How To Use A Shaving Brush

How to use a shaving brush.

Ready to upgrade your shaving routine? Find out the best way to use a shaving brush and everything you need to know to get the best results from your razor and shaving brush set.

Why Should You Use A Shaving Brush?

When it comes to shaving, there are plenty of good reasons to apply your cream with a brush instead of your hands. Here are just a few:

• The brush allows you to better coat your skin and hair with cream for a cleaner shave.
• The superior lather of a brush softens hair for reduced tugging and irritation.
• Brushes encourage hair to stand upright, giving the razor access to the base of each hair for a closer shave and less ingrown hairs.
• Brushes exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin and debris for a cleaner complexion.
• It’s more enjoyable. Using a shaving brush makes your morning routine more of a ritual and something you’ll be able to look forward to.

How To Use A Shaving Brush

Although there’s no right or wrong way to shave, there’s certainly some tried and tested methods that will give you a better outcome. The following steps will explain two of the main ways to use a shaving brush: face lathering and bowl lathering.

1.    Wet the brush.

To start, run your brush under warm water to prime it for the next step, then shake off any excess water. Shaving brushes were originally made from badger hair and needed to be soaked before each use, but our Pure Shave brush is synthetic, allowing you to lather and go, so a quick rinse is all you need.

2.    Add shaving cream.

At this step, you’ll need to decide whether you want to face lather or bowl lather. Again, there’s no right or wrong way; it’s purely down to personal preference.

Bowl Lathering

The easiest and most common technique, you’ll be creating your lather in a shaving bowl instead of directly on your face. Start by adding an almond-sized amount of shaving cream into your bowl, then press your damp brush into the bowl to slightly splay the bristles. Swirl your brush for around 30 seconds in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions to build a rich foam, wetting your brush and re-swirling for a thinner consistency.

Face Lathering

Load the brush by squirting your shaving cream onto the centre of the bristles. You’ll now build the cream into a lather directly onto your face as you spread it, adding more water if needed to get the right consistency. This requires some practice in order to spread the cream evenly and avoid using more than you need.

3.    Apply your lather.

Using circular motions, work the brush around your beard area. If you’re using the bowl lathering method, you’re going to apply your foam over your beard, going in all directions to make sure the hairs are well coated. This is one of the most relaxing parts of the shaving ritual, so take your time and enjoy it.

4.    Shave.

Whether you’ve opted for our double-edged, Gillette Mach 3 or Gillette Fusion wooden handles, now’s the time to put it to use. Ensure you’re using a sharp blade and begin shaving your beard, rinsing your brush as you go.

5.    Clean your brush.

It’s incredibly important to rinse your brush properly when you’ve finished with it. This will help it stay in great condition and ensure it’s ready to go when you next want to shave. Run the brush under cold water, using your fingers to gently separate the bristles. When you’re happy that any shaving cream residue has been removed, flick the brush a few times to remove any excess water and set it back in its stand.

There we have it, Shaving Brush 101. Are you ready to treat yourself to a new brush and razor set? Or perhaps you want to get a set that includes a perfectly sized bowl exclusive to Pure Shave? Head over to our online store, where we’ve got all your shaving needs covered.