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When it comes to shaving, if you haven’t incorporated a brush into your routine, you may be sorely missing out. A shaving brush is designed to help make shaving easy and more comfortable by providing a number of benefits including the generation of a rich, creamy lather, softening and lifting the facial hair off the face, and will even help to open pores and exfoliate the skin, helping the razor glide smoothly, reducing any unsightly red bumps.
Below we have sourced some great quality shaving brushes of 2024 that will only serve to help improve your shaving routine. These brushes are mostly made from 100% badger hair which is known for its ability to absorb water, which while shaving, will help to produce a rich, creamier lather and is great if you prefer using a hard shaving soap vs. a cream.
We have also included a couple of synthetic brush options and a luxe brush set that includes a shaving stand to complement its quality brush. These brushes are also equipped with ergonomic, comfortable handles and are available in a wide variety of price points that will appeal to almost everyone.
Detailing the Leading Shaving Brush in 2024
Perfecto Shaving Brush — Best Overall
The Perfecto Shaving Brush is a sturdy and classic brush made from 100% badger hair to give you an invigorating shaving experience in the comfort of your own home. The naturally soft yet firm badger hair will not only help create a perfectly rich and creamy lather but will help to exfoliate and prep the skin for shaving. This brush also comes with a wooden, ergonomic handle to ensure a firm grip and will fit many standard brush holders.
Pros
- This brush is ideal for use with all types of shaving razors and blades
Cons
- Some slight initial shedding may occur
Perfecto Shaving Brush – Black — Runner Up
Similar to the Perfecto Brush above, this is the black-handled version that is crafted from real wood and will look great in any bathroom. Made from 100% Badger hair bristles, this brush will help bring water to the face as the special bristles absorb the warm water which helps to create a rich, creamy lather to give a perfect, true wet shave. In addition, these specialized bristles will help exfoliate your skin, generating the creation of new skin cells for softer skin and a more radiant appearance.
Pros
- This brush works with all different types of shaving creams and soaps
Cons
- There may be a slight smell upon first use which will go away
Diane Shaving Brush — Honorable Mention
The Shaving Brush by Diane is made from genuine horsehair bristles and has an authentic wooden handle. The bristles on this brush are slightly less full than our other options, yet it will still hold its own when it comes to shaving and would make for a great travel or backup brush in your shaving arsenal. The bristle tips are soft, clean-up is easy and the affordable price point will allow you to keep one in every bathroom and travel bag.
Pros
- For its price point, it’s an effective brush and will give you a clean shave
Cons
- If you prefer authentic badger hair, another option might be better
Vikings Blade Luxury Shaving Brush — Contender
The Luxury Shaving Brush by Vikings Blade is a traditional badger shaving brush with an untraditional exceptionalness. This brush uses a higher grade pure badger with a mix of the best and softest badger hair types to provide a high water retention rate for an exceptional shaving experience. The solid, heavyweight handle feels sturdy in your hands and is made from an obsidian acrylic material which is longer lasting than many other handle materials available.
Pros
- The base of this brush is made from a heavy-duty alloy
Cons
- It is important to rinse the brush thoroughly after every use to help protect the brush
Shaveway Badger Shaving Brush — Also Consider
Another great badger hair option is this shaving brush by Shaveway. Made from 100% badger hair bristles, this brush works to create a perfectly rich lather to help ensure a clean shave while gently exfoliating the skin to make for a smoother and cleaner shaving surface. The bristles are meant to bring water to the face as they absorb the warm water and this brush works great with all hair types from coarse to fine.
Pros
- This brush works well with safety razors
Cons
- It is advised to use warm, not hot, water to keep the brush hair soft and shiny
Parker Safety Razor Badger Shaving Set — Editor's Pick
The Brush and Stand by Parker Safety Razor is the ideal set for anyone who appreciates the art of shaving. Made from the softest grade of badger available, Silvertip Badger Bristles, this brush is ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive. This 100% badger bristle brush also has long hairs for extra lathering ability to ensure a seamless shave and its sturdy faux horn handle and chrome base makes for a durable product.
Pros
- An acrylic brush stand is included
Cons
- The price point is slightly higher due to the quality of the brush set
Bassion Hand Crafted Shaving Brush — Another Option
A great alternative to a badger brush is the shaving brush by Bassion. This brush is made from nylon bristles that are quick-drying, incredibly soft, and provide a comfortable shaving experience. The densely filled brush head is also ideal for holding and distributing lather and its ergonomically shaped handle makes shaving comfortable and easy. It works well with all types of shavers and razors and is engineered to bring you a quality shave.
Pros
- This brush comes with a lifetime guarantee
Cons
- This brush might take some time to get soft
Buyer’s Guide for Finding a Shaving Brush
If you want to give your body or face a clean shave, then you’ll definitely want a shaving brush. Here’s what you need to know about these essential tools before you make a purchase.
What Are Shaving Brushes?
There’s a good chance that until very recently, you haven’t even heard of a shaving brush before, and that’s to be expected. Many adults are content with using only shaving cream and a decent razor. However, shaving brushes can make your shaves a lot cleaner, and the way they do it may be more surprising than you think.
You see, when you apply shaving cream and gel on your skin, it doesn’t always settle right. The gel or cream may not enter the hair very well. Also, if you’re putting the cream on with your bare hands, you likely instead just push the hair flat against your skin, making it even harder to shave.
Shave brushes are designed to help deal with those problems. For one, they come into very close contact with your hair, so that creams and gels can really sink into the hair. Aside from this, the brush doesn’t leave the hair flat, and as long as you do the correct motions, you can keep the hair erect and standing, far from your skin. In summary, shaving brushes are just tools you can use to apply shaving cream or gel in a more effective manner.
How to Use Shaving Brushes
Step 1 - Get the brush wet
Wetting the brush is an important first step. It gives the brush a bit of moisture, making it easy for the gel and foam to stick onto the brush. This also minimizes any spillage of the product as you’re working your way around your hair.
Step 2 - Apply the foam or gel
Then, you’ll want to add in the shaving product of your choice. You can either dip the brush in the product, pour it on top of the brush or use any other method you find efficient. Just be sure not to overdo it, as only the top part of the brush will come into contact with your hair.
Step 3 - Start spreading
Now for the fun part. Spreading the foam over your face requires consistent circular motions at a reasonable pace. Going too slow won’t lather the foam, whereas going too fast will just result in a mess all over your bathroom. The key is to find the right rhythm - and don’t worry, it’s not as tricky as you think. As long as the foam is getting lathered, it’s probably fast enough.
When applying the foam, be sure to run through the area you want to shave evenly. Try not to return to places you’ve already covered so as not to disturb the hair. You’ll ideally want the hair at least somewhat standing and covered from tip to base with your shaving product.
Step 4 - Shave away
Once all that prep work’s done, you can then begin shaving. This will likely be the most satisfying part of the whole ordeal, as all that preparation gets paid off with a clean and efficient shave. You’ll find that because the hair is sufficiently moisturized and likely standing, your razor will just glide across your skin like it’s nothing.
How Often Should I Shave?
Shaving is a crucial part of personal hygiene, but doing so too often can lead to some problems. For one, shaving too often can cause your skin to be damaged, as it’ll be making contact with the razor a lot. Aside from this, the chances of getting ingrown hairs can rise with frequent shaving, so it’s often best to shave on occasion as long as you’re fine with a little bit of hair.
