Bristles are pretty firm. I'm no sissy [SEP] Built well.  Bristles are pretty firm.  I'm no sissy, and I can take the firm bristles, I guess it's good for exfoliating, if that matters, but it does not feel as good as softer ones I've used.  Some people like that sort of thing, I suppose. Probably people with thick, African wildebeest like skin.  What ever.  I like that the handle comes off and becomes a hand brush.