The New-Gen Synthetic Shaving Brush: surprising performance from a vegan brush

Ever since its conception, the synthetic shaving brush was considered an optimal solution to an overload in badger hair demand as well as an ethical choice promoting environmental responsibility. The cruelty-free product not only looks like its animal-hair counterpart but also mimics valuable characteristics such as the softness of the fiber tips or their rich lather-making capabilities. Designed for both the newbie and the expert in wet shaving, the synthetic shaving brush is a new age alternative which aims to maintain the flair of a manly, everyday ritual.

When choosing a synthetic shaving brush, the comparison to the animal product is almost inevitable. Of course, many of the wet-shave enthusiasts are used to brushes made of boar hair, horse hair or the superior badger hair. However, if you are not picking vegan to limit your use of animal products, the parallel between artificial and natural should focus exclusively on performance.

Aside from the previously mentioned soft fiber tips and lather-making properties, the synthetic shaving brush can be described as fast-drying, economical in the use of shaving soap or cream and lightweight. The contemporary designs still guarantee unique craftsmanship, combining a sturdy handle with a selection of synthetic shaving brush bristles to fit every man's preferences. While respecting animal rights, these brushes are also considered an affordable, durable alternative when traveling. Established and newer brands known for their effective synthetic creations are Omega, H.I.S., Muhle and Edwin Jagger.

When looking for the best synthetic brush try the Omega Soft-as-Badger Synthetic Shaving Brush. This impeccable tool delivers a great wet-shaving experience while showcasing Italian artistry in its selection of first-class materials. Another affordable, completely vegan option, which will improve your morning ritual is the H.I.S. Synthetic Silvertip Synthetic brush.

Pick a quality product when comparing the performance of a synthetic brush to its badger peer. Choose Muhle synthetic brushes and experience the best results with a German expert which will not disappoint. The Muhle Silvertip Fibre Shaving Brush—available in small, medium, large or extra large knot diameters— is said to have more backbone compared to any other synthetic options. Great variety, together with the top performance and sophistication of handmade products are what the Edwin Jagger Synthetic Silvertip Fibre Handmade English Shaving Brushes line is appreciated for.

Go vegan if you feel it's the right choice and test the performance of a synthetic shaving brush if you are not yet convinced; you will be pleasantly surprised.

Shaving Gel vs. Foam

With all the different shaving lubricants available on the market, it may get confusing to determine what the difference truly is between all of them. To simplify it, all shaving variants are designed to fulfill the exact same purpose: to aid the shaving process and to produce a clean and close shave. Both shaving foam and gel help prevent stubble from drying up and make the beard stiff during shaving. They are basically the safety cushion between your razor and your skin. Shaving foam and gel are both considered shaving creams but the key difference lies in the composition; the former coming in a foam-like texture while the latter in gel form.

So which is the best for you? 

Truth be told, it is to its greatest extent a personal preference. The best shaving foam for men or the best shaving gel is often subjective and depending on what a man looks for the most while shaving. 

SHAVING FOAM vs. SHAVING GEL 

If you have not yet figured out which shaving lubricant suits your personal preference best, presented below is a detailed comparison between these two products. We’ll also weigh in on classic shaving creams.

1. Shaving foam is stored in an aerosol dispenser and comes out of the can in lather-like form and is ready to use right away. Shaving gel on the other hand needs to be lathered up first with one’s fingers before it can be applied on the skin. Also, gel does not provide a rich lather as compared to its foamy counterpart. If it is important to your shaving experience to have rich, thick lather then foam may be better for you. 
2. Shaving gel is more transparent as compared to foam. This enables you to see where and what exactly you are shaving. If you have a well-defined beard with lines, then this type of shaving product may be more convenient so you can better see what parts of your face you are shaving so as not to destroy the shape of your beard. If you just simply want a clean shave of your entire face, shaving foam will not pose a problem as you will not miss out any patches since you can still see the stubble clearly against the white foam. 
3. Men’s shaving gel is usually more expensive than shaving foam but the advantage is that you need less of the product during the shave. In fact, an area that requires a lot of foam to cover requires a much smaller amount of gel. Hence, a can of gel tends to last longer than a can of foam. 
4. Due to the texture of gel, it tends to clog the razor more which requires you to rinse your razor more often during the shaving process. Shaving foam for men on the other hand requires less rinsing. 
5. Men who are fans of shaving gel claim that the shaving process is more effective and faster. This is because the gel doesn’t dry up unlike foam, which you may have to reapply during shaving. 
6. Most men say that shaving gel works better for thick hair as compared to foam. 

