11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (2024)

Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Shaving Brushes at a Glance Some Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing a Good Shave Brush Purpose The 5 Most Important Factors to Consider Before You Buy Any Shave Brush 1. Type 2. Price – Your Budget 3. Size 4. Handle Fit and Material 5. Sheddingof Bristles Before You Buy – Remember This Best Shaving Brush (Summary) 1. Edwin Jagger Large Silvertip Badger Hair Shaving Brush – Best Luxury Shaving Brush 2. Parker Faux Horn Handle, 100% Silvertip Badger Men’s Shaving Brush & Stand – Soft & Durable 3. Edwin Jagger Best Badger Shaving Brush – Best Badger Shaving Brush 4. Parker Long Loft 100% Pure Badger Bristle Shaving Brush – Best Budget Shaving Brush 5. Edwin Jagger 1ej256sds Traditional English Super Badger Hair Shaving Brush – Great Companion for Your Wet Shaving Regime 6. Semogue 620 Superior Boar Bristle Shaving Brush – Great All-Round Shaving Brush 7. Omega Pure Bristle 10049 Shaving Brush – Lots of Bang for Your Buck 8. Vie-Long 12705 Horse Hair Shaving Brush – Best Horse Hair Shaving Brush 9. VIKINGS BLADE White Knight Luxury Shaving Brush – Best Synthetic Hair Shaving Brush 10. Frank Shaving Pur-Tech Synthetic Hair Shaving Brush – Easy to Maintain Shaving Brush 11. FS Synthetic Hair Travel Shaving Brush – Best Travel Shave Brush 5 Easy Steps on How to Use a Shaving Brush 1. Prepare the Bowl and Brush 2. Drain Some Water 3. Build the Lather 4. Lather Your Face 5. Reapply the Lather So Which Is Better, Your Hand or a Brush? FAQ Shaving Brushes Does A Shaving Brush Make A Difference? Are Badgers Killed To Make Shaving Brushes? How Do I Choose A Shaving Brush? Why Is A Badger Hair Good For Shaving? How Long Do Badger Shaving Brushes Last? How We Made This List of Best Shaving Brushes Conclusion

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In this review and buyer’s guide, we will help you find the best shaving brush for your preferences and needs. The goal is to make you have a good shaving experience.

Wet shaving has been around for a long time, but for some time it has dropped off the radar screen and is just recently finding its way back to the hearts of many. The on and offs with the use and popularity of this shaving technique are no reflection of its efficiency. As a matter of fact, though an old-school product, a shave brush is one of the best and most efficient shaving tools. Ask your grandfather or any man who shaved back in the day and they will testify to this.

Contents show

Top 3 Best Shaving Brushes at a Glance

Best Luxury Shaving Brush

11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (1)

Bestseller

11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (2)

Best Badger Shaving Brush

11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (3)

Brand/ Model

Edwin Jagger Large Silvertip Badger Hair Shaving Brush

Parker Silvertip Badger Shaving Brush

Edwin Jagger Best Badger Shaving Brush

Hair Type

Silvertip Badger

Silvertip Badger

Best Badger

Customer Rating

Prime

-

11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (4)

11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (5)

Best Luxury Shaving Brush

11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (6)

Brand/ Model

Edwin Jagger Large Silvertip Badger Hair Shaving Brush

Hair Type

Silvertip Badger

Customer Rating

Prime

-

Where to Get

Best Badger Shaving Brush

11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (9)

Brand/ Model

Edwin Jagger Best Badger Shaving Brush

Hair Type

Best Badger

Customer Rating

Prime

11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (10)

Where to Get

Last update on 2024-08-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking to take up wet shaving in the 21st century, you have the opportunity to change the task of shaving into something special. However, if you intend to do it the right way, there are several tools that you will need to get a close and smooth shave. Aside from a classic shave cream or soap for shaving and a razor, either a safety razor, or if you want to go for the best straight razor, it is imperative that you get a great shave brush as well.

Shocking right? How does a shave brush affect the quality of wet-shaving? Well, believe it or not, it does. And many people tend to disregard this vital piece in any shaving kit – also if you want to go hardcore and pick up a quality straight razor kit. This page is all about shaving brushes, all the ins and outs, and how you can choose the best shave brush in the market for your specific needs and preferences.

In this article, we’ll give you our recommendations for the best shaving brushes based on your preferences – including our Editors’ Choice, the Edwin Jagger Large Silvertip Badger Hair Shaving Brush.

Some Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing a Good Shave Brush

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Why in the world would anyone with fingers need to use a brush when shaving? This is a concern that many of you might have. One can lather up the hair using their hands. But the question is, is this as effective as using a shave brush?

Honestly, no. Take it from a professional.

