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.