The Classic Shaving Cream 

There are many men who don’t use shaving gel or foam from the aerosol bottle but prefer to use the kind of classic shaving cream that usually comes in a tube or tub which is then applied with a brush unto the face. Most men say that cream is much slicker and provides a significantly better shaving experience as compared to either foam or gel. It is also healthier for the skin and leaves it feeling fresh and clean. You must however learn how to properly lather up the cream and learn how to apply it on your face correctly with a brush. Many men who have used classic shaving cream find no reason to go back to foam or gel.

Choosing the Right Products 

As said earlier, whether you use shaving gel or foam is ultimately your personal choice. In choosing the best product, it is important to go for those with little or no alcohol as these tend to dry up the skin and cause irritation. The best shaving lubricants are those that contain ingredients that not only protect your skin but also soothe and repair it. They provide moisture to keep your face soft and vibrant.

Photo by Clearly Ambiguous. Used under Creative Commons license: Attribution 2.0 Generic

Talcum Powder: The Grandfather of Antiperspirants

Roberts Borotalco, gaining converts since 1874

Have you ever wondered how athletes used to keep their skin dry and fresh before the debut of modern personal hygiene products like the deodorant? In an environment where bodily secretions will naturally occur, these gentlemen needed a product that had the ability to keep their skin dry for a long time. Searching nature for an antidote to their freshness problem, an extremely soft mineral provided them with a dusty, light solution: talcum powder.

What is Talcum Powder? 

Talcum powder for men is a delicate natural product, purified after its extraction from the ground. It has the primary role of absorbing moisture, cooling the skin, and giving it a smooth sensation. The fresh smell and the fact that it reduced the risk of rashes were another two reasons for the "grandfather of antiperspirants" to become a success not only among athletes. Popular with prestigious lines of men toiletries, the fine grains were also fashioned into shave talc, neutral on the face, used to control shine and prevent razor bumps.

The comeback of a classic? 

Two of the finest names in men grooming count this staple as part of their lines. You can recognize the Clubman Pinaud Finest Talc Powder by its logo featuring the stylish gent. Besides the recognized functions, this particular formula is said to bring you the smell of "leisure Sundays". Featured on the Jay Leno Show in a Nike commercial, the Clubman product still gets some air time, one way or another.

Taylor of Old Bond Street Luxury Talcum Powder is another heavy name referred to as "the best men's talcum powder in the business". This one made an appearance opposite George Clooney in the football movie Leatherheads. Lightly scented, the vintage luxury is mostly appreciated in its sandalwood version.

Use the grandfather of antiperspirants as a natural, fresh solution with an old-school vibe. Choose from the best talcum powder brands available on the market today.

Soap on a Rope: an iconic grooming staple for men

Klar Seifen Soap on a Rope

With a name resembling a catchy nursery rhyme, retro soap on a rope has attracted a worldwide clientele appreciating its individualizing feature: a handy cotton loop the user can put around his wrist preventing the wet, slippery bar from falling. The unconventional attachment also helped the soap dry faster and last longer. From an item of novelty to a very popular gift on Father's Day during the 1980s, the creamy invention remains ideal for the man on the move who likes to spoil himself like an aristocrat.

Presumably created by the British company Design House of Dana, the secure, hygienic product was originally called “shower soap with cord". Even if created by a UK lather company, two other giants in the grooming world are among the famous promoters of this out-of-the-ordinary bar.

Portuguese brand Musgo Real initially conceived their recipe of soap on a rope for men and dedicated it to the fastidious European aristocrats. The hand-made, preservative-free formula combines an imperial lather with an inviting scent reminding of rich coconut, woody oak moss or spicy orange amber. 

