Loofah vs silicone scrubber: which should you use?

In the loofah vs silicone scrubber question, the deciding factor is drying. A loofah or mesh puff soaks up water and stays damp, so it needs replacing every few weeks. A silicone scrubber does not soak anything up, so you rinse it, hang it and it dries.

Both will help you build a lather. One is a lot less maintenance.

Quick answer

• Loofahs and mesh puffs stay damp and need replacing every few weeks.
• Silicone does not absorb water, so it rinses off and dries quickly.
• Use a small amount of gel and gentle circles.
• Rinse and hang whatever you use after every shower.

Why loofahs need replacing

A loofah, plant fibre or plastic mesh, is full of tiny gaps. That is what makes it lather well. It is also what makes it hold onto water, soap and whatever came off your skin.

Hung up in a steamy bathroom, it rarely dries properly before the next shower. That is why the usual advice is to replace one every few weeks. Most men keep theirs for months.

How a silicone scrubber is different

Silicone does not soak anything up. Water and lather sit on the surface and rinse straight off. Hang it up and it dries quickly, then it is ready for the next shower.

It also lasts. You are not buying a new one every month.

The trade-off is feel. A loofah is rougher and some people like that. Most silicone scrubbers use soft nubs rather than mesh, so the pressure is more even and it is easier to be gentle.

How to use a silicone body scrubber

1. Wet your skin and the scrub.
2. Add a small amount of shower gel to the scrub, not your hand.
3. Work it in small circles. Shoulders, chest, back as far as you can reach, arms and legs.
4. Go gently on anything sensitive. It is not sandpaper.
5. Rinse yourself, then rinse the scrub and hang it up.

How to clean a silicone scrubber

After every shower, rinse it under the tap and hang it up to dry. Every so often, give it a wash with warm soapy water. Some silicone scrubbers can go in the dishwasher, so check what yours says.

If you do stick with a loofah, wring it out after every shower, hang it somewhere it can dry and replace it often.

Which should you use?

If you like a loofah and genuinely replace it every few weeks, carry on. If yours has been hanging there since the last time you moved house, switch to silicone.

Ours is a silicone scrub you can add to a GUYSTUFF Original shower gel order, alongside the 300ml and the 100ml travel size. It is quick drying and reusable, which is the point.

Whichever you pick, give it its own hook where it can drip dry, rather than leaving it on the shower floor or wedged behind a bottle.

FAQ

Are loofahs bad?

Not bad, just high maintenance. They need to dry properly between uses and be replaced often.

How often should you replace a loofah?

Every few weeks is the common advice. Sooner if it smells or looks discoloured.

How often should you use a body scrub?

Most men use one every shower with gentle pressure. If your skin feels irritated, ease off, and if it does not settle, ask a pharmacist or GP.

Do silicone scrubbers lather?

Yes. Add a small amount of gel to the scrub and work it in. It builds up quickly.

Can you use a silicone scrubber on your face?

We would keep it for your body. Use your hands or a soft face cloth for your face.

Can you share a silicone scrubber?

We would not. Treat it like a toothbrush. One each.

If yours has been hanging there too long, have a look at GUYSTUFF Original.