Shaving Brush Guide 2026: The Ultimate Selection Guide
Discover how to choose the ideal shaving brush for your needs. From synthetic to Silvertip Badger, learn what makes each type unique and which brands professional barbers choose.
Why a Shaving Brush is So Important
The shaving brush is the unsung hero of traditional wet shaving. While many focus on the razor and blades, the brush is what truly transforms a simple shave into a luxurious experience.
A quality brush doesn't just create lather - it prepares the skin, lifts the hair, and provides a gentle massage that improves blood circulation. Discover our complete collection of shaving brushes.
Quick Overview Hair types: Synthetic (vegan, 15-80 euros), Boar (20-50 euros), Badger (30-300+ euros). Ideal knot size: 22-24mm for beginners, 26-28mm for experienced users. Top brands: Simpson, Muhle, Edwin Jagger, Omega.
The 5 Functions of a Brush
The brush performs critical functions that no other tool can replace:
- Mechanical exfoliation: Removes dead cells and frees ingrown hairs
- Thermal preparation: Maintains temperature of 40-45 degrees for 3-4 minutes
- Hair lifting: Raises the hair for a cleaner cut
- Microcirculation: Increases blood flow to the area
- Hydration: Introduces more moisture than simple application
Brush Hair Types: Complete Analysis
Choosing the hair type is the most important decision when buying a brush. Each type has unique characteristics that affect performance, feel, and lifespan.
| Hair Type |
Price |
Characteristics |
Ideal For |
| Synthetic |
15-80 euros |
Vegan, dries quickly, no break-in period |
Beginners, vegans, travelers |
| Boar |
20-50 euros |
Stiff, good exfoliation, needs 20+ uses |
Hard soaps, exfoliation |
| Pure Badger |
30-60 euros |
Entry-level badger, medium stiffness |
First natural brush |
| Best Badger |
50-100 euros |
Softer, better water retention |
Daily use |
| Super Badger |
80-200 euros |
Premium quality, soft with good backbone |
Experienced users |
| Silvertip Badger |
150-500+ euros |
Top quality, exceptionally soft |
Collectors, luxury |
Myths and Truths Modern synthetics (Plissoft, Silvertip Fibre) easily compete with Best Badger! Technique matters more than price - a 30 euro brush can outperform a 300 euro one in experienced hands.
Brush Anatomy: Understanding Technical Terms
To choose the right brush, you need to understand the basic terminology:
The 6 Critical Measurements
1
Knot Diameter: 20-22mm for precision, 22-24mm for balance (recommended), 24-26mm for more coverage, 26-30mm for large faces
2
Loft Height: 45-50mm for more backbone, 50-55mm for ideal balance, 55-65mm for more flexible and soft
3
Backbone: The resistance when you press the brush - medium backbone is recommended for most users
4
Splay: How much the brush opens when pressed - affects coverage
5
Flow-through: How easily water and lather pass through
6
Density: How many hairs per square centimeter - affects performance
Best Shaving Brushes by Category
After 20+ years of experience and thousands of sales, these are our top picks:
Premium Luxury Brushes (100+ euros)
For demanding users who want the ultimate shaving experience.
Simpson
Chubby 3 Super Badger
The ultimate luxury brush. Dense knot, perfect backbone. No.1 worldwide.
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Muhle
Silvertip Badger 091 H 72
Premium German quality, natural silvertip hair. Exceptional softness.
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Muhle
Silvertip Fibre 31 K 256
The best synthetic on the market. Vegan and competes with naturals!
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Best Value Brushes (30-60 euros)
The golden mean between quality and price - ideal for daily use.
Muhle
Pure Badger 81 H 331
Classic German quality. Excellent price for natural hair! Best seller.
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Muhle
Pure Badger 81 M 332
The classic Muhle design. 21mm knot, ideal for beginners.
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Simpson
Trafalgar T2 Sovereign
British elegance in synthetic. Sovereign grade fiber!
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Budget Champions (15-30 euros)
Excellent choices for beginners or those seeking value for money.
Omega
Roma Lupa Capitolina
Limited edition synthetic. Incredible price for the quality! King of budget brushes.
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Captain Fawcett
Vegan Brush [V]
British style, 100% vegan. Synthetic with natural feel.
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Muhle
Travel Brush 31 M 530
Practical for travel. Silvertip Fibre in compact size!
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View All Brushes
Selection Advice For beginners: Start with synthetic (Omega Roma Lupa or Captain Fawcett V). No break-in period, easy to use, affordable. For daily shavers: Muhle Pure Badger or Simpson Trafalgar T2. For luxury experience: Simpson Chubby 3 or Muhle Silvertip Badger.