Another expert offering this handmade luxurious item is the German manufacturer Klar. In the myriad of exclusive products made only from the best ingredients, the classy ivory rope is also present. Klar has also added to the mix the soothing properties of bergamot, grapefruit, lavender or rosemary.

It’s not just about keeping your soap bar at hand. Buy soap on a rope for a first-class bathing experience.

Montegrappa Refills: Timeless Calligraphy Meets Modern Convenience

Looking at old ink-scribbled documents, we find handwritten messages imbued in a romanticism lacking in modern times. The precious liquid covering the blank pages with meaning was once a rarity as was the gift of writing. With the invention of the fountain pen, writing with ink became easier, more flexible in terms of refilling options and more diverse in colors and properties.

Until the 1900s, when the two most famous options for ink pen refills were invented — ink converters and ink cartridges — scribes and writers were left with cumbersome methods for recharging their pens. Fountain pens were not initially coupled with specially designed ink as ballpoint pens or gel pens are. 

The modern plastic ink cartridge came to replace the self-filling system of the fountain pen in 1950. Designed to be easy to switch and portable, the small ink container was primarily issued in its so-called "international" size. The ink bottle was always seen as the more economical, eco-friendly option ever since the invention of the converter. Even with less portability, the bottle was preferred for the wider selection of ink colors and higher ink capacity it had.

 Montegrappa pen refills and ink bottles 

Spanning a variety of colors including black, blue, bordeaux and turquoise, the Montegrappa refills available both in bottle or cartridge option, maintain the history and romanticism of a high-quality Italian ink. The 8-sided bottles have the vintage appearance of their 1912 design, remembering the time when they were the means of communication for World War II soldiers writing their letters home. Born in the country of the most famous couple, Romeo and Juliet, the inspiring, rich colors of Montegrappa are also said to be a symbol of passion.

Personalize your documents, write your own history and never run out of words with the distinctive Montegrappa ink bottles or with the practical Montegrappa ink cartridges.

Choosing a Perfect Gift for Dad: 5+ Top Father’s Day Gifts

With Father’s Day just around the corner, you find yourself once again on the hunt for that perfect gift. Although there is no one-size-fits-all type of present, there are certain things that every dad could need or want. Listed below are seven gift categories every dad would love to receive something from.

1. Leather Products. Men love all things leather. It is a truly timeless material that never goes out of style. Whether going for a classic or modern look, leather simply has panache. You can surprise your dad with a high quality leather bag, be it a briefcase, travel bag, laptop bag or dopp kit. Leather wallets and belts are also a great idea.

   

   Sonnenleder Leather Toiletry Bag

2. Men’s Fragrances. Not all men may keep a stack of toiletries, fancy lotions and pampering products but gentlemen of all walks of life, whether tough or refined, have one thing in common: men love to wear good cologne. For many men, choosing the right scent is as much of a science as it is an art as they study all sorts of notes from bergamot, cypress and tarragon to cedar, moss, lime and mandarin. If you are not sure what scent your father loves the most, you can buy him a fragrance set like the Geo F. Trumper Cologne Gift Set which contains four different fragrances adored by men.

   

   Castle Forbes Gentlemen's Cologne

3. Shaving Essentials. Every man needs to shave and it is a grooming task that is repeated more often than any other. This means that men can always need shaving products from shaving oil, shaving cream and aftershave to proper shaving accessories, brushes and razors. You can surprise your dad with an entire set of shaving essentials from the prep to the post.

   

   Muhle Stylo 3-Piece Shaving Set

4. Writing Instruments. This is not the most common Father’s Day gift that people would think about. However, a high-end, quality pen can always come in handy and it symbolizes various desirable qualities. If your dad is a working man or a writer, these can be especially useful. Fine writing instruments such as from Montegrappa and Aurora for instance are fountain pens valuable enough to stand as status symbols. Sheaffer ballpoint pens are also some of the best pens in the world.

