Yet more about shedding

This is worth publicising. A post I made yesterday on TSR:


Picked this from a thread in another place.

It's another response from Vulfix about shedding:

"Thank you for the email.

Shedding is an issue that occurs from time to time, thankfully a problem in very limited numbers, particularly bearing in mind the thousands of shaving brushes that we manufacture each year.

Hair loss from our shaving brushes happens for three reasons:

Firstly, incorrect use of the shaving brush. Over zealous use of the shaving brush can result in bristles snapping or being dislodged from their glued knot base. Some individuals tend to push the brush into their face and swirl the brush over the skin rather than produce a good lather by using a ‘painting’ motion in light strokes. It is easy for us to detect mistreatment of the brush in this way on visual inspection.

Secondly, poor brush aftercare. A shaving brush should be rinsed thoroughly in piping hot water to remove excess soap or cream, then ‘shocked’ in very cold water to remove any remaining residue. The shaving brush head should never be touched by hand during the rinsing process … another big no, no. Some individuals have a tendency to try and squeeze the soap out of the head which in turn applies massive pressure on the hair within the knot as they are pulled upwards. Brushes should be shook out to dry initially, then hung upside down in a well vented area to avoid the build up of mildew spores which attack the glue and hair at the base.

Thirdly, manufacturing defects. Our shaving brushes are all handmade products (perhaps the only manufacturer in the world still employing traditional techniques), therefore a certain amount of human error must be factored in. Incorrect bundling, tying, setting, gluing & twiddling can all contribute to a shedding brush.

As you can see, it’s quite a complex issue. The majority of brush faults are a direct result of points 1 & 2. I’m not suggesting for one minute that this is the case with your #2233.

By examining your shaving brush in closer detail we will be able to determine what the exact problem is. If we discover that the brush has a manufacturing related fault, we will naturally send out a replacement immediately.

Therefore, I would be very grateful if you could return the brush to the address given below and marked for the attention of ‘Brett Clarke – General Manager’.

Best regards,

Progress Vulfix"



Some interesting issues.

Anything other than lathering by painting motions is misuse of a brush?

Hang the brush upside down. Simpsons claim it is unnecessary.Who now speaks for them?

Don't touch the brush head during rinsing.

Rinse in "piping hot" water, shock in cold.

I prefer the idea of enjoying my brushes rather than ensuring they outlast me.