5 Best Shaving Brushes of 2020

The right tools make any job go more smoothly. Shaving is no different. Using subpar products can lead to a subpar shave. That’s why it’s so important to invest in a high-quality shaving brush. If you aren’t already using one, you’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.

A well-crafted shaving brush will give you a much closer shave. Not only that, your skin will feel smoother and be free of dead skin cells. A brush will give you a much cleaner shave, as well.

If you’re like most men and have been using your hands, you may want to consider switching to a shaving brush. Sure, it takes slightly longer, but the end result and benefits are well worth the time and effort.

Don’t worry if you have no idea where to start. Many men who have been shaving for years don’t know the first thing about shaving brushes. We want to help you find the right one for your needs. That’s why we researched and reviewed 5 of the best models in the industry.

We’ve also included a handy buyer’s guide that will walk you through some of the ins and outs of shaving brushes. There, you’ll find information that will help you determine what kind of brush best suits your shaving style.

Some Things to Consider

Shaving brushes comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They are made with varying materials, as well. The following section will cover the many facets of these brushes, and what you should consider before you buy anything.

The brush you choose is likely the one you will be using for years to come. Be sure to research each one’s attributes to ensure you get exactly that.

Brush Material

You might be surprised to learn that shaving brushes are made with many different types of bristles. The type you choose largely depends on preference. You may want a softer material if you have sensitive skin. If you wish to exfoliate while you shave, you’ll likely want a brush with firmer bristles.

Our goal is to help improve your shaving routine. Let’s talk about all the different brush types so you know which model will serve you the best.

Boar Hair

This is the most common type of bristle you’ll see out in the wild. It is surprisingly cheaper than synthetic variants, too. If you’re on a tight budget but need a quality shaving brush, boar hair is going to be your best bet.

Just know that it is susceptible to breaking, more so than other materials. This is because the bristles are fairly firm compared to most other types.

Boar hair also tends to have a hard time retaining water. You’ll likely spend more time working up your lather than you would with higher-quality materials.

Badger Hair

Those with sensitive skin will want to use badger hair. There are several types of badger hair, yet it matters not which one you choose. They are all known for their softness and gentleness on skin. You’ll find that you have much less skin irritation as a result of using this fine bristle.

Let’s now discuss the different variations of badger hair and how each one can benefit you. There are both budget-friendly and high-end versions of it.

• Pure Badger Hair: Those on a budget who are in need of soft bristles will want to consider pure badger hair. It provides an excellent balance of softness and firmness. This dark-brown hair lands somewhere right in the middle for a smooth, comfortable shave.
• Best Badger Hair: A bit lighter than pure, best badger hair presents soft lathering for another great shave.
• Super Badger Hair: This light-brown bristle is even softer than the previous 2 versions. Super feels great on the skin and works up a nice, rich lather.
• Silvertip Badger Hair: The most expensive of all badger hairs. Silvertip delivers the most softness, as well. It’s an excellent choice for highly-sensitive skin that doesn’t cause irritation.

Horse Hair

Those who prefer a firmer bristle will want to give horse hair some serious consideration. It lies somewhere between boar and badger hair in terms of firmness and softness.

Horse hair is unique among all other types due to how it feels. It has relatively stiff bristles, yet its tip are soft and inviting.

Synthetic Bristles

Synthetic bristles are a good alternative to other bristle types. Those who desire to better exfoliate will want to give synthetic a try. It does struggle with retaining water, however. It’s actually a bit less than boar hair in that regard.

The good news is that synthetic is an affordable option that does a commendable job of lathering up shaving cream. You’ll want to watch for potential breaking, though. This material isn’t the sturdiest when compared to its counterparts.

Handle Material

You likely noticed in the chart above that there are also more than one type of handle. Some use materials that are easier to hold compared to others. We found that acrylic can sometimes be the most difficult to work with.

This can especially become a problem when shaving cream and water get on it. This causes it to become slick, resulting in you losing your grip on the brush.

That’s not to dismiss acrylic altogether, though. Many people prefer it due to its lightweight design. It can also be easier to maneuver because of this.

Those who like their shaving brushes to feel weighty will want to choose something like chrome or imitation horn. It often simply comes down to preference. Some find heavier brushes easier to control, while others feel that they are hard to manage.

It is important to consider the handle’s durability and longevity, too. You can drop, bump, and bang chrome all day without fear of doing any damage. Some plastics, however, may not fare as well.

If you’re serious about your shaving and want only the finest of brushes, spend the extra money and invest in one made of premium materials. You likely won’t have to replace it for years, even decades.

Using Your Shaving Brush

Let’s talk about the proper way to use your new brush. Following these steps will ensure you get a good lather and smooth shave.

Step 1

Find a good bowl or cup. You may want to buy one that is specifically designed for shaving. You’ll have a much easier time building your lather. Fill it up about half-way using hot water. Now set your brush in the bowl to let the bristles soak and soften.

Do this for a few minutes. The softer your brush is, the easier it will be to get a nice, rich lather.

Step 2

Ring out the bristles so that they aren’t soaking wet. It only needs to be moist. A really wet brush will make it harder to get the lather you need for shaving. Simply squeeze the bristles with your finger and thumb. Then, run them down the brush. This is usually sufficient for getting it ready for lathering.

Step 3

You first want to empty the water out of your bowl. Now apply cream in the bowl and slowly add in water until it is the consistency you desire, all the while using your brush to build up the lather.

You want it to resemble thick whip cream, not a bubble bath. Give yourself a good minute or so to get it ready for use.

Step 4

Wet down your face really well. Now dip your brush in the lather and bring a portion of it to your face. Using swirling motions, gently ‘paint’ your face with the shaving cream. Those with firmer bristles needn’t use a lot of pressure. The brush will exfoliate your skin as you go.

Now work to smooth out any hilly areas. You want a slick, flat surface on which to shave. Use long strokes with your brush to get this look and feel.

Step 5

Now it’s time to start shaving. It’s important that you don’t end there, however. Every pass with your razor should be followed up with more lather. This will ensure that you get a smooth, irritation-free shave.

You may have to splash some more water on your face throughout the shaving process. This will help keep the lather from drying out.

The Best Time to Shave

You may want to take a mirror with you in the shower and shave in there. When your face is hot and wet, your hairs stand up better and are softer. This makes it easier for your razor to glide over your face. This will also greatly reduce your hair getting pulled.

If you don’t want to do it in the shower, try to shave as soon as you get out. Your face will still be ready for shaving, and it’s best to take advantage of the opportunity. You always want a clean, comfortable shave. During or directly after a shower affords you the best time.

Top 5 Shaving Brushs Comparison Table

We’d first like to give you a sneak peek at the entries that made the grade. These are the best of the best. If you’d like to check their pricing and additional details, simply click the links on the right.

Best 5 Shaving Brushs: Detailed Reviews

Now it’s time to see the goods. You should have a pretty solid understanding of what goes into a quality shaving brush. Compare your needs with the following entries to help you select the best one.