Thread: Brush Irritation

I thought long and hard before starting this thread, But here goes.

I always seem to be irritation from using a brush regardless of the type of bristles, does anyone else have similar problems or know of a solution?

Am I missing out on getting a better shave by not using a brush?
Would a better quality brush solve the problem, or would I simply be throwing money down the sink (in a manner of speaking)

Doublewood,

What types of brushes have you tried? You could be allergic to badger or boar. I used synthetic brushes for years - although they aren't as soft, don't hold water as well, and aren't as durable they work okay.

Just a thought.

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)

A super badger is usually so light on your face you can hardly feel it. Even if you were using it way too hard with the lather I can't see getting irritation. From a Pure Badger, yes. I would explore a possible allergy to the badger hair.

I have some pretty sensitive skin (hence switching to straights v. disposables), and I have noticed the same thing.

Even with really floppy, soft badger brushes I still get slight skin irritation. Not bad, but it's noticeable. You ain't the only one!

A lot of the time, I don't use a brush at all for a days worth of growth. Not really worth the time and effort.... Now for several days growth I definitely whip out the brush. In that time my skin has recovered enough that a brushing doesn't bother me too bad.

You might also look into finding a creme (something akin to the old Burma Shave) that can be rubbed into the face with your fingers so that you can avoid brushes altogether.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

You might also look into finding a creme (something akin to the old Burma Shave) that can be rubbed into the face with your fingers so that you can avoid brushes altogether.

That's exactly what I mean in my previous post. It works pretty well to squirt a bit into the palm and lather in your hands or on your face.

do you use the same cream/soap with and without brush?

just a thought

yeah, I only have about 5+ different creams that I currently rotate through, and they all work just fine either way.

Originally Posted by janivar123

do you use the same cream/soap with and without brush?

just a thought

Yes use the same ones in sequence with/without the brush