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Using the right shaving brush plays a big part in getting that perfect shave. The best shaving brush should deliver a rich and thick lather to exfoliate your skin and lift the stubble off of your face. There are many shaving brushes in the market today, how would you determine the perfect fit for you?
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10 Best Shaving Brushes Review
From synthetic to badger hair, we have rounded up 10 of the best shaving brushes available today!
01. Latherwhip Shaving Brush
Best Choice
Latherwhip’s best model promises to deliver true confidence in your shave. The Black Badger is made of best badger hair thus, it can give you a great lather in less than 10 seconds! And the bristles themselves are flexible and fine.
Although these bristles are a bit stiff compared to the expensive Silvertip variety, they have a higher quality than pure badger brushes. The extra firmness works well on firmer soaps to make a quick rich lather. Furthermore, these bristles retain a great amount of moisture that gently glides on your skin.
This shaving brush features a high-quality resin handle that can outlast any wood. The handle fits snugly in your hands to give you a nice grip. In addition, the base is sufficiently thick to give the brush the needed support when it stands.
The brush offers a masterfully designed 22 mm knot and an extensive 54 mm bulb loft. The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty to give you a safe purchase. So if Shaving Brushes fails to satisfy you, you can ask for a free replacement.
Pros
- It exfoliates the skin well.
- Offers a lifetime warranty.
- Lathers fast!
- Made of best badger grade hair.
- Holds moisture well.
- Creates a rich lather.
- Comes with a gift box.
- Equipped with a durable resin handle.
Cons
- It sheds.
- It has an unpleasant smell.
02. Parker Safety Razor Shaving Brush
Premium Pick
For more than 4 decades, Parker Safety Razor has created the world’s best shaving essentials. They’ve been a leader in great innovation and design. And one of their best products is the hand-made silvertip badger shaving brush.
This shaving brush is made of Silvertip Badger, the finest hair of the badger. This is a good premium choice because the tips are extremely soft and gentle to the skin. So if you have sensitive skin, then this Shaving Brushes is for you. This shaving brush is one of the best from our list of best shaving brushes.
Parker Safety Razor boasts a 22 mm brush knot and 58 mm loft. With its long and soft bristles, you can expect that the brush will produce a great lathering ability. Furthermore, it has high water retention to produce a quick lather with your favorite shaving soap or cream.
The faux handle and the chrome base adds an elegant design to this brush. This Shaving Brushes comes with a brush stand so you can hang it upside down when you’re drying or storing it. Since it comes in a nice packaging, you can send it as a gift right away!
Pros
- Creates a rich and creamy lather.
- Has high water retention.
- Soft and gentle to the skin.
- Includes a drip stand.
- It has a heavy base.
- Packaged in a beautiful gift box.
- Good splay and backbone.
- Has an elegant handle.
Cons
- A bit expensive.
- Has a weird smell.
- Loses its bristles easily.
03. Haircut & Shave Co. Shaving Brush
If you’re allergic to animal hair, then the Haircut & Shave Co. Shaving Brush might be perfect for you. It’s made of 100% synthetic hair that performs equally with other natural animal hair. Moreover, the bristles are densely packed to create a rich lather and easily remove each hair strand from your face.
This is the best synthetic shaving brush out there because it doesn’t fall behind in terms of quality when compared to animal hair shaving brushes. It’s made of an ergonomically-designed handle that gives a good grip. As a result, the handle has a smooth finish which makes it pleasant to hold.
This brush has a loft of 57 mm, which is long enough to give a similar experience when you use a natural hair brush with a loft of 51 to 52 mm. Essentially, the knot size is 26 mm, which is a good proportion to the loft when giving a good splay.
Since this brush is made of synthetic hair, it has no weird animal smell. Preparation for shaving is faster since this brush doesn’t retain moisture unlike natural animal hair. It dries up more quickly, too.
Pros
- It’s animal cruelty-free!
- Dries up fast.
- Less hair loss.
- Has a good price.
- Equipped with an ergonomic handle.
- Easy to clean.
- Holds a fair amount of water.
- Lathers quite well.
Cons
- Bristles are too long.
- Has a stiff brush knot.
- The brush is quite big.
04. Vikings Blade Luxury Badger Brush
Another great product from best shaving brushes list. The Vikings Blade Luxury Badger Brush is a greatly admired tool in the wet shaving scene. Past models had minor problems that were fixed in the 2018 upgrade. Now, the new upgrade is built with a dense base and promises no more hair entanglement.
This high-end shaving brush is made of best badger hair mix, which is softer and a superior grade than pure badger hair. The handle is made from a heavy-weight obsidian black acrylic that lends that luxurious aesthetic. Also, the base is made of an alloy from Sweden that gives the product a sturdy base.
