In its basic form, a shaving brush helps create a rich lather, working into the deep tissue of your skin allowing for a more comfortable shave. When a shaving brush is used with the right cream, it can make a world of difference to the quality of the shave. Some individuals don’t see the value in a shaving brush, but it’s not until they start using it frequently, where they see the value it provides. So what do you do if you know you want a shaving brush, but you are unsure of what grade of brush is right for you. With so many options out there, it can feel daunting. You want a brush to last you a long time while providing tremendous value. This blog explains the different shaving brush grades available.

Boar Shaving Brush

A boar shaving brush is considered to be a low priced entry-level shaving brush. These brush prices can range anywhere from $5.00 – $20.00.

One of the first things you notice when using a boar shaving brush, is their bristles are stronger and coarser. Over time, the bristles break down and become softer with use. However, some individuals may like a firmer shaving brush, as they feel it lifts their hairs off the skin with more ease. If that’s the case, individuals may find themselves buying a new boar brush every few months.

Even over five years of shaving, that money can add up fast and cost you more money in the long run, compared to if you bought a premium badger brush.  It’s something to be conscious of when looking to buy.

Horse Hair Shaving Brush

These shaving brushes are considered to be a bit softer compared to a boar brush but are more coarse compared to a badger.

Horsehair shaving brushes are more difficult to find as the number of producers available is limited. One of the reasons why is because there is not much demand for them.

Some individuals may find this brush grade tend to smell. If you were to look at a horsehair shaving brush, we would encourage you to wash it with pet-shampoo and warm water before using; to allow for the smell to be removed.

Synthetic Hair Shaving Brush

These brushes are custom made from synthetic bristles. Synthetic hair shaving brushes still create a quick rich lather and are still a very affordable option.

One of the main reasons individuals may prefer a synthetic hair shaving brush is because they are considered to be cruelty-free. They don’t use animal hair and no animals are harmed in the making of these brushes.

However, the downside to synthetic shaving brushes is they don’t absorb much water and therefore dry very quickly. Heat is essential for a quality shave as heat is the ingredient that helps keep your skin pores open, allowing for hair to be trimmed with ease. Therefore you do sacrifice a warm massaging lather when choosing a synthetic brush grade and ultimately increase your odds of razor burn.

Badger Shaving Brush

Badger Shaving Brushes are the most popular of shaving brush used and are the most expensive. Prices may range anywhere from $40-$800.

Compared to a boar brush, their bristles are less coarse and provide a softer experience. This allows for the bristles to hold the water and stay warm while lathering. People enjoy the warm lather to the face, massaging the cream while helping exfoliate the skin. Out of all the shaving brush grades, a badger shaving brush provides the most luxurious experience.

Now, when it comes to badger shaving brushes, there are multiple types. Each type is a little different in properties and functionality.

Pure Badger

The pure badger shaving brush is the most common used by wet-shavers. A pure badger shaving brush offers tremendous value at a fair price for the everyday shaver. This brush is produced from the underbelly of the animal and is considered to be a coarser material compared to the best badger or silvertip. These brushes are typically the least expensive out of all the badger options while lasting a long time for individuals. 

Best Badger

A best badger shaving brush contains some pure badger hair. You will notice this brush’s hair is a bit lighter compared to that of the pure badger. These brushes will be loaded a bit more compared to that of the pure badger, making the brush denser allowing for it to hold more water.

The difference between a pure badger and best badger shaving brush is so small that most individuals can’t tell the difference.

Super Badger

These brushes are a bit more expensive compared to the super’s and pure badgers, however, they look very similar to that of the silvertip. The reason is, a lot of these brushes will contain pure badger hair that has been bleached, making them appear more of a grey. This brush does not function much different from that of a pure badger.

Silvertip Badger

At the high end of the market is the silvertip badger shaving brush. What makes them more valuable is they tend to hold more water compared to any other shaving brush grade, which allows for the best lather. Their hairs appear more of a white versus the super badger, which is considered more of a grey. Appearing more fluffy and arguably the softest out of any shaving brush you can buy.

The Right Brush For You

Now that you know all about the different shaving brush grades available to you, the only thing left for you is to choose one.

Each brush is a bit different compared to the next. Badger shaving brushes are by far the most popular shaving brush available on the market, and rightfully so. They offer a tremendous value, a better brush compared to a boar or synthetic at a bit more money. Now when it comes from comparing a pure badger shaving brush to that of a silvertip badger, is it worth the extra money? We will have to let you decide that one.

There is without a doubt a shaving brush can make a massive improvement in the quality of one’s shave. Once you start using a shaving brush on a regular basis, it’s hard to go back without using one. You don’t truly appreciate what a brush does for you until you try it and then stop. From Pure Badger, Silvertip Badger, Best Badger, Super Badger, Horse, Silvertip, Synthetic, super synthetic, best synthetic, there are a ton of options on the market for you to choose from. Out of all the options available, badger brushes tend to be most popular. However, you might be wondering “How Long Does A Badger Shaving Brush Last”.