   

   Sheaffer Ferrari Fountain Pen

5. Toys for Big Boys. These don’t necessarily have to be sports cars and helicopters. Think about equipment that your dad may need to make things easier for him. Think about efficiency. This includes to name a few, a Leatherman Rebar tool which contains needlenose pliers, wire cutters, screw drivers, bottle openers and a dozen other tools, all in one. Depending on his hobby and activity, your dad may also need, perhaps a chainsaw, a complete tool kit, a more efficient lawn mower, a new drill, a barbeque grill or some rare KIYA kitchen knives. Since Father’s Day in Canada is usually celebrated by get-togethers, why not bring some kebbs, sausages or steak and try out the grill on that very day!

   

   KIYA Umeji Kitchen Knife

Still need more ideas? Try these extra two:

• Jewelry, Timepieces and Accessories. Most men don’t accessorize much. They usually wear a limited amount of jewelry pieces at any point in time. The most prized accessory of any man is his timepiece. Having a few designer watches is always a great thing to have as a man, and they don’t necessarily have to be the most luxurious and expensive. Other kinds of jewelry that men occasionally wear are necklaces and sometimes bracelets. Accessories may include cufflinks, fedoras and other hats, sunglasses, reading glasses and more.

• Gift Certificates. If you are out of time and absolutely clueless of what to give your father, you can always give him a gift certificate. In that way, he can buy himself whatever he wants. Fendrihan gift certificates for instance come in different values where your dad can shop for high-end male essentials, leather products and more. If you are celebrating Father’s Day in Canada, Fendrihan offers free shipping within Canada for all orders over $50. Also check out some Father’s Day cards to give along with the gift certificate to make it more personal.

No matter what gift you give your dad this Father’s Day, you cannot go wrong by choosing one from the categories above. If you have already given your dad one too many neckties or cognac bottles, it is definitely time for something new.

Shampoo for Men: Advertising Strategy or The Real Deal?

Used for cleaning, nourishing and removing excess oil, a bottle of shampoo is a must-have in everyone's bathroom. Although both genders recognize the importance of this grooming product, they might make their buying choices based on packaging or advertising rather than on research. After all "hair is just hair", right? But looking closer at the hair follicle and analyzing scalp issues, should provide a clear answer to why gentlemen should be using a masculine geared line.

How To Choose a Men's Shampoo 

"Champo" is the Hindi word for massaging the scalp with oils. Ever since ancient times the two genders picked out formulas, individualized by smell. Unfortunately, most buyers nowadays believe that scent still remains the main and only difference. While the richer, woodier notes differentiate a product made for men, as well as the packaging in darker, bolder colours  that’s not all there is to it. Men have thicker, oilier skin due to the production of testosterone. With this imperative particularity, they are more prone to have a sensitive, irritated scalp than women are. Picking out a hair thickening shampoo for men will always give you better results than any volumizing shampoo stolen from your wife’s shelf.

Favorite Shampoos for Men’s Hair 

With men-only formulas bringing numerous benefits, gentlemen should pick a men shampoo according to their hair type. Remember that even if the bottle in your shopping bag claims to be the best shampoo for men, choosing something that is not targeted to your specific hair type can alter the shape and texture of your hair, causing scalp issues at the same time.

An inspired decision satisfying the pickiest preferences, the luxurious line of Taylor of Bond Street may be exactly what you need. Known to be used by professional barber shops in the British capital city, the special formula adds density by infusing moisture into the hair follicle. While using this nutritious cream, you will be spoiled with subtle, complex scents where the main notes combine lavender, rose, sandalwood or cedar.

Another brand that helps create luster with nature-based products is Anthony Logistics for Men. With ingredients like coconut, chamomile, peppermint or wheat protein, this everyday treat promises healthy sheen as well as style control.

Take care of your hair with Speick, a German expert that equals a healthy scalp and shiny hair. Using the extracts of the rare plant cultivated in the Austrian Alps, the Men's Shower Gel and Shampoo invigorates and pampers using only the power of nature.