One of the selling points of this best badger shaving brush is its high water retention. It creates a rich and creamy lather. With a loft of 50 mm, the backbone is a bit stiff and suitable for soap. This also makes the brush ideal for exfoliation and massage.
The brush weighs about 5.6 ounces so you can feel that the product is sturdy. If you want a risk-free purchase, this luxury badger brush might be perfect for you as the manufacturer offers a 90-day money back guarantee. It also comes in a posh looking box, it’s a perfect gift indeed!
Pros
- Has less shedding.
- Has a nice and heavy base.
- Offers 90-day money back guarantee.
- Has a high water retention.
- Produces a good lather.
- Looks and feels durable.
- Gently exfoliates the skin.
- Comes with a posh looking gift box.
- The handle looks luxurious.
Cons
- A bit stiff.
- Has a short loft.
- Has a bit of a weird smell.
05. Edwin Jagger Shaving Brush
This authentic Edwin Jagger shaving brush is a best seller! A list of best shaving brushes won’t be complete without Edwin’s brush.
It’s made of the best badger hair that generates a rich lather for optimal shaving results. Since it’s packed with a drip stand, this smart black brush is easy to dry and store.
The hair bristles aren’t too dense or loose. This gives the brush the right density to absorb water and prevent hair loss. At first glance, the brush may look small but it fits just right on the fingers once you hold it.
It’s important to note that this brush may feel stiffer for the first few weeks but it will become softer over time. The good thing about a little stiffness on the brush is that it can give you a good exfoliation for your skin. In addition, it has a knot size of 21 mm and a loft length of 53 mm. As a result, this brush splays easily on your face.
Pros
- Equipped with an ergonomic handle.
- It exfoliates quite well.
- Makes a rich lather.
- Comes with a drip stand.
- Holds a great amount of water.
- It looks luxurious!
Cons
- It sheds.
- Smells a bit terrible.
- No weight
06. Perfecto Shaving Brush
Treat yourself to a comfortable barber-like experience with the Perfecto Shaving Brush. This brush is made of pure badger hair which is good in creating a rich and creamy lather. The bristles are a bit coarse but they’re perfect in exfoliating your skin.
This brush is made of an ergonomic handle to give a secure grip while using it. The handle has a smooth finish that gives it that luxurious look. It fits snugly into a brush stand for easy drying and storage.
With a knot size of 23 mm, it can hold and distribute the lather pretty well on your face. This brush will help soften the beard and gently exfoliate the skin to prepare for a smooth shave. Since the loft is about 50 mm long, it’s enough to give a good splay on the face.
Pros
- Works a good lather.
- Sheds only a little.
- It holds moisture well.
- It’s very affordable.
- Exfoliates the skin nicely.
- Nicely designed wooden handle.
Cons
- Has slightly prickly bristles.
- Has a small handle.
- The black paint peels off easily.
07. Anbbas Shaving Set
Best Value
Anbbas offers a men’s shaving kit with a brush. It includes 1 badger shaving brush, 1 shaving holder, 1 shaving soap bowl, and complete instructions. This is the best shaving brush for your money’s worth because it offers a Lifetime Quality Guarantee! One of our budget-friendly pick from our best shaving brushes list.
The shaving brush is handcrafted from pure badger hair so expect it to be a little prickly. The water retention ability is excellent, it hold moistures and can distribute a thick lather. The knot size is 27 mm while the loft is about 50 mm.
The handle is made of natural solid Manchurian ash wood handle and it’s designed ergonomically to give a nice grip. As a result, it fits perfectly right on the shaving holder.
The size of the brush itself is small but that’s not really a bad thing. This small size would be perfect for your travels! The bowl is also tiny, but it looks quite solid.
Pros
- Comes in a complete shaving set
- Offers a Lifetime Quality Guarantee.
- The handle feels durable.
- Gives a rich and quick lather.
- Holds water well.
- Made of pure badger hair.
Cons
- The bristles are prickly.
- Too small for big hands.
- The bowl is too small.
08. GFT Escali Shaving Brush
Made from 100% pure badger hair, the Escali shaving brush ensures a comfortable shave every morning. It’s almost comparable to the qualities of the more expensive shaving brushes. The bristles feel soft on your face and they easily create a rich lather that can give you an optimal shaving experience.
This men’s shave brush can lather a thick foam in a couple of seconds, thanks to its high-density hair! The authentic badger hair bristles won’t only absorb a large amount of water, it also gently exfoliates your skin. You’ll notice a smoother appearance after every shave.
The handle is made from real wood and the bristles are securely attached. With proper care and maintenance, this brush might last for many years. Bristle loss is expected but it’s minimal for this Shaving Brushes.
