#1

Member
Virginia
(This post was last modified: 05-28-2016, 02:21 PM by gregcss.)
I've been using synthetic for the last couple years and started using a badger brush recently. My neck and jaw line are itchy for the next several hours or even days. I notice what looks like a couple ingrown hairs on the neck too. I'm thinking it's either the brush or coincidentally my technique took a turn for the worse when I started using the brush. I will go back to the syns for a few days and see what happens. When i first started DE shaving I used an inexpensive badger brush with no issue. Is being allergic to badger hair a thing?
#2
Could be.

Was the brush brand new and never used before you got it?

If you take a break from it, lather and rinse it every day for a while. Until there's no badger smell anymore detectable after soaking it in warm water.

Maybe if you are a getting a reaction to badger you might see it dissipate by getting the funk out.?

I doubt ingrown hairs are allergies. Maybe a part of it though by a side effect of inflammation. More likely a coincidence.

Get the brush wet in warm water. Run it all over the inside of your forearm and see if you get a reaction there. Might be an indication one way or the other.

Did you make any other change around the same time? Blade, razor, soap? Anything?
Shave yourself.
-Todd
#3

Scentsless Shaver
Oakland, ME
I noticed recently that I was getting a razor burn sensation on my face, which happens when I use a badger brush. This happens even with a mild razor and blade. I have no issues when using a synthetic brush. I experimented with soaps, and the issue was repeatable. It took me weeks to try and figure it out.
Interested in hearing about other's experiences.

Sent from my Galaxy S7
- Eric 
Put your message in a modem, 
And throw it in the Cyber Sea
--Rush, "Virtuality"

Overloader of brushes, Overlander fanboy, Schickhead, and a GEM in the rough!
#4

Member
Virginia
(05-27-2016, 11:59 PM)bakerbarber Wrote: Could be.

Was the brush brand new and never used before you got it?

If you take a break from it, lather and rinse it every day for a while. Until there's no badger smell anymore detectable after soaking it in warm water.

Maybe if you are a getting a reaction to badger you might see it dissipate by getting the funk out.?

I doubt ingrown hairs are allergies. Maybe a part of it though by a side effect of inflammation. More likely a coincidence.

Get the brush wet in warm water. Run it all over the inside of your forearm and see if you get a reaction there. Might be an indication one way or the other.

Did you make any other change around the same time? Blade, razor, soap? Anything?

Thanks for the input. The brush is brand new. It's not too funky but will try rinsing everyday while taking a break from it. Nothing else has changed - same stuff in the rotation. There is no reaction on my face except below jaw line/neck which is why I'm leaning to technique issue.
#5
What grade of badger hair? Pure/black can be very prickly, especially when new.

Is it scratchy when you lather with it? Do you feel any sort of prickling/irritation when you lather, or do you only have the itch after?
#6

Member
Virginia
(05-28-2016, 12:19 AM)landlgrooming Wrote: What grade of badger hair?  Pure/black can be very prickly, especially when new.  

Is it scratchy when you lather with it?  Do you feel any sort of prickling/irritation when you lather, or do you only have the itch after?

It's a 'luxury' silvertip. The brush feels excellent on the face - like rubbing against a fluffy pillow but softer. The shave itself is great...it's just the post shave.
#7

Member
Virginia
(05-28-2016, 12:03 AM)MaineYooper Wrote: I noticed recently that I was getting a razor burn sensation on my face, which happens when I use a badger brush. This happens even with a mild razor and blade. I have no issues when using a synthetic brush. I experimented with soaps, and the issue was repeatable. It took me weeks to try and figure it out.
Interested in hearing about other's experiences.

Sent from my Galaxy S7

Very interesting. Thanks for letting me know about your experience.
#8

Posting Freak
Canada
This seems a bit odd. Are you using a new soap or other new product other than revisiting the badger brush?
Celestino
Love, Laughter & Shaving  Heart
#9

Member
Houston, Texas
Yes, weirdly some people are allergic to it. A fella on my cigar forum said he had to go synthetic due to being allergic. Someone suggested using a boar brush. Weird, but true.
Look Ma, I'm wet shaving, I'm wet shaving...
#10

Member
Virginia
(05-28-2016, 05:18 AM)celestino Wrote: This seems a bit odd. Are you using a new soap or other new product other than revisiting the badger brush?

No, not at the time this happened a week+ ago. I did acquire and use B&M 42 and TSN LE Brutalt Bra soaps recently. I'll explain more in my next post.


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