Dear Esteemed Gentlemen I have always had allergies to both cat and dog hair. Childhood with pets at home was a nightmare. I stay pet free, now that I am of bearded age. My question is - is it likely that I will have an allergic reaction if I start using a badger hair brush? What have other pet-allergic shavers experienced on this subject? I would rather invest in a top-end synthetic brush right away if the norm seems to be that I would most likely find badger hair irritant. I look forward to your advice. Thank you. Pipps
I made a slight edit above. Maybe start with an inexpensive boar brush from your local Pharmacy, if no problems there, try an inexpensive Badger brush.
The animal hair brushes are cleaned (sterilized, sanitized) during manufacturing. Is your allergy with the hair or dander of the animals? Going with a synthetic is the safest option of course. But, Moe's suggestion of a cheap (~$5-10) boar brush might help you determine if the more expensive badger brushes would be problematic.
Allergy Hi Pipps I too have an allergy to cats and dogs. As far as I can judge, it is as our friend stated the dander, not the hair itself. I have been using badger and boar brushes (boar maybe an option?) with absolutely no problems. I see you are a fellow Brit, have a look at the starter sets in www.traditionalshaving.co.uk I got my set there and brush has given me great service. Good luck Russell
Kind Sirs! Thank you for your advice. Though I would not wish to purchase more than one brush, I must admit that it would seem difficult to tell whether I would have an allergic response or not. I am not sure how to distinguish between pet dander and hair. I suppose everywhere that hair is found, dander will be found also. Those pesky pets! Still, we have a lot to thank the badgers for. Although I hope no badger would be offended if I were to invest in a synthetic brush, just to play it safe. I am reminded of the adage: 'Only wealthy people can afford the luxury of buying cheap things.' I would hate to spend-out on a cheap boar-hair brush if I was to find myself grow unsatisfied with it over time. Can anyone recommend a good synthetic brush from experience, or would that be the subject of a forum search, or another thread? Rangers, thank you for the recommendation on your brush and kit supplier. I will definitely give them a thorough perusal. Brits, unite! Best wishes one and all Pipps
Hi there, and welcome to this place, Here's a link you might find useful. Keep in mind that this is a fairly old thread, but it should give you some ideas about synthetics. The B&B member (Bjorn) was really nice to make the effort putting this together......see what you think. Have fun with the loooong read......heh. Martin http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=27683&highlight=synthetic+brush+reviews