The knot size is 20 mm, that makes the brush a good size for travel. The loft is about 50 mm long which is a good ratio to the knot. This gives the brush an easy splay to cover more of your face.
Pros
- It’s made of genuine pure badger hair.
- Lathers pretty quickly.
- Retains and holds water well.
- Easy to rinse out.
- Exfoliates the skin effectively.
- Equipped with an easy-to-grip handle.
- Dries up fast.
Cons
- The bristles easily fall out.
- Has an awful smell.
- No backbone
09. Omega Professional Shaving Brush
If you like a shaving brush with more splay, then the Omega Professional Shaving Brush might be perfect for you! This brush boasts of a 59 mm loft so it widely fans out on your face. The knot size is 27 mm which makes the brush very capable to hold much water and lather.
The bristles are made from high-quality natural boar hair that gives a brisk feel on the skin. The stiffer texture is ideal for stimulating the circulation on your face. It also exfoliates the skin very well.
The handle is made from hard plastic that can even outlast wood with proper maintenance. It’s 63 mm long so it gives a nice, secure grip even for big hands. It looks glossy to coordinate well with any shaving tool.
Interestingly, the boar bristles don’t give a stinky smell like the badger ones. The scent is similar to pork rinds, but it’s very light and not irksome at all.
Pros
- Holds water well.
- Makes a thick lather.
- The smell isn’t unpleasant.
- Stimulates circulation effectively.
- Effectively exfoliates the skin.
Cons
- Not ideal for sensitive skin.
- Has very long bristles.
- The handle isn’t durable.
10. Semogue 620 Shaving Brush
The 620 shaving brush is handmade in Portugal. It’s made from extra 75% tops boar. As you already know, boar’s hair is a bit stiff and prickly. It does have the ability to hold much water, resulting in a rich lather.
The knot size is around 21 mm and the loft is about 50 mm. This knot size and loft ratio allow you to spread the lather very easily. The knot will also fit on most stands.
The 620 has a two-tone acrylic handle that gives a bold and majestic appearance. It displays a sleek glass-like base and a pitch black top. Adding to the aesthetics is the sterling ring which cleverly secures the full-bodied knot.
This brush is built in a very convenient size. It sits cozily when held in hand. It can also stand nicely on top of your bathroom counter.
Pros
- Equipped with an elegant and sleek handle.
- Whips nicely with soap and cream.
- Good water retention ability.
- Sits comfortably in any surface.
- Gives a nice grip.
- Exfoliates very well.
- Holds a good lather.
Cons
- The knot easily gets loose.
- It takes time to dry.
- Has a slightly unpleasant smell when wet.
Types of Shaving Brushes
1. Badger Hair Shaving Brush
Badger hair is popular for its softness and high water retention. That’s why many household products are made from this material including badger hair paint brush and now, shaving brushes. This is considered as the desired material for shave brushes and it comes in 3 different grades.
- Pure Badger
This grade is obtained from the badger’s underbelly. It has a thicker shaft which makes the bristles a bit coarser. It’s still superb in retaining water and spreading a rich thick lather.
These bristles are a bit prickly because the brushes of this type tend to be trimmed down. A good pure badger brush can have a lifespan of about 5 to 7 years.
- Best Badger
Also known as the finest badger, these bristles are derived from the finer hairs of the badger. The bristles are more flexible and finer than the pure variety. They’re also more densely filled with hair and generates a richer lather.
These brushes are perfect for serious shavers. They can last you a decade with proper maintenance and care.
- Silvertip
The Silvertip is perhaps the most prestigious type of shaving brushes. Taken from the badger’s finest hair, the hair tips appear to be natural white in color. Thanks to its flared bristle load, these brushes can retain a very large amount of water.
These brushes can make a well-formed lather in the quickest time possible. Eventually, this will save you in buying too much shave cream. They should last for at least 15 years.
It’s a natural feature of animal hair to have quite an unpleasant smell for the first time. But don’t worry! The smell will fade away as time goes by.
2. Boar Hair Shaving Brush
This type of brush is most commonly available in the market. These brushes are often assumed to be stiff and prickly. They have a better water retention capacity than the synthetic variety but nowhere close to the badger brushes.
A common issue about boar bristles is that they easily break. These brushes also need more work to achieve a good lather. However, a well-constructed boar hair brush should last for several years.
3. Horse Hair Shaving Brush
If you want a more animal-friendly variety than other animal hair brushes, horsehair brushes might be suitable for you. These brushes are usually derived from the horse’s mane, tail, or both. The performance is almost similar to that of a boar brush.
In terms of quality, horsehair is softer and finer than the boar type. However, it’s a bit stiffer compared to badger hair. These brushes are available in different colors, as do horses!