Purpose

Getting a quality shave brush is one of the signs that you are taking your wet shaving routine seriously. But in addition to this, it also is a clear indication that you are intent on getting a close and clean shave. That said, below are some of the advantages of using this tool.

  1. First and foremost, it will help to whip air into the shaving soap or cream which will help to create a richer lather
  2. It will soften as well as lift the hairs from the skin
  3. Using a brush creates some bit of friction which in turn not only helps in lubricating the skin but also helps to generate enough heat to open up the pores
  4. Bristles of the brush exfoliate the skin gently and rid the face of dead skin
  5. You’ll need less shave cream or soap to create a good lather
  6. No harmful gases or by-products from a pressurized container

It is a given, wet shaving is similar to what your Grandpa did. We all agree on this. However, the finer things and moments in life have value to many of us and it is without a doubt that classic shaving is an important niche in the market.

Now that we have that of the way and you are ready to purchase a top shave brush, whether for the first time or not, there are several things that you have to consider before you spend your hard-earned money on any product.

The 5 Most Important Factors to Consider Before You Buy Any Shave Brush

1. Type

The type or kind of hair the brush features is probably the most important decision that you need to make when picking the best shave brush. There are our main types/ kinds of bristles that you are bound to come across. These include boar hair, badger hair, horsehair, and synthetic hair.

Each of these bristle types comes with its positives and negatives. But be it as it may, as a golden rule of thumb, the boar hair bristle is by far the most popular and easy to find in drugstores and supermarkets. Horsehair, on the other hand, is slowly increasing its popularity in the market. As its name suggests, it has been made from a horse’s mane or tail.

At this point, I feel it is important to point this out. Getting boar or badger hair means that you will have to kill the animal.

That is the price paid. As such, if you have a problem with this, then you are better off buying horsehair or synthetic brush.

2. Price – Your Budget

An important part about this piece of equipment is the fact that you will always be able to find one that will suit your budget. High-end ones are going for $150 and more and affordable ones go for less than $30. Heck, some can go for as low as $10. However, even with the variation in prices, you should still consider the quality of the brush.

3. Size

The shape and size of a brush are also another really important factor that one needs to consider. The dimensions are measured in millimeters. They are usually divided into 3 parts; height, knot, and loft.

The loft refers to the length (millimeters) of hair. It is measured from the handle’s top to the ends/ tip of the hair. The Knot, on the other hand, refers to the amount or bulk of hair that is packed into a handle. The overall height adds the handle length to the loft.

Generally, the large brushes are best as they tend to lather fast and cover a large surface area as well. On the flip side, small ones tend to have a bit more control when applying lather to the face.

4. Handle Fit and Material

The handles of the brushes come in different weights as well as sizes. These variations are determined by the manufacturer. When choosing the handle size, consider the actual size of your hand. You should grip the handle comfortably.

Handles are also made of different materials. These include horn, wood, metal, and synthetic materials. The metallic handles are mostly made from brass and plated with nickel or chrome to enhance their durability. The wooden handles, on the other hand, are made from pine, ash, or sycamore. As for the horn handles goes, the best and by far the most popular is the buffalo horn. This horn has lots of good attributes and longevity.

5. Sheddingof Bristles

It should not come as a shock when the brush starts to sheds some of its bristles in the first few days of use. The shedding will stop soon enough. However, you may wish to hasten this process by cleaning the brush using shampoo or even combing it.

Later on, we shall have a more in-depth look at the brush bristles.

Before You Buy – Remember This

Our list is not a rating the best shave brush per se – it all comes down to:

  1. Your experience level with wet shaving
  2. Your skin type
  3. Your beard coarseness
  4. Your personal preferences – for instance, are you ok with using hair from animal products?
  5. And finally – your budget

All the models on our list that we have reviewed to find the best option and therefore the best shaving experience for you are all great choices, it is just a matter of your personal opinion and the above-mentioned factors.

Note: Some sites include a drip stand, and some don’t. This is not a deal-breaker – in most cases, the included drip stand only costs a few bucks.

Best Shaving Brush (Summary)