The grand variety of shampoos for men covers all hair issues; remember, not all battles are fought exclusively against dandruff. If you are recommended products for oily hair or a hair loss shampoo for men, it is important to combat these enemies to obtain healthy results. The eShave Triple Action Shampoo with Orange Mint is a good candidate, removing both oil buildup and assuring volume. With the freshness of orange and peppermint, and a boost of caffeine, you can safely mark both problems as ‘solved’.

Shampoos for men are created by experts who understand that the hair differences between the two genders don't lie in advertising masculine scents or darker colours. Choose the proper care through professional products developed for men's hair and skin.

Facial Hair Trends

The Changing Face of Facial Hair

Nearly 50% of men who participated in a survey said they don't need to be clean shaven to be well groomed. Over the decades, trends in facial hair have changed dramatically. Think about the iconic 1970s era moustache; it would seem out of place in the 21st century. Likewise, stubble from the "Miami Vice" days and the all-too-recent "soul patch" seem to have found their way into facial hair obscurity. However, some facial hair seems to be preferred by many men who believe that grooming doesn't necessarily mean shaving. For those men, using the right products for a neat moustache or other facial hair is essential. Learn more about how today's man really feels about his facial hair here.

Body Scrub for Men: Why Use It and How To Choose One

Easy exfoliation for all skin types: The Anthony Logistics for Men Mud Scrub Exfoliating Bar

Exfoliating scrub is one of the most popular pampering techniques for smoothing and hydrating from head to toe. Cleaning the skin from impurities, the refreshing experience combines numerous advantages in its gentle yet powerful micro-particles. Inspired by formulations used in spas, the grooming gurus of today have created a variety of exfoliating scrubs for everyday use.

Exfoliating Products for Men

How do body scrubs work? Ingredients like salt, sugar, coffee grounds or rice bran are usually employed as moderately abrasive grains. Aside from these exfoliating particles, the product’s reconditioning properties come from invigorating aromatic oils. The balanced proportions of the ingredients, most of the time 100% natural, help detoxify the skin without reducing its natural moisture. After a fast and easy use, the result will always be softer, brighter skin.

Picking a natural body scrub from a first class masculine brand, you are guaranteed to get no sandpaper feeling even if you decide to use it on your face. However, if you are not a risk taker, focus either on products labeled ''facial scrub'', ''masks'' or on the smooth lather of an exfoliating soap bar. A mixture which combines the purest organic ingredients among which the invigorating green tea and the mild hibiscus flower is the Lucky Tiger face scrub. Applied with regularity, the easy to use product with polishing skin quality promises a smoother, brighter skin.

When choosing among an exfoliating soap bar, a facial or a body scrub, remember to focus on your skin type rather than on scent alone. You cannot go wrong with the Anthony Logistics for Men Mud Scrub Exfoliating Bar: it fits all skin types and invigorates the skin due to its mixture of Dead Sea mud combined with oat meal extract. The same brand offers variations in natural revitalizing body scrubs geared to a man's skin.

Spoil yourself from head to toe, release the tension with an easy to use spa treatment at home.

Merkur: The God of Modern DE Shave

Truly remarkable in its field, Merkur perfected shaving culture offering sophisticated reliability with every polished sharp-edged blade. Through versatile equipment, superbly designed for a pleasurable masculine task, this instantly-recognized name matches the need of beginners and experts alike. Merkur developed eminence, preserving the meticulous precision of DOVO, the knight in shiny armor, as well as the expertise associated to the town of cutlery, Solingen. A subsidiary born of Dovo’s ''Masterpieces in Steel'', Merkur’s wet-shaving products work their wonders on whiskers all over the world.

Merkur was the Roman God of trade, a charming messenger with winged sandals. Double Edged Razors like the Merkur 34C HD, Merkur 38 C or Merkur 23 C underline more than the legendary old world quality or the use of the very best materials. Fitting their fine blades into their precision shavers you will get the best trade: the ideal accessory for the smoothest, closest shave possible. Described as the ''epiphany of tremendous shaving'', the logo using the flying Roman figure is an attractive metaphor for a divine performance.

