When it comes to traditional wet shaving, few tools are as essential—and personal—as the shaving brush. Whether you’re lathering up a triple-milled soap or a creamy artisan croap, the type of brush you use can greatly influence your experience. The two most common choices? Badger hair brushes and synthetic brushes. Each offers unique benefits and trade-offs, and choosing the right one depends on your priorities, preferences, and shaving style.
Let’s break down the differences so you can make the best choice for your shave.
Badger Hair Shaving Brushes
What Are They?
Badger brushes are the traditional standard. Made from the soft and water-retentive hair of the badger, these brushes have been favored by wet shavers for centuries. The most common grades include Pure, Best, Super, and Silvertip, each varying in softness, water retention, and price.
Synthetic Shaving Brushes
What Are They?
Synthetic brushes are made from engineered fibers—most commonly nylon or specially treated polyester—that mimic the feel and performance of natural hair. Modern synthetics like Plissoft, Tuxedo, or Silksmoke have come a long way from their early, scritchy ancestors.
Final Thoughts: There's No "One Brush Fits All"
At the end of the day, the right shaving brush is the one that complements your shaving routine and values. If you’re a purist chasing that perfect luxury lather, a Silvertip badger brush may be worth every penny. But if you want ethical convenience without sacrificing performance, a modern synthetic might just become your daily driver.
Many wet shavers keep both in their rotation—and at The Razor Company, we stock a wide range of badger and synthetic brushes to suit every preference.