Is there a specific reason to rinse out a brush after every shave - if you don't can it damage the brush?
Is there a reason to rinse a brush after every shave?
- Thread starter Brassplyer
- Start date
IMHO, it is better to rinse out the soap residue, whiskers, dead skin cells, etc. and let the brush dry between shaves. It doesn't have to be a really elaborate process, though. Your brush will stay in better shape and be more hygienic. In older times, some people just left their one brush in the mug all the time. It usually looked terrible after being treated that way for a little while, with a permanent bend in the bristles.
^this^
Bacteria.
Over time, soap will cake in the base of the knot. That cake holds water and promotes rot. Eventually, the brush will start shedding like crazy. I used to be one of "those people" who left their brushes in the mug between shaves. I'd finally replace my brush when there were only 3 or 4 hairs left. Amazing what a difference a new brush would make.
These days, I'm meticulous about rinsing my brushes and letting them dry.
These days, I'm meticulous about rinsing my brushes and letting them dry.
Other than keeping your grooming tools clean and avoiding soap build-up that would end up in rot and shedding?
No, not really. You know what they say... you do you.
To answer the question in the title: Yes, absolutely!
If you don’t, you do so at your own risk and manufacturers will not consider subsequent hair loss a warranty issue.
Shavemac had an interesting video, but as is seems to have disappeared you can instead read what Simpsons has to say: Shaving Tips - https://www.simpsonshavingbrushes.com/helpful-information/category-a/shaving-tips/
Some people may tell you differently, but if you follow the Simpsons’ guidance your brush will have a happy, long life.
B.
If you don’t, you do so at your own risk and manufacturers will not consider subsequent hair loss a warranty issue.
Shavemac had an interesting video, but as is seems to have disappeared you can instead read what Simpsons has to say: Shaving Tips - https://www.simpsonshavingbrushes.com/helpful-information/category-a/shaving-tips/
Some people may tell you differently, but if you follow the Simpsons’ guidance your brush will have a happy, long life.
B.
It's important to completely rinse the soap from the knot. It is a fairly quick and painless process.
+3! Yes indeed! And your brushes will work better IMHO.
I don’t think you absolutely have to but why wouldn’t you do it ?
If you are not going to rinse, I'd recommend synthetic fibers and handles as they will not rot. But even then, if you frequently use different soaps consider whether you really want to mix today's soap with the remnants of previous shaves and so muddle the scents.
I rinse my brushes thoroughly after every shave.
I rinse my brushes thoroughly after every shave.
Sometimes I leave the brush in the mug. It's quicker than rinsing and drying the brush and it's quicker to build a lather the next time you use it. And, if you don't like being wasteful, however small the waste, you're keeping the unused lather for next shave instead of rinsing it down the drain.
A side benefit is that my teen son can't be bothered to soak a brush, bloom a soap and build a lather before shaving his cheesy mustache. But he has just enough initiative to pick up a brush I've left in the bowl and run it across his lip.
Nah, just a boar.
Nah, no need to rinse, just leave it in the mug.
You may want to wrap the bristles for more backbone.
You may want to wrap the bristles for more backbone.
After every shave. I rinse by brush out. Keeps it clean. About once a month I use a dishwashing soap and warm water cleaning. Revives and cleans anything extra from the brush.
...in addition to all the reasons above about good hygiene and maintaining the health and longevity of the brush....I frequently change soaps. I don't think I'd care to use a brush in this manner while frequently changing soaps.
You see---if the forum's designated minimalist rinses his brush, you should too!
