Shaving brush - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
A shaving brush is more than just an old-fashioned way of applying shaving cream – it's a reliable tool for smoothing and moisturizing skin and lifting hairs for a close, wet shave. A shaving brush is also useful for creating a lather and gently exfoliating the skin.
Although all shaving brushes are used in the same way, they vary in the quality of the hair and the style of the handle. Some people prefer the coarseness of boar hair, while others prefer the smooth feel of an extra soft badger hair brush. Brushes with a large knot and higher loft offer the smoothest experience, but tend to be more expensive. Although most shaving brushes are fairly affordable, lesser quality brushes can come off with frequent use.
A shaving brush is a tool that you can use every day for several years, so it is important to find a well-made one that suits your preferences. Continue reading our buying guide to learn more about the different styles of shaving brushes. When you're ready to buy, check out our top recommendations, too.
Key Considerations
Do you really need a shaving brush when it's so easy to apply shaving cream with your hands? That depends on the shaving experience you want. You can use a shaving brush to apply water to your face without having to splash it with your hands. If you use foam, a brush can introduce air to create a smoother texture, which means you can use less foam with each shave. A shaving brush is also an easy way to apply cream or foam to your face without getting your hands dirty.
The hair of the brush, the height of the loft and the weight of the handle are the main factors in the feel and function of a shaving brush. If you have sensitive skin, you should consider a softer brush which...is less likely to cause irritation. If you're looking for a gentle exfoliation, a thicker brush may be best for you.
- Hair Type of Brushes
Synthetic, boar, horse or badger? Choosing shaving brush hair can be confusing, especially when you start looking at the different grades available for each type of hair. However, the hair on most shaving brushes varies in one significant way: roughness.
Synthetic: These bristles are usually nylon and are more durable than animal hair. Also, synthetic hair is the least expensive and is well suited for men with allergies or men who'd rather not use animal products. However, many people find synthetic brushes uncomfortably stiff.
Boar Hair: This coarser option excels at creating a fluffy lather. Also, boar hair is typically affordable. Boar hair can be stiff at first, but can soften over time.
- Loft and Knot Size
The size of the knots and loft of a shaving brush can determine the overall feel and add to the softness or firmness of the bristles, also known as the “backbone.” Some people with thick facial hair prefer a firm spine.
- Brush Shape
The shape of the bristles determines how the brush comes into contact with your face and how the foam is applied.
Bulb brushes have a rounded shape and are the most common.
Fan brushes have hairs of equal length in a fan shape.
Features of the Shaving Brush
Aside from brush hair, there are a few other considerations that can improve your overall comfort when shaving.
- Style :
There's no "right" way to go when it comes to shaving brushes, but you may find some more comfortable than others. The handle should fit the size of your hand and feel comfortably balanced. The most important thing is that you can get a good grip on the handle. Some shapes include the inverted tulip, which has a round base and a narrower top, Persian jar.
- Material :
If you have other shaving tools, like a brush holder or safety razor, you might want to find a shaving brush with a handle that matches your other tools. Common materials include wood (often pine, ash, or cherry), horn, plastic, glass, resin, ceramic, and metal. Some materials like glass and ceramic can be brittle, while other people find plastic uncomfortably light.
Tips
To produce a foamy lather, you will need a shaving brush, shaving soap, and a shaving bowl.
Wet your face with warm water using the brush.
Fill the bowl with hot or warm water and soak the brush for a minute.
Shake off any excess water from the brush and set the brush aside for now.
Soften the soap with a little hot water.
Empty the shaving bowl except for a small amount of water.
Move the brush over the soap in a circular motion.
Swirl the brush around in the water in the shaving bowl to start lathering. Keep turning until most of the big bubbles are gone and the foam thickens.
Gently brush the lather onto your face, dipping the brush into the shaving bowl if necessary.
Other Products We Consider
While our top recommendations are excellent brushes, there are other high-quality brushes available, including some that use high-quality badger hair. We love the Parker Safety Razor 100% Silvertip Shaving Brush for its extremely soft bristles that rarely shed. Customers like the softer spine and the classy faux horn handle. The included plastic stand is also a nice bonus. For a more economical brush, the Pink Woolf Soft Bristles Shaving Brush has the characteristic softness of classic silvertip badger bristles, but with synthetic hair and a heavy faux ivory handle. Customers like the firmness of the spine and the heavy weight. The brush retains moisture and holds up well.