Thread: Brush Irritation

+1 on Nun2Sharp's suggestion of using your fingers. Actually, a few old Barber texts from the turn of the century that I have copies of state that it is preferred that you rub the lather into your beard with the finger tips.

You can still use the brush to whip up the lather, but apply it with your finger tips.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Doublewood

I have three brushes.

Vulfix 2332 Super badger
Edwin Jagger Best Badge
An Unknown Manuf Synthetic

I have tried using really gentle brush strokes but to no avail, the irritation seems to build up during the shave not straight away, the stiffness of the bristles doesn't seem to make any difference either, the synthetic being the stiffest, and the super badger the softest.
If I appy the creme/gel with my finger (no irritation)

If you're able to avoid irritation by avoiding a brush, I think you should continue doing so.

You've tried a representative sample of brushes. After trying what the experts recommend, you need to tailor your shaving experience to your individual needs even if that means no brush at all.

you should try this..


Alba | Shaves

Just some questions,

What other products do you use on your face? Shaving and non.
What is your pore size?
Do you have apparent acne or recurring acne problems?
Do you have any scarring from acne, pox, etc?
When you wash your face what do you use? Puff? Cloth? Sea sponge? Loofah?

-G

Originally Posted by deighaingeal

Just some questions,

What other products do you use on your face? Shaving and non.
What is your pore size?
Do you have apparent acne or recurring acne problems?
Do you have any scarring from acne, pox, etc?
When you wash your face what do you use? Puff? Cloth? Sea sponge? Loofah?

-G

I have a ragime of using facial scrub followed by facial wash to remove the scrub, and shave gel.
I have always used hot towels since starting shaving.
I have clean skin with open pores.
It is only the brush that causes the irritation.

I would say your problem is a combination of your facial cleaning routine and the added abrasion of the straight razor causing a layer of skin that is either being additionally abraded by the brush, or more likely the fresh skin is having an allergic reaction to the bristles.
Many people are stuck in the routine of a facial scrub, but with a straight they are unnecessary. The exfoliation caused by the razor is plenty for healthy skin. There is also a possibility of your cleanser causing a chemical exfoliation thus increasing the irritation.
Along the lines of abrasion there is a possibility that when you use your fingers you find yourself adding a little extra water to the lather creating an extra slick surface. Or with the difference in lather your could be shaving slightly different; either an angle or pressure change.
Just some thoughts.

-G

Originally Posted by deighaingeal

Many people are stuck in the routine of a facial scrub, but with a straight they are unnecessary. The exfoliation caused by the razor is plenty for healthy skin.
-G

Thanks for your observations, I will certainly try a shave without the scrub, but using a brush to see if the irritation is lessened or disappears altogether

Originally Posted by deighaingeal

I would say your problem is a combination of your facial cleaning routine and the added abrasion of the straight razor causing a layer of skin that is either being additionally abraded by the brush, or more likely the fresh skin is having an allergic reaction to the bristles.

-G

Just an update, I tried a shave without the scrub irritation disappeared.
I made some lather applied with the brush, no irritation, then showered and scrubbed, completed the shave irritation returned.
So brush or no brush Scrub or no scrub my choice
So your synopsis was correct Deighaingeal thanks.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread.

Glad I could be of some service.

-G

You might also try separating your shave from your facial scrubbing, by putting one at each end of the day. You might end up with the best of both worlds then.



Mick