I bought this brush back in October and have been using it at least 5 days a week, since. The bristles are firm and natural feeling, some might find it to be a bit harsh at first. Because the bristles are natural and of course dry, a few rouge bristles can actually scratch your skin as they did with mine, so start out with very gentle strokes. I have dry and sensitive skin, so I liked the fact that this brush was made of natural materials and provided a more firm brush bristle. I needed a brush that could go deeper in some areas that needed more exfoliation, but also provide a softer and less abrasive brush for more the sensitive areas of my skin. Although I feel this brush was effective in this manner, I do find that it is bit too abrasive for my chest, neck and abdominal area, so I try my best to apply a light pressure with minimal strokes and sometimes, omit the sensitive areas altogether.I love how it feels on my back in the areas that it can reach!........which is the biggest downfall of this brush in my opinion. I cannot brush my back nearly as effectively as I can everywhere else and my back is one of the areas of my body that needs it the most! This brush measures 9 inches, but even if you have very long arms which i do not, it is still difficult to get the back area using the appropriate brushing technique. I have tried bending my arms in front of a mirror in every direction and just cannot get the leverage needed.The other downfall of this brush is that it gets matted down easily, losing it effectiveness. I wash mine at least once a week and let it dry in the sun. I use mixture of tea tree essential oil, water and white vinegar which I find the most effective for cleaning. It does restore back to it's original state, but mattes back down again after each use.I am an absolute body brush convert. Body brushing alone has single-handedly changed my skin. My skin is softer, firmer and healthier than it's ever been not to mention all the wonderful benefits to the lymphatic system. I just wish this was longer!I am now ready to order a new brush, but I am going to try one with actual bristles with a longer handle to see how it compares. I would buy this brush again if was available in longer size or may use is alongside a longer brush.I purchased this brush for dry body brushing to help with detoxifymg my body. I have only used it a couple of times so I am judging it based on shipping, quality, and also appearance.I received the brush very quickly. I was pleasantly surprised. The brush did shed a bit as I pulled from the bag. I had read other reviews and people had stated it sheds a bit at first so I took it over my garbage can and ran my fingers over it to let go of any loose bristles. I did my first dry brushing standing in the shower before I turned on the water. I did not notice any shedding. That may be because I got it all out over the trash can or because my tub is a light color, like the bristles.The brush is comfortable in my hand and doesnt poke me with the fibers like a few others had complained. It seems well made and it is easy to use. Mi d wish the bristles were a little softer, like natural bore bristles but this is made from vegetable fiber, so I cannot expect it to be as soft. I prefer that this doesn't come from an animal source. I had read in other reviews that at first it may seem sharp and stiff but after a time of using it your skin gets used to it. I only find it a little painful on my stomach. I did notice light scratches on my shins, but nothing deep. Just very superficial. I do also find it invigorating! Four starts because I wish it was a bit softer.I purchased this at the request of my wife who was looking for a dry brush that would help with dry skin and ingrown hairs. I've personally never heard of "dry brushing" before and I originally thought that this was just a shower brush. The tag on the brush states that it could be used for the bath or for "dry air massage". It also states that it is made from "the fibers of the Japanese palm plant". She has been using it for the past few days now and just loves it. I used it on my arms and elbows but didn't like it on my back. It felt too scratchy to me. Anyway, I bought it for her and she has really been pleased with it so far. I asked her why she wanted this particular brush over others and she stated that she liked the price and has enjoyed using other Earth Therapeutics products. She likes to use it before showering so she can wash the dead skin off and then use a moisturizer/lotion afterwards. It has a very natural and organic look to it and I can appreciate the fiber loop for hanging it on the wall outside of the shower. The brush itself appears to be made well and I am not finding palm plant fibers all over the place. I guess the use of this would largely depend on skin sensitivity and how firmly you use it. I think I'll just stick with exfoliating scrubs and leave the dry brushing to her! She has been very happy with it however and pleased with the results so far.I bought this for dry skin brushing. I've didn't keep up with dry skin brushing in the past because I bought one of those long handle brushes and just didn't like the ergonomics of it, I guess is the only way to describe it. This is so must more comfortable in my hand and the length is just perfect without having an unnecessary long handle.One reviewer said they couldn't reach the middle of their back and told us they were were 5'7 and 6'. I don't know what height has to do with it, but I'm 5'8" and I can reach that difficult spot between the shoulderblades with this. (I'm not skinny or extremely limber either!)As another reviewer said, my skin got really itchy after dry brushing. I figured that was natural and part of the process - I looked it up and discovered it just means my skin is really dry. As I continue to improve my health with more live hydrating foods, and daily brushing, I have seen my skin get so soft and healthier feeling -)back to the way is was before being in my early 50's!). Actually after first dry brushing it was really soft as it is taking off the rough dead skin.Everything I've read about dry skin brushing says you have to give it time to get used to it and then you will love it.Its true and with the perfect size of this brush I finally get to love dry skin brushing.I use this for dry brushing, I’ve used it for a week it’s feels very effective it has a good brush.Made a huge difference to my skinLove this!Great quality. Product just as described. Thank youVery poor product. The fiber is coming out with every use so it's only good to use it outside your home.