Preview Product Rating
11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (12) Edwin Jagger Large Silver Tip Badger Hair Shaving Brush with Drip Stand (Imitation Ebony) Check Price
11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (13) Parker Silvertip Badger Shaving Brush–Faux Horn Handle with a Chrome Base, Long Loft Dense... Check Price
11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (14) Edwin Jagger 1EJ947SDS Classic Best Badger Hair Exfoliating Shaving Brush with Stand for Shaving... Check Price
11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (15) Parker, Long Loft 3-Band Pure Badger Bristle Shaving Brush with Ebony Handle - Brush Stand Included Check Price
11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (16) Edwin Jagger 1EJ256SDS Traditional Imitation Ebony Super Badger Hair Exfoliating Shaving Brush with... Check Price
11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (17) Semogue, 620 Shave Brush - Boar Bristle Check Price
11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (18) Omega Pure Bristle 10049 Shaving Brush, Black Check Price
11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (19) Vie-Long 12705 Horse Hair Shaving Brush, Red Acrylic Handle Check Price
11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (20) Luxury Shaving Brush for Men by VIKINGS BLADE, Ultra Heavy Acrylic & 316L Steel Handle, Super Strong... Check Price
11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (21) Frank Shaving Pur-Tech Synthetic Hair Shaving Brush -Quality Shaving Brush Black Handle Knot Size... Check Price
11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (22) FS Synthetic Hair Brush Travel Chrome Aluminum Case 20 mm knot by Frank Shaving Check Price

Last update on 2024-08-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Edwin Jagger Large Silvertip Badger Hair Shaving Brush – Best Luxury Shaving Brush

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Ever since it was established in 1988, Edwin Jagger (EJ) has been a global leader and pacesetter in the distribution of luxury wet-shaving products, mostly serving the Sheffield area’s shaving market in England, with the brand’s secret to the captivating appeal being its founder and owner Neil Jagger.

Neil designs and crafts himself every single piece of the wet shaving product. He is highly meticulous to every detail, in the end producing some of the greatest traditional English-style pieces melded with avant-garde design. The family-owned and operated firm is dedicated to high integrity levels and the famed Sheffield craftsmanship.

Among the many badger hair brushes manufactured by EJ, the Large Silver Tip Badger Hair Shave Brush is the most acclaimed when quality-wise. Its silvertip badger hair and ebony handle are made with cutting-edge technology using succinctly-picked and crafted polyester materials. The badger hair is also natural, fine, and superior-grade yet flexible. While its absorption of hot water is superior, the Badger brush also evenly distributes it to the face to soften it and make sure your lathering and shaving are consistent and smooth.

If you have a highly-sensitive skin or just want to experience gentle shaving, a soft and luxurious touch, as well as even lathering and mild exfoliation, then the Large Silvertip Badger Hair is your ideal choice, making it the best shaving brush for sensitive skin.

The brush comes with a plastic drip stand that is beautifully packed in a box, with guidelines on how to use and care for it.

We Like

  • Ideal size and weight
  • Buttery-soft bristles are good for absorbing water, soap, and warmth
  • Easy, quick, full, evenly-distributed lather formation
  • Softens and lifts your beard’s hair for a closer longer-lasting shave
  • No break-in shedding period like other brushes
  • With proper care, it can last a lifetime
  • Zero odor out of the box
  • Drip Stand Included

Keep This in Mind

  • A bit small for some people
  • Relatively short handle
  • Quite pricey

As a leader in the shaving products manufacturing market, the Edwin Jagger Large Silver Tip Badger Hair Shaving Brush is a perfect reflection of this tradition. It is of great size and weight, and lathers well with no odor whatsoever out of the box. In my opinion, it is the best silvertip badger shaving brush and definitely, a perfect buy if you don’t mind parting with $$$!

2. Parker Faux Horn Handle, 100% Silvertip Badger Men’s Shaving Brush & Stand – Soft & Durable

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Parker is yet another brand that has earned itself a solid reputation over the years. It has made it its business to provide only quality shaving brushes to its consumers. Of its list of shaving brushes, the Parker 100% Silvertip Badger Shaving Brush is the top pick of all.

It has been designed with a high-quality bristle. The brush bristles have an extremely soft feel and are better than many of the brushes that have a high price tag. While it is not the cheapest in the stores, it is considerably lowly priced in comparison. The bristles can retain lots of water making it easy to create superior lather.

At the top, the bristles have a light color. They also come with a clear black band that stands out. In comparison to other competitors, they feature reduced break-in time. And while they are soft, they are incredibly tough and resilient to wear and tear. It will be years before you think of buying a replacement.

Like many high-quality models, the Parker 100% Silvertip features excellent exfoliating abilities. In addition to this, it is perfect for sensitive skin courtesy of its soft bristles. It is common for shaving brushes to shed during their first use. The Parker Silvertip is no exception. However, is shed rate is low.

The Parker 100& Silvertip Badger Bristle Brush is handmade. The quality of this brush is renowned and can be felt when held in the palm of your hand. The handle proves comfortable due to to its length. It is not too long nor too short.

Another cause why the Parker 100% Silvertip Badger Bristle Shaving Brush has grown in popularity is its chrome shaving brush stand. This provides for excellent storage and drying. Those who have had the luxury of using this brush have given it positive reviews. They also have recorded that the brush is slightly loose closer to the handle. This makes it not perfect for aerosol creams. This is because some of the creams will get stuck in the brush’s bristles and therefore may never get to your face.

