Foo - Shaving with a brush?

After going my whole life shaving electric and never being happy about the closeness, I switched to having with a wet razor 6 or so months ago. It was ok, definitely got closer, but wasn't ever happy with the lather I was getting from a can of shaving cream (and was having issues with razor burn on my neck), so I figured I'd give this whole shaving soap and brush thing a try.

For the most part, I like it. I get a better lather, seem to get less razor burn (though that could also just be better technique with more practice), and I like the smell of the (hypoallergenic) soap I have. So all is good, right? Well yes, except for one thing. Every time I shave, my brush (badger hair) ends up losing 5-6 hairs on my face (or in the bowl). The thing is, right now I have a beard, so all I'm shaving is my neck and upper cheeks (and only a couple of times a week). I'd hate to see how many I'd lose if I was shaving my full face every day. Is this normal?

Just to make sure I'm doing things right (this is how I read to do things). Hold the brush sideways under hot water until it's saturated and water runs through it. Turn it brush side down and let excess water run out. Brush on soap until some lather is worked up. Lather up face. Rinse soap out of brush by holding sideways under hot water. Sort of spin to get excess water out. Hang in stand brush side down to dry. Is that the right way to be doing it?

I used to use the soap and brush but got tired of getting cut, my skin seems to be sensitive to the razor and I was getting nicked a lot. I use an electric rotary razor and while the shave is not as close it is a bit smoother, I suspect that instead of the hair being cut at an angle with a sharp point the rotary razor cuts it more bluntly leaving less of a sharp angle with a pointy tip.

Your brush will eventually stop or at least slow way down from losing bristles. I have a good quality brush that's probably 50 years old, my dad had it when I was a kid, and while a bit thinner it is still quite usable. You're doing it rights as far as technique, it's the same way that I used to do it. FINDING soap was one issue I used to have, at least soap that would fit in the cup, although that is not really necessary to using any good moisturizing soap. I'll bet you can find some online without too much trouble.

"Badger and Blade" is to shaving what Bike Forums is to cycling. You'll find tons of good info there.

They all shed to start, but the loose hairs should all be gone in short order. If it is continuing to shed then it may be time to buy a better brush.

I had a BodyWorks® brush that shed worse than the cat. My current brush (no name Chinese made silver tip badger) dropped a few dozen hairs and that was it. The price range on brushes is unbelievable. I won't spend more than $40.00 for one with shipping.

"Badger and Blade" is to shaving what Bike Forums is to cycling. You'll find tons of good info there.
2nd that

FINDING soap was one issue I used to have, at least soap that would fit in the cup, although that is not really necessary to using any good moisturizing soap. I'll bet you can find some online without too much trouble.
I like Mike's Soap quit a lot.

I've been using this (http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=342997&catid=288413&aid=338666&aparam=goobase_filler) because it came in the same kit as the bowl, stand, and brush (all for $30, so definitely not the most expensive brush). I'm sure there are cheaper soaps, and I might try them when this runs out, but I do like the smell, and like I said it came with the kit.
http://pics2.ds-static.com/prodimg/342997/300.JPG

After being the first to point out you should be using the razor to shave, let me ad mine sheds an occasional hair too. I inherited mine from my Grandfather, and he bought it before he passed in 1988. I'm not sure how much he used it, but I've only used it for about a year and a half. My cats can definitely outshed that brush too, if there was some way I could recycle cat fur I'd be set for the long haul.

VDH brushes are hit and miss. I do prefer boar bristles over badger and like the hefty plastic handles on them as it keeps the brush from floating in the hot water and on that note...
Fill your shaving mug with really hot water and drop in your brush. Let the heat permeate the shaving bowl (which should be a good thick ceramic bowl or cup) to get it heated. Let it sit as you brush your teeth.
Dump the hot water out then put in your shaving cream. Stir to a rich hot lather and shave!
If you use shaving soap instead of cream, pour hot water in the shaving bowl, over the brush and soap and let them sit while you brush your teeth or do something quick in the morning. You will get a luxurious hot shave with a hot brush.
After shaving, gently rinse lather out of brush and shake brush about 10 times in the shower area to get all the water out.
Use only quality fragrant shaving soaps, you are worth it! I swear that shaving is probably the closest that I'll get to aromatherapy.


Edit: For the most part, badger bristles is the accepted way to go as far as brushes go and I seem to be in the minority. A while back a holy war was fought in Straight Razor Place over this very same topic with no clear winner.

For me, shaving isn't an art, it's just shaving. I shave right out of the shower using a brush I have had for eons and Aveno gel. Sharp Mach 3 blades. Clean, close and no rash.