4. Synthetic Shaving Brush
The good thing about these best shaving brushes are that no animal was used to make the brush. Perfect for those who are animal rights advocates. The bristles are often made of nylon.
This type of shaving brush won’t cause any allergies as animal hair does. There’s no awful animal smell, too. They can also retain their bristles better than badger brushes.
These brushes don’t hold much water like natural animal hair. This means faster preparation and quicker drying. For maintenance, all you need is to give them a quick rinse and you’re done!
While the quality of synthetic gets better with innovation and technology, serious wet shavers often dismiss the use of these brushes. Most of the synthetic brushes are poorly constructed and they can’t hold much water as compared to animal hair brushes.
If you’re one of those gents that use warm water to shave, synthetics might disappoint you. They have poor heat retention so you need to shave with cold water. Also, most of these brushes need more pressure to splay.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Shaving Brushes?
This factor refers to how stiff the bristles are when they’re pressed against the skin. You’ll want something with a low backbone if you want the knot to spread out effortlessly.
1. Backbone
If your skin is sensitive, then a little to no backbone brush might be suitable for you. If not, then you can settle for one with a lot of backbone. The knot will be able to keep its shape when it lathers but you need to exert pressure to splay it out.
The loft is the measurement from the top of the handle to the hair tip. The average height is between 50 mm and 55 mm. In general, a taller loft means softer and more ability to splay while a shorter loft means stiffer bristles.
2. Loft
The loft of natural hair brushes might not be the same with synthetics. For animal hair brushes, a good loft is 51 to 52 mm. While for synthetic ones, a good loft is something more than 56 mm as they’re stronger than natural animal hair.
The knot size refers to the diameter of the knot at the bottom. The common knot sizes go anywhere from 24 mm to 25 mm.
3. Knot Size
The performance of the brush relies on the ratio of the knot to the loft. A good ratio to look for is 1:2. The loft should be twice the measurement of the knot (for example 22mm knot: 44 loft).
4. Handle
A good handle should be balanced to fit nicely in your hand and should offer a good grip. There are different materials used for handles. Among them are metal, wood, resin, and horn.
Metal handles
These are usually crafted from brass. Chrome or nickel are often plated with these handles to add durability. Nickel looks a bit darker while chrome beams nicely.
Wooden handles
These can be derived from different types of wood, like ash and pine. One of the best wood materials is African Blackwood which can resist moisture. Another one is Thuja wood which is sealed in a distinct way to resist water.
resin Handles
Handles made from resin are very durable but aren’t always pleasant to touch. For horn handles, a good choice is buffalo horn because it’s very durable.
5. Warranty
You can’t always be sure that the product you’ll get is in pristine condition. Sometimes, you can receive a defective one. To give you peace of mind, look for one with a longer warranty.
A good warranty will allow you to return the product in case it doesn’t satisfy you. Keep in mind that all shaving brushes shed in the beginning. If you think that the brush consistently sheds too much, then you need to get it replaced.
How to Use a Shaving Brush
One of the important factors to achieve the perfect shave is to know how to properly use a shaving brush.
Here are the steps:
1. Wet the brush with warm water.
This will prepare the brush to accept the soap or shaving cream. Shake to remove any excess water.
2. Put soap or shaving cream.
Add a little amount of cream on the bristles. If you have a container, run the bristles on the soap or cream.
3. Create a lather.
Work the brush in circular motions around your beard part. Add a little water to the brush if the lather is thin.
4. Shave
Once you achieved the desired lather, it’s time to shave using any safety razor you have.
5. Rinse
After shaving, rinse the brush on running cold water. Try to separate the bristles to remove all the soap out of it. Squeeze out any excess water and hung it on the stand.
How to Care for Your Shaving Brush
It’s normal for a new brush to shed at the beginning. If you’ve got a quality brush, the shedding usually stops after 10 to 15 uses. Brushes of subpar quality will never cease to shed so you need to return it if it’s covered with a warranty.
You can do something to speed up the shedding process. Comb the brush or wash it with shampoo. You’re lucky if the shedding stops after a couple of uses.
To stop the moderate shedding of the brush, avoid using hot water. Use warm water instead to keep the bristles soft and shiny.
To ensure the longevity of your shaving brush, wash it well with water after every use. Avoid using strong detergents or disinfectants. Don’t allow the brush to get wet for a longer period of time.
Surely, picking the perfect shaving brush isn’t as easy as it sounds. We have rounded up the cream of the crop and with all features considered, our best choice is Latherwhip Shaving Brush! It might provide you with the best shaving experience that you’re looking for!
Leather whip has a comparable performance with the Silvertip but at a more affordable price tag! It has a good knot to loft ratio and delivers a rich lather. Best of all, it offers a lifetime warranty meaning you can get it replaced in case you’re not satisfied with its performance.