''Stretch your wings'' and begin a new day refreshed and well groomed 

Start with the Merkur HD 34 C Double Edge Safety Razor if you are new to the art of wet shaving and pick the Gold Plated version if you want to impress with a truly attractive and functional present. The Merkur 38 C range incorporates classic pieces, hefty, promising excellent maneuverability. More than that, the handle of these masterful creations comes in black, blue, red or elegant matte chrome. Even if all these sleek products are easy to use, the Merkur 23 C model has individualized itself through a longer handle for a better grip and extra control. Appropriate for every beard type, the Merkur razor line covers the problem of sensitive skin, the trimming in areas that are difficult to reach, or the issue of thicker hair.

Trust in the Roman God with winged sandals and get the best trade: the perfect shave, just by choosing the reliable Merkur double edge razors.

Clubman Aftershaves: not just a scent, but a statement of intention

The Edouard Pinaud exhibit at the 1904 World's Fair.

A splash of aftershave minutes after the sharp blade has polished your face to smooth and soft is definitely a great finish to a timeless ritual. No matter if we think about the classic or the modern version of the dapper gentlemen, applying men’s aftershave is one of the male body grooming highlights completing the art of manliness. A story of immortal notes, born in the capital of sophistication, Paris, Clubman aftershave has enchanted the royal court of Napoleon the 3rd, expanding to reach the common man looking for some straight up masculine quality.

The wizard behind the mysterious blends, Eduard Pinaud opened the perfumery “House of Pinaud” 202 years ago, in the center of the French capital city. His aim was to appeal to the elaborate gentleman, looking for a “statement of intention” rather than just an exhilarating, rich scent. Combining exotic ingredients in all purpose fragrances like the Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum Classic Aftershave, the Pinaud line was soon described as “unequaled for delicacy of odor, permanency, pungency and elegance”.

Even the demanding modern times appreciate that intriguing splash that brings back a flood of memories. The iconic elegance reminiscent of French tradition and barber shop nostalgia exudes sweet and zesty notes of lime, citrus, rum, musk, lavender or vanilla.

Feel the fresh tingle of the iconic Pinaud Clubman aftershave and articulate your sophistication in a fusion of luxuriant fragrances.

The Shaving Mug: an indispensable wet-shaving accessory

“To achieve the perfect lather”— a goal as old as the ritual of wet shaving itself. With the variety of shaving accessories today, accomplishing that is no longer a utopia. Still, a critical eye is needed when picking these shaving accessories considering the myriad of forms available. One of the shaving accessories for men to receive a lot of attention because of its great assortment in the grooming world is the shaving bowl and its cousin, the shaving mug.

In the ancient world, this indispensable accessory was carved in wood and bone or shaped into clay. With the changes of time, more materials were used enhancing function and longevity, beautifying when it comes to design. The most appreciated representatives of this category today are the porcelain mug/bowl, the stainless steel bowl or the classic apothecary mug. In choosing a product over another, it is important that you compare more than the attractive, polished aspect.

The delicacy of porcelain makes the mug/bowl truly a stylish creation. The inverted hat shape of the Edwin Jagger Porcelain Shaving Bowl has attracted many wet shaving enthusiasts because of its soft curves available in black, ivory and white. More than that, this smart design is known to keep the soap in place as well as preventing the brush from clacking. The somewhat vintage appearance finished with the EJ emblem combines the artistic with the highly practical.

Another ceramic highlight are the creations of the American brand Colonel Ichabod Conk. These shaving mugs distinguish themselves through a more contemporary aspect or unique styling details (decorative borders). A model which does not really fit the “mug” description but compensates with functionality is the Colonel Ichabod Conk Rectangular Classic Wet Shaving Mug. Because of its built-in soap dish and reservoir, the rectangular shaving soap mug manages to prevent the excess of soap and water as well as maintaining the water temperature and soap moisture.

How about the simplistic stainless steel bowl? Shiny, polished on the inside and out, the shaving bowl made of this material is definitely light and handy. With corrosion resistance, mirror finishing and usually a matching lid, the clean lines characterizing this accessory match standard sized soaps. If you are a fan of this kind of impeccable craftsmanship, then the Thiers Issard Stainless Steel Bowl with Lid or the Vulfix Pewter Bowl for Shaving Soap will prove guaranteed showstoppers.

