Can shave oil harm your brush?

MagiAndrew · 07-03-2008, 01:33 AM

I recently picked up some samples of Truefitt & Hill shave oil. Before I use some I'd like to know if there's any danger of the oil getting picked up by my badger hair brush and ruining it's ability to absorb water.

Thanks.

-Andrew

Mike_ratliff · 07-03-2008, 02:46 AM

All hair has some oil in it, and your shave soap will prevent the oil from doing anything. I've been using different oils for about a year and have seen no difference in my brush.
Remember that soap is a salt mixture that allows oil and water s to mix. That's what makes it such a good cleaning agent. You have some soap in your brush always, you just can't get it out. If you don't believe me, smell your brush, it will smell like the last soap you used... Mmmm Mama bear's beau Brummel... The scent is there because the soap is still there.

Even if you soak your brush in oil, the next time it hits lather the oil will start to wash away. I can't tell you it will get all the oil off, but that is what soap does.

If you had a clue about half the stuff we put in your shave soap, you wouldn't worry about a little oil.

Here's a sample. All soap is made from oil water and lye in some combination. It can also contain added essential oils, fragrance oils, plant extracts, ash, clay, mud, salts, sugars, dyes... sand...

Chris L · 07-03-2008, 03:41 AM

Like Mike, I have had no ill effects of using pre-shave oil with my brush (a Tweezerman). I make my own shave oil which is basically just a bit of sunflower oil and some essential oils mixed in. No problems and my brush performs just as I want it to.

Chris L

riooso · 07-03-2008, 04:05 AM

I use shave oil a little different than most. Apply about 20 minutes before you shower. It will absorb into skin and hair then when you wash it off it will leave some behind. Works well for me when I know my skin is dry and thus the shave quality will drop off.

Take Care,
Richard

MagiAndrew · 07-03-2008, 04:32 AM

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the help.

marosell · 07-03-2008, 05:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike_ratliff

If you had a clue about half the stuff we put in your shave soap, you wouldn't worry about a little oil.

Hahaha!

thebigspendur · 07-04-2008, 12:46 AM

I don't use oil so I can't talk from experience and it would seem a good soap rinse would wash oil out. However the makers of most of the better brushes advise against using oil with their brushes.

RichZ · 07-05-2008, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I don't use oil so I can't talk from experience and it would seem a good soap rinse would wash oil out. However the makers of most of the better brushes advise against using oil with their brushes.

Hey get some Castle Fobbes Lime oil shave cream and you can both, ditch he preshave oil and not worry about your brush. This stuff rocks.

Seraphim · 07-18-2008, 06:07 PM

Shampoo works great for cleaning up a brush. I use oil quite liberally for my daily shave. No problems.

SIB · 08-13-2008, 07:38 AM

I did noticed my brushes clogging little bit when using pre-shaving oil affecting somewhat the bristles softness,( i used to use the art of shaving preshave oil wich is very very thick) like seraphim said...a good shampoo will make your brush the best it can be again.

English · 08-13-2008, 04:40 PM

Borax mixed in water is a good solution for refreshing a shaving brush. It removes any old soap deposits and I suppose any excess oils on the badger hair
This said I have at times used various shaving oils and none of them ever effected my brush.

dward · 08-14-2008, 01:20 PM

I have never had any issue with the T&H pre-shave oil causing problems with my brush. Having said that I must say that I use the oil only in my chin area.

Dan