At the last blog update, I wrote about the latest hair supply and what I’ve been working on with regards to the characteristics of the hair that I will be looking to source going forward. Also, I did mention, as always, that if folks had any feedback for me to reach out via email or direct message. After that blog post, I did receive quite a few messages with feedback about hair preferences, and more specifically about the tip attributes of the knots.
Most of the hair that has been shipping this year has been featuring lighter tip treatment than historically has been the case for The Varlet’s knots. Mostly that is because when The Varlet’s custom brushes were launched back in early 2020, preferences for tip treatment were very much in the “gel or nothing” realm. While that hair gave an incredible lathering experience, which was a result of extensive sorting as well as the tip treatment, the topic of natural attributes for two-band has been circling more and more around the ideal hair tip conversation.
As my own preferences have also evolved, the knots this year have been reflecting that change and many folks have been incredibly happy with their brushes. However, since I have been reaching out to folks to ask about their preferences and also since many have written in with their opinions as well, I thought it best to take another dive into the hair treatment aspect of the knots and try to give this attribute some structure. As a result, the blog post I had planned for the end of the summer was put on hold and I went to work on being able to give folks this option for their custom builds.
My aim was to keep this pretty straightforward and as simple as possible, but to also give enough avenues to allow folks to get a knot that will be tailored to their tastes and to make their custom pieces that much more suited to the way they like to lather up.
Tip Sorting
This year I’ve really tried to push the boundaries of the hair sorting process, to really find out where the curve starts to level off as far as hair selection and how that translates to marginal gains in tip softness. Working with some of the best hair that I’ve ever sourced, I did extensive tests with varying degrees of tip selection standards, which gave me insight with regards to how the tips of these higher grades of two-band hair behave and perform, and what is the best approach and the ideal balance between sorting and tip treatment.
This research and development process has given me the chance to be able to set this new Tip Softness option with a deeper understanding of the two-band grade of hair and how to best structure the different levels to give the best chance at making the ideal knot for each piece and more importantly each patron.
Tip Softness Option - In Detail
Tip Softness option will be available in addition to Knot Density (XD or HD-T), and will be at no additional cost.
The Varlet’s knots have long featured two knot density options, and now three tip softness options. Pretty simple, but covering a wide range of preferences. I really think folks will appreciate having the option to dial in a knot that much more, and maybe to try different tip characteristics for different brush builds, based on not only preference but also intended purpose. Maybe you want a Sunday morning brush, or maybe you need a “shave a week’s growth” type of knot in your line-up. The choice is now available.
Level I - Mild treatment
Tips are very light in color with a natural feel. The action at the tips is scrubby with good hair lifting attributes but is not abrasive. Very comfortable but is not “angel soft”. Treatment is generally undetectable, this option keeps the hair as close to its natural state while optimizing the benefits that a light treatment can give.
Level II - Medium treatment
Tips are very light/white in color. Tips are very soft, reducing the scrubby attributes but maintaining a natural feel. While still not incredibly soft, the face feel is very luxurious and very comfortable. Hair lifting action is moderate, and treatment is still not detectable but could gel very minimally. The most balanced option if you prefer a knot with really soft tips.
Level III - Heavy treatment
Tips are white in color and incredibly soft. This is the softest option and will in most cases be done in-house to ensure treatment is not excessive. Tips could exhibit some gelling when wet, making the treatment more obvious. The option for those with a preference for the softest knot tips during use.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by for this one and for reading. I feel excited about being able to offer this new option going forward, and I think the brushes will have a new angle to be able to take each build to new frontiers. Let’s make some builds!
-Aldo