But then again, it doesn’t make sense to invest in a high-quality shaving brush and skimp on the shaving cream. For a great wet shaving experience, the purpose is to get a high-quality shaving kit.

We Like

  • Longevity
  • Ships with a chrome brush stand
  • Has badger hair bristles
  • Drip Stand Included

Keep This in Mind

  • It does not work well with aerosol shaving creams (but who uses that when you are using a shaving brush anyway?)

The Parker 100% Silvertip Badger Bristle Shaving Brush is one of the products that represent the best wet-shaving products on the market. You will love its soft bristles and its overall durability.

3. Edwin Jagger Best Badger Shaving Brush – Best Badger Shaving Brush

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The company has been designed and built specifically to cater to the needs of wet shavers the world over. It was founded back in 1988. Over the years, EJ has gained popularity courtesy of its high-quality design and manufacturing. Its high-quality accessories have also played a big part in making this brand one of the top picks in the industry.

The company manufactures a brush called Edwin Jagger Best Badger Shave Brush that comes with a drip stand. This is expected since after all the company brand prides itself on manufacturing products of great quality.

EJ makes a big chunk if not all of its shave brushes from the Meles Meles badger hair. This is a sustainable source of brushed hair. As it has been pointed out, badger hair is one of the most common choices for shave brush bristles. It has been the preferred choice by many companies for several centuries now. Why is this so? Well, it tends to absorb water better than all other bristle types.

When you combine this quality Badger shaving brush with high-quality shaving soap or cream, you are guaranteed to have quality lather and subsequently the best wet-shaving experience ever.

But enough of that- let us get down to the nitty-gritty of why this shave brush is the top choice in the industry.

  • The badger hair shave brush features have been designed to absorb hot water before the shave. This helps you to whip up a rich and creamy lather for your wet shaving. In addition to this, the badger hair brush has also been proven time and time again to provide great results when working with hard soap. This is especially advantageous to the individuals who prefer getting a closer feeling when they lather or those who have somewhat coarse hair.
  • EJ, unlike most wet shaving brush producing companies, hand-makes their product. They combine their unmatched craftsman skills with some of the most up-to-date technology in the industry to provide their consumers with top quality.
  • This brush is a bit shorter than most on the market. Nonetheless, it is comfortable to hold and has great control when mixing and lathering. Its size makes it a perfect travel wet shave brush.
  • The Best Badger is designed with a drip stand. This provides a storage area in which the brush dries after use. Speaking of which, it is imperative to rinse the brush with warm, but not hot water before hanging it to dry.

We Like

  • It is handmade and is of great quality
  • Prepares the face perfectly for a close shave
  • Features a functional drip stand

Keep This in Mind

  • May take a bit longer time to break in compared to other brushes

The brand has established itself as one of the trendsetting brands in the wet shaving industry. The brand has a reputation that precedes itself. It is a plus that it features a drip stand. The Edwin Jagger Best Badger Shaving Brush is also available in Ebony and in different sizes.

4. Parker Long Loft 100% Pure Badger Bristle Shaving Brush – Best Budget Shaving Brush

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This superior quality brush uses pure badger material in a relatively wide and plush bristle head. This feature allows the Parker Long Loft 100% Pure Badger Bristle Shave Brush to hold lots of water and produce a great lather buildup to give you a comforting shave experience in no time.

When you buy this brush, you get a free drip/brush stand that enables the brush to get dry faster and preserve the bristles for longer. With its avant-garde horn handle, the brush stands out due to its classy look.

If you are looking for a quality brush – you can not go wrong with this one.

Apart from its top-quality safety razors, Parker also makes decent shaving brushes, with this pure badger being the perfect proof of that. The brush’s badger bristles are prime quality with good water retention capabilities and good lathering.

We Like

  • Reasonably-priced
  • High-quality badger hair
  • Holds large water amounts
  • Has little to zero shedding

Keep This in Mind

  • Has brush-stand difficulties
  • Bigger and bulkier than it appears

With affordable pricing, the Parker Long Loft 100% Pure Badger Bristle Shaving Brush is a great budget option for your shaving brush needs.

5. Edwin Jagger 1ej256sds Traditional English Super Badger Hair Shaving Brush – Great Companion for Your Wet Shaving Regime

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This English company is a popular brand in the shave brush industry. It has earned the right to be among the top brush companies courtesy of its attention to quality and detail in the products it produces. The Super Badger Brush is not any different. It excels on many different fronts, making it one of the favorites for men into wet shaving.

