Look in the bathroom of any well-groomed European and you'll probably find a shaving brush. These shaving tools have been favorites of the Euro set for hundreds of years, but have yet to go mainstream in the states.

However, with the American male's newfound fondness for the grooming arts, the popularity of shaving brushes is on the rise. To learn more, read on
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Why Shaving Brushes Work
Shaving brushes improve the quality of every shave by:

•  Softening Your Skin: Brushes get underneath the beard, allowing a shaving product
    to further penetrate and tenderize.

•  Raising Whiskers: While below the beard, the brush stands facial hair at attention,
    making it easier for the razor to remove it. Brushes also help to lift out stubborn
    ingrown hairs.

•  Creating A Slick Barrier: The moistened brush, combined with shaving cream, creates
    an ultra-lubricated coat upon which a razor can glide.

•  The Lather: The warm and pleasant lather a brush creates is simply the cherry on top.

Types of Shaving Brushes
A high-quality shaving brush can last more than a decade with proper care. In fact, some shaving brushes are known to pass through generations (although this seems a bit unsanitary and a tad cheap). To ensure your brush is up to snuff, select one made of pure badger hair. Badger brushes will remain soft and pliable over time. Grades include Pure, Best and Super Badger.

Method of Use
Any shave, with or without a brush, should begin with a face that is warm and moist. Then, follow these steps:

•  Wet the shaving brush with warm water.

•  Place a small amount of shaving cream on the tip or center of the brush. For ease of use,
    try using a tub of shaving cream or a shaving soap .

•  Lather onto face using a circular motion. To make a richer lather, add more hot water to
    the brush.

•  Shave away.

•  Finish with a soothing post shave balm.

Care & Maintenance
After each shave:

•  Rinse brush thoroughly with warm water.

•  Flick brush hairs to remove stubborn water.

•  Place "hairs down" in a stand so water can move away from the base of the hairs.

•  To avoid mildew or smell, avoid placing in a closed cupboard or bag.

To view the Grooming Lounge's shave brushes and shave sets, click here

>>> see our selection of shaving products

Men's Shaving - Using an After Shave Balm
In this video, Grooming Lounge co-founder Pirooz Sarshar describes the techniques and mechanics required to perform the perfect shave. This video also gives a handful of tips on proper skincare, shaving irritation, shaving goatees and shaving equipment. This video addresses some of the most common grooming myths and is perfect for guys who simply want to or need to learn more about the daily ritual.