The 8 Best Shaving Brushes to Buy for a Great, Flawless Shave

Along with pre-shave oils and shaving creams, shaving brushes are an absolute must-have for a great, flawless shave. This is because the bristles of the brush — which can be crafted from badger or boar hair — causes your facial hair to stand more erect at a plane perpendicular to the skin’s surface. This results in less stubble and smoother skin.

A high-quality shaving brush should fit snugly into your hand, allowing you to lather shaving cream on hard-to-reach areas in your neck or face for a more streamlined grooming routine. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with our list of the best shaving brushes for men this 2022, including tips on how to use your first shaving brush.

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Perfecto Badger Shaving Brush

This is a great starter shaving brush. Period. When considering quality for the price, this brush out-competes just about any other one on the market. Sporting 100% badger hair bristles for less than $20, this choice will introduce you to a life of quality shaving. The brush itself is lighter in weight than others, meaning the quality and feel of the handle was compromised for affordability, but if you are looking for your first shaving brush, look no further.

The Blades Grim Satin Tip Travel Shave Brush

If you’re the kind of fella who steers clear of animal byproducts, then this might be the best option for you since it subs in synthetic fibers rather than animal hair. It’s technically a travel shave brush, but it might just be nice enough to become your regular brush. The white bristles contrast nicely with the sleek black of the base, making this brush a solid bathroom decoration when not in use.

West Coast Shaving Omega Hi-Brush from West Coast Shaving

Featuring an attractive ebony handle, the Omega Hi-Brush from West Coast Shaving is a great affordable alternative to some of the pricier brushes on this list. Outfitted with synthetic fibers as opposed to animal hairs, it’ll also please eco-friendly shavers in search of a full-bodied soapy lather.

Edwin Jagger Shaving Brush

Built with firm fibers and a pleasantly lightweight in the hand, this brush from Edwin Jagger could make a great addition to any guy’s arsenal of shaving accessories. An added bonus of this particular item is its stand, which allows the bristles to drip dry overnight and will look damn fine on your sink while doing so.

Parker Safety Razor Silvertip Badger Bristle Brush

Made with 100% silvertip badger bristles, this option from Parker Safety is as attractive as it is practical. Expect a full, fibrous bloom from this brush after just a few uses, which allows you to cake on your shaving cream of choice in a satisfyingly thick layer.

Semogue Superior Boar Bristle Shaving Brush

For those with longer, tougher beards, you may want to consider a brush composed of boar’s hair. These bristles are a bit sturdier than badger ones, allowing for more full coverage. Sure, it can feel a little rough on the skin, but once you get used to it, you’re bound to notice a big difference in the quality of your shave.

C.O. Bigelow Shaving Brush

If you already have a synthetic or boar bristle brush, then you might be interested in graduating to a legit badger hairbrush. To start, we recommend this handsome beast from C.O. Bigelow. Founded in 1838, C.O. Bigelow has been around for nearly as long as shaving brushes have. Plus, “C.O. Bigelow” is just fun to say. These brushes are made in England and available in imitation ebony and imitation ivory.  

Imperial Vegan Travel Shave Brush

Your whiskers do not stop growing while you’re on vacation to the backcountry. Likewise, traveling does not mean you should neglect your grooming routine. One of our top recommendations is the Imperial Vegan Travel Shave Brush, crafted from vegan-friendly synthetic bristles to ensure a smoother shave on the road. Its plastic case keeps the brush dry after use while protecting it from the rigors of travel, making Imperial’s vegan shaving brush a hardy travel grooming product for seasoned globetrotters.

$48 from Imperial

How to Use a Shaving Brush

Whether you’ve let your beard grow out this past year or you want to give yourself the full barber experience, shaving can be a daunting task. It’s not just avoiding cutting yourself but also treating ingrown hairs or razor bumps, and making sure that you’re using the right products. Hair and skin texture is different for everyone and if you’re a person of color there are specific products tailored for you.

You’ll need your shaving brush, a shaving mug, shaving cream or soap, a little elbow grease, and these four easy steps.

1. After soaking the brush in hot water, flick excess water away from the top of the brush hair.
2. Whisk the brush into your shaving mug or bowl to create a lather.
3. Use a circular motion massage motion over your entire beard and neck area to raise facial hair and provide gentle exfoliation.
4. After shaving, rinse the brush well after usage, clean thoroughly, and hang to dry.

Now that you know how to use one, it’s probably time to pick up a shaving brush for yourself.