Excessive Shedding Issue

[k2clones29]

I have a Simpson's Colonel that I have been using exclusively for about a year now. Over the last month, my brush has been shedding a ton. I am continually catching hair from my brush in my razor as I am shaving, finding hairs left in my soap, and having hairs just plain fall out the loft. I have always had a little shedding, but this has been between 10 - 15 hairs per shave consistently over a good chunk of time.

Is this too much shedding or to be expected? How do I stop the shedding?

 

[AgBill]

Have you cleaned it --- vinegar/water solution?

 

[k2clones29]

Have you cleaned it --- vinegar/water solution?

I have not. How should I do that?

 

[AgBill]

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/115800-How-to-Clean-a-Shaving-Brush

Soap and mineral deposits build up in the base of the knot and can make the hairs brittle and break off. If you use the brush regularly, I would clean it at least once every 2 months. A good way to judge is if you start to really see the white soap build up at the base of the knot.

 

[Dripp]

I have one like this that's been shedding since I bought it. I used conditioner which slowed it for a day or two, but it still sheds like crazy. Problem is it's one of 8 simpsons I own and I absolutely love it. And no I haven't contacted the vendor or mfr - I figured it would stop eventually and be goood.

 

[Foyle]

That kind of shedding after a year is certainly not normal. It could be the result of improper brush maintenance. Soap and mineral deposits built up in the knot can damage the hair making brittle and causing the hairs to break off. That could be your problem. Cleaning the brush in a vinegar and water solution may help but there is the distinct possibility the damage is already done. Give it a shot and see what happens.

BTW, hairs also start breaking off if the brush is lathered aggressively, i.e. if the brush is mashed down against the face or soap puck on a regular basis during lathering. Some gents will mash their brush into a towel attempting to dry it more thoroughly. These things can also cause a brush to start shedding.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Have you contacted the vendor you got it from? Usually the vendor will make things right, and if they hesitate be sure to contact the manufacturer of the brush. If things fall through with the vendor the manufacturer will often make it right.

 

[Rivguy]

You indicate that you have used this brush "exclusively" for about a year. This may be the problem. If the brush does not dry out completely between uses, it can cause some issues with the knot that can cause premature failure or the loss of hair. I would suggest that you purchase another brush so that you can allow your brushes to dry thoroughly between uses. Some larger knots and boars can take longer to dry. Like others have suggested, I would clean your brush and then give it a rest to dry out.

Regards,

Doug