The Best Shaving Brush for the Money: A Practical Guide for UK Wet Shavers
A good shaving brush is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your wet shave experience. Whether you use shaving soap or cream, a brush creates a richer lather, lifts the beard, exfoliates the skin, and helps the razor glide more comfortably.
After years of traditional wet shaving, and testing dozens of brushes across boar, badger, horse and synthetic, I’ve put together a clear, experience‑based guide to help you choose the right brush without overspending.
All our product recommendations are based on our independent research which we conduct online by reading the many reviews we find at online websites. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made.
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Quick Summary
If you want the best value for money, choose a synthetic shaving brush.
If you want the most traditional experience, choose boar.
If you want the softest, most luxurious feel, choose badger.
Shaving Brush Types Explained
1. Synthetic Brushes (Best Value, No Animal Hair)
Modern synthetic brushes have improved dramatically over time. They are:
- Soft on the skin
- Fast drying
- Excellent with both soaps and creams
- Completely animal free
They are also the easiest to maintain and the least likely to shed.
Best for: beginners, vegans, anyone who wants a reliable daily brush.
2. Boar Brushes (Traditional, Great for Hard Soaps)
Boar bristles are naturally stiff, which helps:
- Load hard soaps quickly
- Exfoliate the skin
- Lift coarse beard hair
They soften over time (“break‑in”), becoming more comfortable with use.
Best for: traditionalists, soap users, coarse beards.
3. Badger Brushes (Premium, Softest Feel)
Badger hair holds water exceptionally well and creates a luxurious, creamy lather. Grades include:
- Pure
- Best
- Super
- Silvertip
Higher grades are softer and more expensive.
Best for: luxury seekers, sensitive skin, bowl latherers.
4. Horse Hair Brushes (Ethical Natural Option)
Horse hair is taken from the mane or tail, so the animal is not harmed.
They sit between boar and badger in softness and backbone.
Best for: those who want natural hair without animal harm.
How to Choose the Right Brush
A. Your Skin Type
- Sensitive skin: synthetic or badger
- Normal skin: any type
- Oily skin: boar or horse (better exfoliation)
B. Your Beard Type
- Coarse beard: boar or mixed boar/badger
- Fine beard: synthetic or badger
C. Your Lathering Style
- Face lathering: boar or mixed hair
- Bowl lathering: synthetic or badger
D. Your Budget
- £10–£15: synthetic or boar
- £20–£40: high‑quality synthetic or entry level badger
- £50+: premium badger (silvertip)
The Best Shaving Brushes for the Money (UK Picks)
These recommendations are based on:
- My own testing
- Build quality
- Value for money
- Long‑term durability
Best Budget Brush: Wilkinson Sword Classic (Boar)
A firm, traditional boar brush that softens with use. Excellent for hard soaps.
- Bristle Length: 55 mm
- Bristle Diameter: 27 mm
- Overall Length: 110 mm
- Handle Length: 55 mm
PROS
- This is a firmer brush and does scrub the skin a little which they liked a lot
- I liked the tall bristles and said they could hold a lot of lather and are well sculpted
- I found this does not loose many bristles
- I found it works really well with just a little amount of shaving cream
CONS
- Not suitable for vegans
Best Synthetic Brush: Benny’s of London
Soft, fast‑drying, and ideal for beginners. Great for travel.
- Overall brush height: 85 mm
- Handle height 42.5 mm
- Hair length 42.5 mm
PROS
- This is a smaller brush than a standard size, but it is perfect for travel as it doesn't take up too much room
- I liked the bristles on this brush
- I loved this brush for taking on holidays
CONS
- A couple of buyers received damaged goods
Best Mid‑Range Brush: Edwin Jagger Best Badger
- The handle is either imitation ivory or imitation ebony
- Dimensions vary by size selected
- Handmade and superbly styled by Edwin Jagger in Sheffield, England
- Comes with a matching drip stand
PROS
- I like the way the brush is shaped, and the soft firm bristles make a nice comfortable contact with the skin
- This brush created a very good lather very quickly
- I thought that the drip stand was very useful
CONS
- It starts to lose hairs over time
Best Boar Brush: Proraso Professional
- Used by barbers throughout the UK
- Overall Length: 130 mm
- Handle Length: 65 mm
- Bristle Length: 55 mm
PROS
- If you like the stiffer and firmer boar hair, then this is the one to buy
- It is very well made
- I love the way that this works with good shaving soap
CONS
- The brush started to lose hair after a few months
Best Mixed Hair Brush: Vulfix 404 Grosvenor
- Handle height: 53 mm
- Overall brush height: 103 mm
- Knot diameter (At base): 23 mm
PROS
- This is great value from a well respected brand and a good quality set of hairs on the brush
- The handle had a really nice shape and the bristles were strong and well stacked
- This one worked well with soap or cream
- The bristles do get a little softer with use
CONS
- The number of bristles this brush lost when in use was noticeable
- There is a slight smell when it is first new
What a Shaving Brush Actually Does
1. Builds a Better Lather
A brush aerates the soap or cream, creating a dense, protective cushion.
2. Exfoliates Gently
It removes dead skin cells and helps prevent ingrown hairs.
3. Lifts the Beard
The circular motion raises the hairs, making them easier to cut.
4. Improves Hydration
Brushes hold water and push it into the lather which is key for a smooth shave.
Shaving Brush Sizes: What Matters
Overall Height
The total length of the brush.
Loft
The length of the bristles.
- Longer loft = softer feel
- Shorter loft = more backbone
Knot Size
The diameter of the bristle bundle.
- 20–22 mm = small
- 23–25 mm = medium
- 26+ mm = large
Tip: A medium knot (23–24 mm) suits most shavers.
Handle Materials: Pros and Cons
Metal
- Heavy, durable
- Premium feel
- Can be slippery when wet
Wood
- Traditional look
- Needs proper drying
- Can last years with care
Resin / Acrylic
- Most common
- Wide range of colours
- Very durable
How to Care for Your Brush
- Rinse thoroughly after each shave
- Shake out excess water
- Hang bristles down on a stand
- Avoid boiling water
- Don’t store it in a closed cabinet while damp
A good brush can last 5–15 years with proper care.
My Final Thoughts
A shaving brush is one of the best investments you can make in your shaving routine. Whether you choose synthetic, boar, badger, or horse, the right brush will improve your lather, protect your skin, and make shaving feel like a ritual rather than a chore.
If you’re just starting out, go synthetic.
If you love tradition, go boar.
If you want luxury, go badger.