When you first lay your eyes on this brush, you’ll notice two things; it is medium-sized, and it’s beautiful. It is just the perfect weight and size for men with small hands. And more to this, the brush is designed with incredibly soft and natural brushes. But though they are soft, EJ designers made sure they are not floppy.

Though it is a product designed for the 21st-century market, it has a classic look and feel. The imitation ivory it sports adds to its allure. The handle is ergonomic, which makes it easy to use and maneuver on the face during shaving cream application.

We should also point out the fact that the super badger hair is held in place with a high-quality knot. The soft hair generates a good lather since it retains a perfect amount of water when it’s soaked. Because of the water it retains, it softens the beard, lifts the hair from the skin, and sets you up for a great shaving experience.

We Like

  • The bristles are silky smooth
  • It has great water retention
  • It helps to generate a rich lather
  • The hairs are soft

Keep This in Mind

  • It has a small knot
  • The brush hair sheds

The super badger shaving brush is an excellent tool. If you are looking for a mid-range brush to add to your tool kit, it is the perfect option. It has soft and natural bristles that retain, water and heat, allowing it to generate a rich lather. And with the ergonomic handle, you’ll not have a hard time using it.

6. Semogue 620 Superior Boar Bristle Shaving Brush – Great All-Round Shaving Brush

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You’ve probably never heard of Semogue before now. As such, it might be shocking for you to learn that it is an industry leader, and has years of experience in the industry (60 years). Because of its experience, the men who’ve had the chance to use its products (in this case the Semogue 620 Superior Boar Bristle Shave Brush) have nothing but praise for the brand.

If you are a pro wet shaver, or have just stumbled upon wet shaving in the recent past and want to give it a shot, the Semogue 620 will help you to get the best experience ever. The brush is handcrafted for a beautiful finish and superior performance. Many men love it for many reasons. At the top of the list is the fact that it helps to build a significant amount of lather without causing skin irritations as the low-quality shaving brushes do. Also, the boar bristles on this brush are denser than in most brushes on its level. And because of this, you are guaranteed of achieving desirable lather with soap or shaving cream.

Like most new bristle brushes, the Semogue 620 requires break-in time. Fortunately, this time is not too long. And once it has broken in, it will only take about 15 minutes soaked in water to soften. The beauty of this brush is that during the soaking, the tip of the brush not only becomes soft but also retains water which is not the case with many other shaving brushes.

And last but not least, the Semogue 620 is designed to last for ages. It is made with a strong backbone. Its handle is acrylic, and it is just the right size. Or added comfort, it is well balanced. On the other hand, the boar bristle knot is secured by a sterling ring which adds to the beauty of the brush.

We Like

  • It doesn’t cause skin irritations
  • It forms a nice lather
  • It has excellent craftsmanship

Keep This in Mind

  • Some men aren’t pleased with the handle

The Semogue brand has truly mastered the art of making shaving brushes. This shines through in the quality of the brushes it makes as well as the features they add in like a dense bristle. One of the best Semogue shaving brushes is the Semogue 620. With this brush in hand, you’ll enjoy a more luxurious lather, and you will not have to deal with skin irritations after.

7. Omega Pure Bristle 10049 Shaving Brush – Lots of Bang for Your Buck

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Omega started its operations back in 1931. It has over the years climbed to the top of the ladder and is now considered one of the top brush manufacturers in the world. The brushes produced by this company are not just of good quality but are also reasonably priced. They are without a doubt worth every dime a consumer spends on them.

Omega Professional Boar Bristle Shaving Brush has been made from natural boar hair. It features a black handle made of resin that is almost similar in length to its loft. This makes it one of the biggest handles available on the market. Sure the resin handle has got nothing on the premium wooden handles other brushes feature, but the handle’s quality is undisputed. The grip is great and superior to other handles.

As is the case with the boar bristles, the Omega Professional does take some time to break in. But on the flip side, the more the bristles are used, the better they become. Compared to other boar bristled brushes, the Omega Professional bristles are softer.

The bristles will provide you with superior lather which covers the area intended to shave with great ease. They are great for exfoliating and getting rid of dead skin cells. They will leave your skin feeling refreshed and smooth.

The Omega Professional is affordable. At its price and even higher, there are very few if any brushes that match its quality. That said, this review would be incomplete if we did not mention the strong odor of the Omega Professional features. The odor, however, vanishes with time as you continue to use the brush.

We Like

  • Creates an excellently rich and creamy lather
  • The handle is of high quality and has a great grip
  • The bristles improve with use and time

Keep This in Mind

  • It has a strong odor when first unpackaged
  • No drip stand included

The Omega Professional Boar Bristle Shaving Brush is by far the greatest shaving brush with boar bristles available on the market. You will love the lather it creates and the effects it leaves on your skin after shaving. Even better, it comes with a price tag that will not break your bank.

