Thread: Hanging Brushes up to dry.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Can ya hold that opposite? I have a hard time seeing!!

What? eh? eH? EH?
Seriously, I am a pretty much face-latherer. What stick and brush do you use? I can honestly say that I have never used a stick!

Palmolive shave soap Sticks were my staple for years.

The way I see it...

El Cheapo brushes: who cares, if something happens you can replace them easily.
$100+ Silvertip Brushes: I'm not taking any chances, they'll be stored tips down.

Rinse, shake, then stored with bristles pointed toward heaven.

I'll add that once a month, or so, I give them a good cleaning with shampoo.

The only way I would think it would be an issue is if the adhesive used didn't have a good seal around the knot allowing water to settle under the knot and pop it out over time. If it hasn't happen within a year of use I would continue standing it. The only thing that I believe would affect the hairs are, leaving it in a cup bristles down and/or with soap left in it.

I think it's more important how often you use it. In my case I have enough brushes so I rotate maybe every week and a half so no matter how I store it will be thoroughly dry. If you use the same brush every day drying becomes more critical.

I'm one of the lazy crowd who just stand it on its end. I squeeze it out then shake it as hard as I can where it won't splash the mirror then squeeze again to compact the bristles again. I've had the same Rubberset Pure Badger for at least 25 years and couple times a year or so, I get distracted and just leave it sitting on a soap puck to dry out. Here's a pic, a little out of focus and with the usual soap scum still attached:

I can't remember where I got it, new or at a flea market or garage sale but I suppose if I had something expensive I might take better care of it while still standing it on its end.

I used to care more, now I just shake my brushes sufficiently and sit them to dry. No issues. Mind you I may be a bit more concerned if the handle was made of wood.

My Badger looks as good as the day I bought it 4 years ago (or was it 3). I shake it out and then hang it. I gets used every other day now, was every day for awhile when I was using DE.

As an addition to the OPs question, I see new stands that have the collar of the stand around the base of the bristles, rather than handle. Seems to me this could cause damage to the outer hairs.

yea my badger looks as good as the day I got him too but he don't like being hung upside down. It makes the blood flow to his head and he gets even meaner or more ornery. He simply won't let me lather him up like that.