Here’s a quick quiz that will help you determine whether or not you need a good beard brush:
- 1. Do you have a beard?
- 2. End of quiz.
If you answered yes to the question above, then you absolutely need to find the right beard brush.
Growing a beard is one of the best things a guy can do to increase his handsomeness.
(And that’s not just speculation, it’s science: one study from the Journal of Evolutionary Biology showed that women were more attracted to men with facial hair than guys who were clean shaven.)
But there’s a huge difference between the handsomely well kept whiskers you see on Hollywood leading men, and the gross, unruly beards you see on… well, other Hollywood leading men.
Why The Best Beards Require the Best Beard Brushes
Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a ton of time or money on your beard care routine to keep your mane looking both manly and well manicured.
Quickly using a high-quality beard brush each morning helps to detangle your hair, while providing your beard with a ton of benefits.
In addition to encouraging your hair to grow in the desired direction, brushing distributes your hair’s natural oils, stimulating blood flow to your hair follicles and encouraging healthier and potentially faster beard growth.
Plus, running a good brush through your beard follicles can gently exfoliate the skin beneath underneath, removing dead skin cells and reducing the risk of ingrown hairs, beard itch, and beard dandruff.
To help you look your bearded best, in this post we’ve rounded up the best beard brushes for all lengths and hair types so you can get the best results from your brushing.
Tame Your Manly Mane:
The (Absolute) Best Beard Brushes on the Market
Overall Best Beard Brush ↓
Zilberhaar Beard Brush
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 2,201 Reviews
Advantages:
This Zilberhaar brush ranks first on our list thanks to an excellent combination of natural boar bristles and an extended handle that offers a better grip than some of the smaller brushes below.
Measuring about six inches in length (three for the handle and three for the brush head), it’s got 58 separate plugs that house the natural boar hair bristles, and comes pre-oiled to help reduce static.
While some of the brushes below mix synthetic material with genuine boar bristles, this one uses 100% natural materials.
In addition to the natural bristles, the handle material is solid pearwood, which both looks great and ages well, so you should be able to use this for a long time to come.
This one works quite well for medium and short beards, and thick beards that aren’t too long.
But we recommend a different brush for longer beards (see below), so depending on the length of your beard, you may want to skip to the Art of Shaving brush below.
Promising Review:
Firm enough to straighten out the beard and push through/pull out the loose hairs. You know, those ones that tend to jump ship when you’re eating and cover your food with hair. Yeah, after using this a time or two a day, that is almost non existent now.
I give it a light wash each morning after using it to spread my beard cream (moisturize, detangler). So far, no build up of gunk, just as clean as the day I bought it.
– S2Media
Best Beard Brush for Short Beards ↓
Zeus Boar Bristle Beard and Mustache Brush
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 1,853 Reviews
Advantages:
A short beard is easier to maintain than longer beard styles, and this well-made brush from Zeus is perfect for shorter beards that just need a quick pass through.
At just 3.5 inches long, it’s got a compact design that fits easily in the palm of your hand and is available with either soft or firm boar bristles.
Soft bristles are great for both regular and thinner beards, while firm or stiff bristles work well for fuller beards.
If you fall somewhere in between, I recommend picking up a two pack, which provides one of each.
Promising Review:
This brush isn’t wimpy soft, but it’s softer than the traditional stiff boars hair that’s more common.
I love it, because while it still smooths things out and helps to control fly aways, it also leaves my shorter beard feeling just a bit fuller. And I no longer feel like I’m scraping the roots of my beard clean.
Best Heated Beard Brush ↓
Aberlite Beard Straightener
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 5,548 Reviews
Advantages:
This one topped our list of the best beard straightening brushes because it’s lightweight, portable, easy-to-use and effective.
It only takes one minute to heat up and offers five different heat settings, so you can choose the right temperature without worrying that you’re going to damage your hair.
Promising Review:
Been using this beard straightener for about a week and I love it…
It’s easy to use and works well at straightening my curly and ratty face muff. My beard is fairly short currently, but I could see it working even better as I get more length on it
– Brian
Best Beard Brush for Long Beards ↓
The Art of Shaving Kent Beard Brush
Advantages:
This oval-shaped boar bristle beard brush from the Art of Shaving has a large surface area that makes it great for bringing unruly long hairs under control.
It also works great for guys with thick beard hair texture, because the brush head’s extra heft helps it untangle and corral those stubborn hairs that smaller brushes can’t always handle.