By the end of this post, we hope to have that question answered for you.

Prices May Vary 

Brushes can range anywhere from $5 to $800 depending on the grade or brand of the brush. A Simpson’s brand shaving brush is considered to be at the high-end of the market, offering a luxury experience. On the other hand, there are cheap knock-off, no-name brands that go for $5 in the dollar store. When you are looking for a brush you can’t compare an $800 brush to a $5 one. Each brush is constructed differently, with different handles, bristle qualities and overall performance.

Badger Shaving Brushes 

One of the main reasons why badger shaving brushes are so popular is because they provide excellent performance at an affordable price. 

The pure black badger is the most common/popular shaving brush manufactured. Their hair is from the neck, shoulders, abdomen, and buttocks, of the badger. These shaving brushes colour may vary from a light tan to black. Their bristles are more coarse than best badger or silvertip brushes while remaining a bit more affordable. 

The reason they cost less compared to a best badger brush is because they have longer bristles which are more flexible. A silvertip badger brush is considered to be the longest and most luxurious to shave with as the ends are flared which allows it to hold more water. 

When your brush holds more water, your lather becomes more rich and therefore creates better performance. 

Lifetime 

Let’s face it, you are going to do a lot of shaving over your lifetime. So doesn’t it make sense to at least enjoy that experience? 

When you are looking to purchase a shaving brush, you get what you pay for. 

A high-end shaving brush like a Simpson’s should last longer than that of a cheap $5 Dollar-Store brush. However, the time a shaving brush can last depends on how you take care of the brush overall. You can purchase an $800 brush but if you don’t take care of it whatsoever, don’t expect it to last you very long. 

A decent quality brush like a pure badger should last you anywhere from 15 to 30 years. 

If you decide to invest in a premium brush, make sure you understand and know how to properly maintain it. Otherwise, it can be like throwing money down the drain along with your facial hair.

After you shave your face, your skin may experience some irritation. This is probably one of the worst feelings in the world. It’s definitely not the right way to start or end the day. Luckily here at Love Shaving Club, we want you to feel good every single day. We believe shaving should not be a chore but rather provide a sense of excitement. One of the best ways to reduce skin irritation is by spending a little more time preparing for your shave with a pre-shave oil.

What is Pre-Shave Oil?

Pre-shave oil is an oil that is applied to the skin before applying either a shaving soap, shaving cream, or gel.

How to Use Pre-Shave Oil?

A Pre-Shave Oil is an easy and fast product that anyone can use to help get a better shave.

First, discover a pre-shave oil that interests you. At Love Shaving Club we offer our own pre-shave oil to try.. Once you have chosen an oil, wash your face with warm water. Warm water will help to soften the hair bristles and opens the pores. Apply a few drops of the oil to your hands and rub together. With your hands massage the oil into the skin below your furry face, applying to the area that will be shaven. Once your face is ‘covered’, wash your hands to remove any residue oils off your hands and you can now start applying your shaving soap, cream or gel.  

What Does Pre-Shave Oil Do?

Now that we have covered what is pre-shave oil and how to use it, let’s discuss what it technically does.

When you wash your face with hot water it helps open the pores of the skin. When the pre-shave oil is applied it works into those pores and applies lubrication while softening the root of any hair. Thus when you shave, you notice less resistance and thus the hair comes off more easily.

Whether you use a cartridge razor or double edge safety razor, you should notice a closer shave with less resistance. For users who are using a cartridge razor who get irritation, this should reduce or eliminate the inflamed skin after a shave.

What is Pre-Shave Oil Made Of?

Typically pre-shave oil is not greasy as most blends are either made from coconut, sunflower, or olive oil. There are various oil blends that are made from other plant-based material that do the same kind of job.

Read the ingredients of what is in our pre-shave oil to ensure it will work with your skin. Some pre-shave oils may contain almond or peanut oil that can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore always check and read the label before applying.

Why Use A Pre-Shave Oil and Who Should Use it?

Pre-Shave oil will help you get a closer shave. For those who use a double edge safety razor, a pre-shave will lubricate your skin better allowing for the razor to do more of the work naturally. Anyone can use a pre-shave oil. Whether you use a cartridge razor or a single double edge, you can experience the benefits of a pre-shave oil. If you have sensitive skin and find shaving irritates your face, a pre-shave might be your first step to a better experience. Another thing you might want to consider is looking to acquire a double edge safety razor, as they can provide less irritation but also a better quality shave overall.

You are going to shave thousands of times during your lifetime, you might as well enjoy the overall experience.