If you want to give your body or face a clean shave, then you’ll definitely want a shaving brush. Here’s what you need to know about these essential tools before you make a purchase.
What Are Shaving Brushes?
There’s a good chance that until very recently, you haven’t even heard of a shaving brush before, and that’s to be expected. Many adults are content with using only shaving cream and a decent razor. However, shaving brushes can make your shaves a lot cleaner, and the way they do it may be more surprising than you think.
You see, when you apply shaving cream and gel on your skin, it doesn’t always settle right. The gel or cream may not enter the hair very well. Also, if you’re putting the cream on with your bare hands, you likely instead just push the hair flat against your skin, making it even harder to shave.
Shave brushes are designed to help deal with those problems. For one, they come into very close contact with your hair, so that creams and gels can really sink into the hair. Aside from this, the brush doesn’t leave the hair flat, and as long as you do the correct motions, you can keep the hair erect and standing, far from your skin. In summary, shaving brushes are just tools you can use to apply shaving cream or gel in a more effective manner.
How to Use Shaving Brushes
Step 1 - Get the brush wet
Wetting the brush is an important first step. It gives the brush a bit of moisture, making it easy for the gel and foam to stick onto the brush. This also minimizes any spillage of the product as you’re working your way around your hair.
Step 2 - Apply the foam or gel
Then, you’ll want to add in the shaving product of your choice. You can either dip the brush in the product, pour it on top of the brush or use any other method you find efficient. Just be sure not to overdo it, as only the top part of the brush will come into contact with your hair.
Step 3 - Start spreading
Now for the fun part. Spreading the foam over your face requires consistent circular motions at a reasonable pace. Going too slow won’t lather the foam, whereas going too fast will just result in a mess all over your bathroom. The key is to find the right rhythm - and don’t worry, it’s not as tricky as you think. As long as the foam is getting lathered, it’s probably fast enough.
When applying the foam, be sure to run through the area you want to shave evenly. Try not to return to places you’ve already covered so as not to disturb the hair. You’ll ideally want the hair at least somewhat standing and covered from tip to base with your shaving product.
Step 4 - Shave away
Once all that prep work’s done, you can then begin shaving. This will likely be the most satisfying part of the whole ordeal, as all that preparation gets paid off with a clean and efficient shave. You’ll find that because the hair is sufficiently moisturized and likely standing, your razor will just glide across your skin like it’s nothing.
How Often Should I Shave?
Shaving is a crucial part of personal hygiene, but doing so too often can lead to some problems. For one, shaving too often can cause your skin to be damaged, as it’ll be making contact with the razor a lot. Aside from this, the chances of getting ingrown hairs can rise with frequent shaving, so it’s often best to shave on occasion as long as you’re fine with a little bit of hair.