8. Vie-Long 12705 Horse Hair Shaving Brush – Best Horse Hair Shaving Brush

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The Vie-Long is a Spanish shaving company. It is one of the dominant brands that provide horse hair shaving brushes. All other brands follow suit at a distance. The Vie-Long features a great line of shaving brushes. The Vie-Long 12705 Horse Hair Shaving Brush is by far the best they have available.

Now, horsehair is a perfect alternative for individuals who cannot stand the thought of killing an animal for personal gain as is the case with boar and badger hair brushes. But even then, these same individuals still want a rich and creamy lather that can only be achieved with a shave brush.

Those who decide to turn to hose hair brushes because of their concern of harming the animals are usually astonished by the quality of the brush bristles. The horsehair proves to be strong as one would expect and the brush can last for a considerably long time when it is accorded proper care and maintenance. As though that is not enough, the brushes are soft at the tips and help to produce a rich lather.

Those consumers who have used both horsehair and badger hair shaving brush greatly commend the quality of horse hairs. This is a big plus for the horsehair brushes.

It is also worth pointing out that the Vie-Long 12705 experiences a reduced amount of shedding. This as such, helps to extend the lifespan of the shaving brushes.

The Vie-Long 12705 looks great right out of the box. This is courtesy of the red acrylic handle which compliments the overall beautiful design. The Vie-Long 12705 brush features a square shape and the handle is easier to hold while you shave.

The Vie-Long 12705 brush works great with all kinds of shaving creams and soaps. It, however, specifically excels with the harder kinds of shaving soaps.

We Like

  • Animal-friendly
  • Durability
  • Excellent and well functioning design

Keep This in Mind

  • Comes with a strong odor. This, however, will go away after a couple of uses
  • No drip stand included

The Vie-Long 12705 Horse Hair Shave Brush is the perfect choice for individuals who cannot bear the thought of killing a badger or a boar for personal gain. It also is a great alternative to synthetic brush bristles. It proves durable and creates a high-quality lather that is highly desirable.

9. VIKINGS BLADE White Knight Luxury Shaving Brush – Best Synthetic Hair Shaving Brush

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The Vikings Blade brush is one exciting product. From the name you’d think the brand is rough and lacks tact. But on the contrary, they are a luxurious company that offers men an opportunity to enjoy luxury shaving without paying the full high-end price for it. This brush is designed to feature the benefits of the Silvertip badger hair (which is a high-end material) through a synthetic product. But though it is synthetic, it is one of the most high-end synthetic shaving brushes available on the market.

As we start this review, we must mention the brush is ideal for men who want a premium brush, but one that will not mess up their budgets.

Now, we have mentioned that this brush is a premium material. Because of this, it also features a premium cost. Luckily, the brush looks and feels premium. For a synthetic brush, the hairs are shockingly soft.

Unfortunately, it lacks the water and heat retention of the real Silvertip, but honestly, it does not fall too far from a high-end synthetic ‘imitation.’

The handle of this brush is traditional style. And though it features a practical and somewhat boring acrylic, the Swedish alloy at the tip gives the brush stability and beauty.

When you pick this up, you’ll probably be looking to see how it fairs against the Silvertip brush. Can it replace it? Unfortunately, no. The Silvertip badger hair brush is an all-natural product, but the Vikings came darn close to it.

We Like

  • Beautiful handle
  • Soft synthetic bristles
  • Quality bristles

Keep This in Mind

  • The brush sheds some hair

In no world would a natural and synthetic be compared. But the quality of the Viking brush has earned this right. It is soft, aesthetically pleasing, and durable. The bristles don’t fall off and offer a great shaving experience despite their shortcomings.

10. Frank Shaving Pur-Tech Synthetic Hair Shaving Brush – Easy to Maintain Shaving Brush

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Synthetic shaving brushes have grown in popularity in recent years. With synthetic brushes, however, there are several factors that you need to consider.

  • First and foremost, synthetic brushes are a great alternative to shaving brushes that are made from animal hair. They are considered to be ‘animal-friendly’.
  • The quality of the synthetic models, when compared to those of their animal hair brush counterparts, raises lots of debate. Individuals in different camps support their brush to death. But generally, synthetic ones usually do not command great respect in the wet shaving industry as animal hair brushes do. This is probably because they do not feel natural despite the manufacturer’s efforts to make them feel so.
  • With all that being said, a high-quality synthetic brush will provide you with a rich lather. It is for this reason that you ought to purchase a premium synthetic shaving brush. At the very top of the list of premium synthetic models, is the high-quality Frank Shaving Pur-Tech Synthetic Hair Shaving Brush. This is by far the best one in this segment of the market.

