Best Shave Brush for a Smooth, Even Shave Every Single Time
Many people prefer to use their hands when putting shaving cream on. But there is a reason why the shaving brush came into existence.
Here are the reasons you need to invest in a quality shave brush and things you need to consider when buying one.
- Shave brush helps in creating a warm and smooth leather by incorporating air into the soap/cream
- It helps in exfoliating the skin by getting rid of dirt and dead cells
- Using a shave brush for applying the cream instead of your hand allows the skin to soften and hair follicles to open up. This makes shaving smoother and more effortless
- A shave brush lifts the facial hair, which leads to a smoother and better shaving experience without giving any nicks or cuts
Things to Consider Before Investing in The Best Shave Brush
Some of the most important things to keep in mind when getting a shave brush include the following.
Types of Shave Brushes
Shaving brushes are manufactured from horse, badgers, or boar hair, as well as synthetic fibers.
Horsehair Brushes
are, as the name implies, made from horsehair. They are soft and fine and come in many colors to choose from. They come in normal price ranges, making them a favorite among people who do not want to spend too much on shave brushes yet wish to opt for quality brushes.
Badger hair brush
has been in the market for over two centuries. They are divided into four grades; pure, best, super, and silver tip. Pure badger hair shave brush is the most affordable. Available in brownish grey or black color, these brushes have flexible hair with coarse texture. They easily last 2-3 years.
Super badger grade
is very soft to touch and does not scratch the skin. They have whiter tips and black bands. They are more expensive as compared to the pure grade and can easily last ten years.
The silver tip is the best of the four types of boar hair shave brushes. However, they are costly, can last more than ten years, and have a luxurious feel. It is almost like you are massaging your face with a sponge.
Boar Brushes
are manufactured from badger hair and are quite coarse. They tend to scratch the skin if not used appropriately. However, people prefer them because they quickly create an excellent lather and soften with time to make for an easier shave. They are very inexpensive and can be bought from any ordinary store.
Synthetic Brushes
are made from nylon bristles that aren’t very comfortable because of their harsh, unnatural material. But many companies nowadays are coming up with high-quality synthetic fibers that are not only exceptionally soft but give a smooth, even shave. They come in a variety of price ranges, and you can pick whichever best suits your budget.
Handles
The best shave brush is one that has perfect balance, is comfortable in your palm, provides good grip, and is the right size. All of this is what makes your shaving experience ideal. The handle is made of many different materials like wood, metal, horn, and synthetic. Opt for a shave brush that you think comes in your affordability and comfort.
Hair Shedding
Shave brushes shed hair. Surprised? This happens to new brushes mostly, but rest assured the process stops after 10-15 shaves. You can get rid of this issue by washing your brush with soap multiple times so that it settles and starts giving proper lather. Keep in mind that brushes that are too low quality will continue to shed even after regular use and care.
Knots & Loft Height
The knot and loft height is what makes your shaving experience a comfortable or a horrendous experience. Longer and thicker hair groups will feel soft on the face. Shave brushes that have bigger diameter knots and high lofts are the ones that are high quality and more expensive.
So which brush should you get? The one that makes you feel best when shaving. This would mean that you may need to try a few before finding the best one.
Tips for the Best Shave Brush Experience:
- When beginning to shave, start by dipping the brush in warm water and then gently shaking off all the excess. Make sure the water is not scalding, simply warm.
- Now apply shaving cream on top of the brush but don’t overdo it. Apply small amounts and use more if needed
- Apply to your face and rub in gentle motions so that thick, creamy lather forms. The better leather you are able to make, the better and smoother your shave will be. Make sure all the hair and smaller stubble is covered evenly.
- Once you have shaved, clean the brush in warm water to get off all the cream or soap. You would have to rinse it 2 to 3 times for proper cleansing.
- Gently squeeze the bristles of your shave brush to get out all the water. Store in a way that the brush is left standing.
Best Shave Brush FAQs
Q: Why use a shaving brush at all when you can use your hands to do the job?
A: A shave brush covers the hair on your face and stubble properly. It lifts the hair from the face, which results in an even and smooth shave. A shaving brush also exfoliates the skin leaving it smooth, clean and soft.
Q: How to know it’s the right shave brush?
A: You can only find out once you start using the shaving brush. Give it at least a month to settle before coming to any conclusion. A brush sheds hair the first few times and takes a little time to become soft. Eventually, you get a brush that gives you the kind of shave you wish for.
Q: How long can I use the same shave brush?
A: This one's going to be a long-term investment, so you can be a little generous and get your hands on the best shave brush. A shaving brush generally lasts five years or more. Premium brushes last more than ten years. Synthetic ones work for only a couple of years. Your brush will last longer if you take care of them and clean them regularly. If you invest in a good quality brush, it will last long enough.