Apothecary Shaving Mugs
Usually manufactured of ceramic in hourglass shapes, the classic apothecary mug targets the gentlemen who prefer holding the mug in their hands while shaving. The different shape, deeper than other models is giving this model a definite plus point allowing freedom of motion, minimizing spills together with a secure grip due to the sturdy knob. The Fendrihan Classic Apothecary Mug in Black or White offers the elegant porcelain finishing along with the holding advantage.

Image Credits: hot lather by Scott Feldstein

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.

Horsehair Shaving Brushes: The European Alternative

The wet shaving aficionado knows the fine qualities of the badger hair shaving brush. Badger hair absorbs water, much like human hair. The more water a brush can hold and the more fine hairs that the brush has, the smoother and creamier the lather it makes. The springiness of the hairs helps apply the lather right underneath the beard stubble, and lifts any ingrown hair from the face. With proper care, they can stay soft and pliable, even after years of repeated use. Even so, the badger hair shaving brush, especially the high quality ones, can become very expensive.

Is there any way to cut back on the price without sacrificing the shaving experience?
Vie-Long in Spain presents horse hair as an alternative to the brush dilemma. Horsehair is easy to get, and since cutting bits of horsehair from the mane and tail of a horse won't hurt it, animal rights groups give it the green light. It is soft enough to use as textile fiber, yet stiff enough to work itself through facial stubble. It also has an advantage over boar bristle in Muslim countries, where all products made from pigs are not allowed. What's more, horse hair shaving brushes were actually popular up until the 1920s, when unsanitary conditions led to the decline of their use. Now that public health practices have greatly improved, this type of shaving brushes are trending up again.

Vie-Long specializes in making brushes for make-up as well as for shaving since its establishment in 1940. Although their product line includes pure badger hair brushes as well as different combinations of horsehair, badger hair and bristle, their pure horsehair brushes have quite a following because of their smoothness and denseness. These carefully handcrafted products come in a selection of beautiful handles that best fit your grip, from metal, to faux ivory, to finely carved wood.

Whether you choose horsehair for ethical reasons or economical, the Vie-Long brush that you bring home with you will be the best choice. The soft, cleansing touch it has on the face leaves you with the sense that you are right in having it. That is the perfect shaving experience.

Hair Grooming Tips for Gentlemen

When it comes to hair grooming tips, there are a few important habits that can help men make the most of their hair care routines. Choosing the right hair brush and keeping hair brushes clean are two surefire ways to promote good grooming. With such a great variety of gentlemen's hair brushes available on today's market, there is literally something for everyone.

Types of Hair Brushes
Some of the best brushes for hair are high-quality tools made from durable, natural materials like ox horn, wood and natural bristles. The exquisite hair brushes for men made by Abbeyhorn comprise all three of these natural components. There are also wonderful hand-finished brushes from Kent that pair a comfortable wooden handle with natural fiber bristles or quills.

Abbeyhorn Ox Horn, Wood and Natural Bristle Oval Hair Brush

Plisson manufactures hair brushes with wooden handles and natural bristles; some models also include nylon bristles for superior detangling and body. There are many different types of brushes for hair, and the finest of these can easily be purchased from online retailers like Toronto-based Fendrihan, which caters to men of distinction.

Plisson Pneumatic Hair Brush with Bubinga Wood Handle

How to Clean Hair Brushes
Cleaning hair brushes is a very important part of grooming because you don't want to brush your hair with a brush that is dirty or clogged with dead, discarded hairs. Fortunately, there is a perfect solution for anyone who has ever wondered how to clean hair brushes. The Kent Handmade Hairbrush Cleaner is an affordable tool that enables you to clean the debris that collects on the base of your hair brush and effectively remove the hair that collects on the bristles. Regularly cleaning your hair brush can extend its life for years of use and enjoyment, making your purchase of a hair brush a lasting investment in good grooming.