Break-In Period: How to Open Your New Brush
Natural brushes (especially boar) need a break-in period to perform at 100%. Follow this guide:
1
Initial Cleaning: Wash with mild shampoo and lukewarm water. Squeeze gently and let dry hanging. DO NOT use hot water - it can melt the knot glue.
2
First 10 Uses: The brush will be stiff and eat lather. Use 25% more product. Soak in warm water for 2-3 minutes before use.
3
Practice Lathers: Every evening for one week: Soak, load with soap, build lather for 2-3 minutes, rinse. This speeds up the process.
When Is It Ready Boar: 20-30 uses - the tips will split and become soft like badger. Badger: 5-10 uses - just needs to lose the initial wild feeling. Synthetic: Ready from day one!
Lather Building Techniques
Creating the perfect lather is both art and science. With proper technique, even a cheap brush can create excellent lather.
1. Bowl Lathering
Advantages: Full control of texture, clean process, ideal for beginners.
1
Add an almond-sized amount (cream) or load the brush for 30 seconds (soap)
2
Add 5-10 drops of water to the bowl
3
Circular motions for 60-90 seconds
4
Gradually add water until it becomes yogurt-like
5
The lather is ready when it forms peaks and shines
2. Face Lathering
Advantages: Better skin preparation, warmer lather, fewer dishes!
1
Wet your face well with hot water
2
Load the brush with 20% more product
3
Small circular motions on cheeks, gradually increase pressure
4
Add water by dipping the brush tips
5
Finish with painting motions for even layer
Brush Maintenance and Care
A good brush with proper care can last 10-20+ years. Simpson and Muhle brushes from the 90s are still in use!
Daily Care
- Rinse with lukewarm water until it runs clear
- Squeeze gently (don't twist!) to remove water
- Shake 10-12 times to remove moisture
- Hang with bristles facing down
- Final rinse with cold water closes the hairs
Avoid
- Don't store wet in cabinet - mold!
- Don't use hot water
- Don't twist the brush
- Don't leave standing with bristles up
- Don't store before drying
Deep Cleaning (Monthly) Solution: 1 part vinegar + 9 parts lukewarm water. Soak for 5 minutes, rinse well, wash with baby shampoo. For deep badger cleaning: 1 tablespoon borax in 1 cup water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brush is best for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend synthetic brushes like the Omega Roma Lupa or Captain Fawcett V. They don't need a break-in period, dry quickly, are affordable (20-40 euros), and easily create excellent lather.
How much should I spend on a good brush?
A quality brush starts at 25-30 euros. At 40-60 euros, you'll find excellent options that will last years. Above 100 euros, you're mainly paying for luxury - technique matters more than price!
Badger or Synthetic - What should I choose?
Badger: Softer, retains more water and heat, traditional feel, lasts 10-20 years. Synthetic: Vegan friendly, dries instantly, no break-in period, hypoallergenic, cheaper. Modern synthetics compete with mid-range badger!
What knot size should I choose?
22-24mm: Ideal for beginners and small/medium faces. 24-26mm: The most popular choice, good balance. 26-28mm: For large faces or those who also shave their head.
My brush is losing hairs - is this normal?
In the first 5-10 uses, it's normal to lose 3-5 hairs, especially with badger. If it continues after the break-in period or loses more than 5 hairs per use, there's a manufacturing issue.
Can I use the brush with tube cream?
Absolutely! The brush improves tube creams too. Put a pea-sized amount on the brush tips or directly on your face, and work it like soap.
Best Stands and Accessories
Proper storage is critical for your brush's lifespan:
Stands and Accessories
Muhle
Universal Stand RHM UNI
Premium German stand that fits all Muhle brushes and razors.
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Rockwell
White Chrome Stand
Elegant stand in white and chrome. Safely holds brush and razor.
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Muhle
Black Porcelain Bowl RN 16
Luxurious black porcelain bowl with ridges for perfect lather.
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Muhle
White Porcelain Cup RN 4
Classic white porcelain cup. Perfect for warm lather.
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Muhle
Shaving Towels T1 (2 pieces)
Premium 100% cotton towels. Ideal for hot water preparation.
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Blador
Razor Cleaner 100ml
Special cleaner for razors and brushes. Extends equipment life.
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Starter Kit - What to Buy First
If you're starting from scratch, these 3 products cover your basic needs:
Tip: Orders over 59 euros get free shipping!
Why Choose The Two Barbers
Since 2003 20+ years of experience
100+ Brushes The largest collection
Premium Brands Simpson, Muhle, Omega
100% Authentic Guaranteed genuineness
Free Shipping Over 59 euros
Remember: The right brush transforms daily shaving into a self-care ritual. Invest in quality and it will accompany you for decades.
Happy shaving!