The very first thing you are bound to notice when you handle Frank shaving’s signature synthetic brush is the soft bristles. Many consumers who have had the opportunity to review this synthetic brush as shocked at how soft the bristles feel. They almost are like animal hair brushes. They are not bristly as many expect them to be.

The Pur-Tech brush is designed to be sturdy. It features a black handle that has a comfortable fit despite your hand size. It performs great with shaving soaps since it requires a great deal of water. In addition to this, it also works well with shaving creams as well.

The fact that synthetic brushes require slightly more water compared to animal brushes means that compared to animal brushes, they require a shorter soaking time before whipping up a rich lather. All you need to do with synthetic brushes is wet them and get on with the wet shaving.

The Frank Shaving Pur-Tech brush in addition to providing quality lather also spreads it evenly over the face. The bristles spread the perfect amount of shaving cream and soap on the face providing a decent amount of shaving foundation. With this, the skin, in the end, feels soft.

The Pur-Tech synthetic brush comes at a fair price. Compared to other shaving brushes, they cannot be categorized as expensive brushes. But because the brush comes with a drip stand, the price is reasonable.

Frank Shaving is a company that has built a name for itself over the years. While it produces this high-quality synthetic brush, it also is known for producing boar and badger hair brushes. Needless to say, they are committed to producing quality and cost-effective products.

We Like

  • Solid construction
  • Creates quality lather
  • It is surprisingly soft

Keep This in Mind

  • It does not retain heat very well

If you love synthetic products, then you will love Frank Shaving Pur-Tech Synthetic Hair Shaving Brush. It has a solid construction and is softer than most synthetics. It provides a luxurious lather that can rival the quality provided by animal hair brushes.

11. FS Synthetic Hair Travel Shaving Brush – Best Travel Shave Brush

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This brush is manufactured using synthetic hair that is as soft as animal hair and similar, yet it is relatively smaller and easier to use, take care of, and travel with. This is made possible by its smaller loft, unlike the girths of bigger and unwieldy shaving brushes that are made of natural hair.

The FS Synthetic Hair Travel Shave Brush lathers well and easily dry because of its synthetic fibers. Its storage is also simple, being easily positionable and locked inside the sturdy metal container that comes with it.

Although with a smooth and comfy-to-hold handle, the brush can slip rather easily when moist. You can, therefore, apply some alum on your fingers to make the handle sticky and avoid accidental slippage.

The bristles of the FS Travel Synthetic Brush may not be as good as natural ones at holding moisture but it dries out quickly for storage when traveling.

We Like

  • Clever design
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Perfect shape and size
  • Dries quite quickly
  • Smoothed metal parts
  • Soft synthetic bristles, yet flexible

Keep This in Mind

  • Some bristles lost in use
  • Has softness, density issues
  • Relatively poor moisture retention

The FS Synthetic Hair Travel Shaving Brush is a great alternative for frequent travelers due to its compact design and simple synthetic fiber bristles that dries fast to enable storage. The brush costs only $30 or less so can be a great cost-efficient option.

5 Easy Steps on How to Use a Shaving Brush

Using a brush for wet shaving is not a complicated thing. Sure it can be slightly difficult to get a hang of, but it is not something that will have you thinking of quitting. Some techniques are involved in using a brush and that guarantee how to get the perfect shaving result.

1. Prepare the Bowl and Brush

Get a bowl or a mug. Some have been specifically designed for wet-shaving if you, however, do not have these specific ones, a normal mug/bowl will work just fine. Fill the bowl/mug with some hot water. The water should not be boiling, warm will work perfectly.

Dip the shaving brush in the water and ensure the entire length of the bristles is underwater. Allow it to soak for several minutes.

You can be doing something else during this time, probably taking a shower. Soaking softens the bristles all the more and makes the lathering process a breeze.

2. Drain Some Water

After the brush has soaked in water for a while, you should raise it from the water and drain the bristles of the excess water. You just need to squeeze it slightly, applying just enough pressure that your brush is not dripping water but still is very moist.

3. Build the Lather

Now it is time to lather up. The process you will use will depend on whether you are using soap or shaving cream.

  • With Shaving Cream

If you are using shaving cream, there are several ways in which you can build the lather. First, you need to put some cream in a shaving bowl (it can be the same one you used to soak the brush) and add some drops of water. Mix the shaving cream with your brush until you get the thickness and the texture you are looking for.

It is important to remember that you are looking to have just the right amount of water and air mixed into the cream to form the lather. You will know when the lather is good for use as it will be cream and rich as opposed to being foamy. The process of building a great lather takes about a minute or so depending on your skill in the technique, the brush you use as well as the shaving cream used.

The other technique you could employ is applying some bit of shaving cream to a cavity in the hairbrush. You can make this cavity in the bristle by pushing down on the shaving brush.

