of excess water after use. A properly shaken brush will only be damp and not dripping with water. See the detailed explanation about bristle types above. Do not expose to boiling water, pull or tug as this can weaken the hairs. Shake off excess water and store between uses – preferably with the bristles facing down especially for wooden or metal handles. Leave in open air to dry and never enclose a damp brush for any extended time. Rinse the bristles in a mild borax solution once or twice a year and let thoroughly dry as this will help prevent mildew from attacking the hairs and give longer life to the brush. Another technique to help remove residue is to swish the bristles in a 20% vinegar to 80% water solution, rinse, massage cream rinse onto the bristles and rinse again.
How long will my brush last: I have heard from men who are in the replacement market and have brushes that lasted many years. Quality brushes will provide long lasting service. There are many different grades and quality of brush, and each user will take care of it in a different way. In general, boar hair tends to have the most breakage and shedding with the shortest useful life. For badger, the higher the bristle grade the less hair breakage and shedding together with the longest useful life. A well cared for brush should provide you with many years of useful service.
Shave, Rinse and Enjoy!
The OH! Soap & Skin Care Team
www.ohsoaps.com 941.240.2546
e) Badger "silver tips" (aka super badger) - This explanation is used for the neck hair only which is the softest, rarest and most expensive kind of badger hair. In the winter this neck hair gets extremely light tips, which we call, winter fur (aka upland/colder region). These brushes are hand assembled or handmade. What are some shaving tips? Moisten area to be shaved with warm water to soften hairs, wet brush, shake off some excess water, rotate brush over shaving soap and apply in a circular scrubbing motion to shaving area - the lather is created on your face and the brush should not be dripping water. You can control the amount of lather created by how much water remains in the brush, how much soap is applied to the brush and the scrubbing motion used on the shaving area. OH! Shaving Soaps are made using only the finest ingredients and essential oils for a masculine scent and beneficial for skin care. It lathers well and provides a nice shave while rinsing clean. We have had a lot of positive comments on this soap formulated for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Not only is it a good shaving soap, you can bathe and shower with it too!
Do I need a stand to hold my shaving brush with bristles facing down between uses? I have heard both answers to this question, Yes and No. While it makes sense that a brush will last longer when excess water can drain out, I have also noticed that a well-rinsed brush that is shaken of excess moisture does not have dripping water. However, a brush with the bristles facing down in a holder will provide you with the longest brush life. We feel a stand is especially beneficial for wood and metal handle brushes.
What about wooden handle brushes? Wooden handle brushes and razors are water resistant and will be long lasting when properly cared for. Wood is a personal favorite and is why you will see a variety of wooden handle selections to choose from. Wood has its own personality and will weather over time. Sometimes wood may discolor by the rim near the bristles, especially if well used and the hairs remain moist most of the time. A damp cotton swab can be dipped in bleach and swabbed on the wood around the rim occasionally where the bristles meet the handle to help cut down on discoloration and keep things fresh. You can also spiff things up and add back oils to the handle by using a polish, wax or oil safe for wood items - test a small area first to check results.
What about metal: Chrome, nickel, gold and brass finishes are popular products and are long lasting when properly taken care of. Golden items are not of a high-grade gold unless specified otherwise. Generally, most finishes are platting over brass. Be sure to keep items dry between uses. For example, keeping metal in the shower would not be a good idea. Sometimes metal may discolor by the rim near the bristles, especially if well used and the hairs remain moist most of the time. You can use a metal polish and old toothbrush if helpful to clean brush handles, razors, stands and so forth to freshen things up. Test the kind of polish on a small area first. We find the carnauba wax types to be gentle and multi-purpose. Toothpaste on an old toothbrush works well to gently scrub razor heads and parts that have been soiled by soap buildup.
Brush care & which kind of brush - boar or badger? Both kinds of bristles will work up lather and provide a good shave. Typically, boar is stiffer and may even be preferred by men with course hair or when extra scrubbing action is desired. Badger is more expensive and comes in different grades. Badger is generally softer and more flexible. Some hair loss is normal with the shaving brush lifestyle, however should not be unreasonable. A brush needs to be thoroughly rinsed of excess soap and shaken of excess water after use. A properly shaken brush will only be damp and not dripping with water. See the detailed explanation about bristle types above. Do not expose to boiling water, pull or tug as this can weaken the hairs. Shake off excess water and store between uses – preferably with the bristles facing down especially for wooden or metal handles. Leave in open air to dry and never enclose a damp brush for any extended time. Rinse the bristles in a mild borax solution once or twice a year and let thoroughly dry as this will help prevent mildew from attacking the hairs and give longer life to the brush. Another technique to help remove residue is to swish the bristles in a 20% vinegar to 80% water solution, rinse, massage cream rinse onto the bristles and rinse again.
How long will my brush last: I have heard from men who are in the replacement market and have brushes that lasted many years. Quality brushes will provide long lasting service. There are many different grades and quality of brush, and each user will take care of it in a different way. In general, boar hair tends to have the most breakage and shedding with the shortest useful life. For badger, the higher the bristle grade the less hair breakage and shedding together with the longest useful life. A well cared for brush should provide you with many years of useful service.
Shave, Rinse and Enjoy!
The OH! Soap & Skin Care Team
www.ohsoaps.com 941.240.2546
 |
 |
Email-INFO@OHSOAPS.COM Toll Free- (888)315-3895 Copyright © 2006-2010 OH!LLC.- OHSOAPS.COM -OHSOAP.COM OHSOAPS.NET OHCANDLES.COM Herein All Rights Reserved. All Site Graphics, Product Images, Pictures, Text Selections or Arrangements Are Copyright and may not be used without written consent. OH! Soaps, OH! Soap, OH! Candles. Images are federally registered trademarks. Any unauthorized use is strictly prohibited under penalty of law.