Synthetic bristles are normally made of nylon and can be found in several different qualities as well as price ranges.
Other shaving brushes are made of boar’s hair. Boar’s hair, while stiff and prickly, has a capacity to retain water better than synthetic fibers and results in a lather that is fuller as well as more effective. Bristles on boar’s hair brushes do tend to break more easily than synthetic brushes.
The best brushes are made of badger hair. Badger hair is available in several grades and these brushes are the most expensive of shaving brushes. The whiter the tips of the bristles, the finer and more expensive the brush will be.
Shaving brushes have changed little in shape since they were first invented by the French around 1750. The materials used for the handles have changed however. While there are still brushes available with wooden or horn handles, the most common handles are made of plastic, urethane or nylon. You can see these an more at male grooming book. These synthetic handles are offer advantages of being more resistant to breakage and moisture. The choice of handle has little effect on the actual performance of the brush in preparing the lather.
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