While the latter process is faster, you should note that it still is a great idea to mix the cream in a bowl before you apply it to the brush.

  • Using Soap

Add a small amount of shaving soap to a bowl and add a small amount (think drops) of water onto the shaving soap to moisten it. Swirl the brush on the soap for a bit until it contains a sufficient amount of shaving soap.

4. Lather Your Face

Now, this is the fun part. Or at least the fun is starting. Apply the lather on your face generously using the shaving brush

When doing this, you should ensure that the skin on your face is wet before you lather it up. It is best to shave after you have taken a shower since then the facial hairs are softer and are more pliable to the effects of your razor.

The motion to use is swirling. You do not need to use a lot of pressure on the face but just enough to lather the face and still exfoliate.

After you have covered the desired area with the lather, use up and down motions to smoothen the cream on your face.

This will provide you with a nice and slick shaving surface.

5. Reapply the Lather

After you have had at least one pass over your face with your preferred razor, you must lather up again. The initial lather usually goes with the hair shaved. The lathering process should be the same as described in the above process. This step will ensure that you get a close, smooth shave.

While shaving, you should ensure that the cream or soap you use does not dry up. As such, keep applying a little water as needed to keep it moist for the shaving process.

So Which Is Better, Your Hand or a Brush?

If you are one of those men who is wondering why one should go through all this process while they can still use their hand, you are not alone.

For a long time, men have been using their hands to lather and their fingertips to apply the lather to their faces. This is not something that is about to change overnight.

True, using your hand to lather up is a simple process. After all, you do not have to warm water, soak the brush and follow the five-step technique explained above. In addition, with palm lathering and when using dense creams, you do not have to worry about the cream sticking to the edge of your shaving bowl rather than your shaving brush.

Some men may argue that it is the simple and easy things in life that prove to be much more satisfying than the complicated processes. While this might be true for other processes, it does not hold in the shaving process. How is that?

Well, shaving brushes are good for the skin. When you apply lather to the face using a brush, you also are exfoliating the skin and getting rid of the dead and dry skin cells. A good shaving brush also helps in raising hair and making them softer for shaving and last but not least, with a bowl and brush, you get a richer higher quality lather and ultimately the best shaving experience.

FAQ Shaving Brushes

Does A Shaving Brush Make A Difference?

The best shave brushes make a difference in the shaving experience. You will enjoy a closer shave and, overall, a satisfying shaving experience with minimal irritation. To top it all off, it gives wet shaving a luxury experience.

Are Badgers Killed To Make Shaving Brushes?

Yes, badgers are killed to make the best shaving brushes. If you have a problem with such cruelty, you should purchase synthetic or horsehair brushes instead.

How Do I Choose A Shaving Brush?

Shaving brushes are not the same. To choose the best shaving brushes, you should consider the type of brush you want, your budget, the shape and size of the brush, the material and fit of the handle, and whether the bristles shed or not.

Why Is A Badger Hair Good For Shaving?

Badger hair makes the best shaving brush. This is because it scrubs the skin, causes the skin pores to open, and stimulates hair follicles. As such, the badger hair stands straight, making it easier to yield a closer shave.

How Long Do Badger Shaving Brushes Last?

The best badger hair shaving brush should last between ten and fifteen years. But since they are natural, they need a lot of care and maintenance. For instance, dipping the brush in boiling hot water is a no-no.

How We Made This List of Best Shaving Brushes

There are several factors that I put into perspective when reviewing the items on this list. But for me, the most important of them all is the type of bristle it features. This is the number one way of determining the quality of a shaving brush. While badger hair brushes take the lead in this, I also wanted to consider other popular brushes that feature different bristles for purposes of diversity.

When considering the value of brushes, we have done our utmost to find a perfect balance between quality and price. Not all expensive brushes made the list simply because their quality and price did not complement each other.

We also considered the construction of the shaving brushes. With regards to this, I zeroed in on the handle of the brush. If the brush is not comfortable to hold, then there are high chances it will be uncomfortable while shaving as well.

Last but not least, we spent a great deal of time reading through reviews of the products. I did my due diligence and sifted through quite a pile of reviews to help ensure that the list is a compilation of nothing but the top picks.

But as I stated at the beginning of the article this list is not a ranking list per se – as in most cases it all comes down to your personal opinion based on 5 factors:

  1. Experience level
  2. Skin type
  3. The coarseness of your beard
  4. Personal preferences
  5. Budget

Conclusion

Hopefully, you have found this review helpful in your selection, review, and purchase process for the best shaving brush and the information provided has been informative and assists in making your choice into a good shaving experience.

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11 Best Shaving Brushes - Budget to Luxury (2023 Buyers Guide) (2024)
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