Best Beard Brush and Comb Set ↓
Viking Revolution Beard Comb & Brush Set
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 20,577 Reviews
Advantages:
A good beard brush is an essential tool to have in your grooming routine, but wooden beard combs can also be quite handy, especially if you like to maintain a very specific, well-shaped mane.
This set from Viking Revolution gives you the three main tools you need to shape and maintain your entire beard.
It combines one of the best beard combs on the market with a boar bristle brush and a pair of stainless steel scissors you can use to clip away any stubborn stragglers that can’t be brought under control by the comb.
Promising Review:
Using all the tools in this kit cuts the time it takes to style my beard in the morning in half! And the clippers included give it that extra neat look. Great product for a cheap price.
– Joel
Best Beard Brush for Travel ↓
BFWood Small Travel Beard Brush
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 5,307 Reviews
Advantages:
This compact little brush measures just 3.35 inches in length, making it the perfect size to stuff in your dopp kit without taking up much space.
But it’s well made enough to pack a punch, with medium-stiff boar bristles that are just soft enough to work well with thin beards, but strong enough to stand up to thicker beards too.
Promising Review:
The bristles of the brush are firm, the size of the brush fits perfectly in the palm of my hand, the ridges on the side make it easy to hold the brush, and the brush makes my thick curly beard hair lay down & look good.
Best Vegan Beard Brush ↓
Seven Potions Beard Brush
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 141 Reviews
Advantages:
If your personal preference is to abstain from animal products, the good news is that you don’t have to resort to synthetic bristles.
This brush from Seven Potions features bristles made from plant-based natural fibers that are just as good at shaping your beard and distributing natural beard oils throughout, but aren’t derived from animals.
Instead the bristles are made from sisal, a strong, coarse fiber native to Mexico that’s made from agave leaves.
Promising Review:
I used to brush my beard with a comb but it never managed to stay in place… Then I discovered this beard brush and it is a game changer!
It’s vegan friendly and not made of boar hair like the other ones. It’s got very firm bristles and keeps your beard looking nice and tidy. It’s also very soothing and relaxing to brush your beard.
Best Beard & Mustache Brush ↓
Kent Beard & Mustache Brush
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 324 Reviews
Advantages:
Not to be confused with the Art of Shaving brush above, which is a model called Kent, this one is from a manufacturer called Kent, which has been making brushes since 1777.
(So it’s probably safe to assume they’ve got the hang of it by now.)
This one measures about 6.2 inches in length, which is similar to the Zilberhaar brush listed above.
But the major difference here is that this one is only three quarters of an inch in width, making it narrow enough to fit underneath your nose and brush your mustache.
Promising Review:
Even before this brush arrived I was second-guessing my sanity with respect to cost versus value. However, when I opened the box and picked up the handle I was immediately impressed with the feel and ergonomics…
This brush is superior to any other I’ve used and it provides the most comfortable and even strokes you can imagine.
– D.Ortego
Best of the Rest ↓
The models listed above represent our picks for the best brushes on the market, but they’re far from the only options.
Below you’ll find a few more well-reviewed selections that come in various sizes, styles and materials, which can work for a wide variety of beard types and lengths.
Diane Original Military Brush
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 5,273 Reviews
Promising Review:
I have been using this brush for about a month. The stiffness of the bristles is just right, not too stiff, not too soft. I have had no issues with bristles falling out. It is comfortable to hold. I am very happy with this product.
– Bhorton
Cremo 100% Boar Bristle Brush
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 2,745 Reviews
Promising Review:
Great quality and I loved the purchased. I purchased a cheaper brush with a different manufacturer after I owned this product for a while. I figured a beard brush with boar bristles are the same and why not save a few bucks?
I was wrong. The cremo beard brush is significantly better quality for the price range. I will buy this product again in the future.
– SJ
Wahl Small Travel Beard Brush
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 1,008 Reviews
Promising Review:
I got the the large brush and it’s been great. Good quality brush and the size is perfect. It’s not too big to travel with at all.
The bristles have held up great so far after daily use for multiple weeks and I expect they’ll continue to do so.
– Joshua
Grave Before Shave Beard Brush
Rating:
- 4.8 Stars
- 2,418 Reviews
Promising Review:
My beard averages 2-3” in length and this brush works great especially after applying the GBS balm. The combo keeps strays under control and my beard in point.
– Matt F
Bossman Boar & Nylon Beard Brush
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 354 Reviews
Promising Review:
Very nice boar hair bristle brush. Little on the softer side. Very easy to hold in either hand. All around great bossman product.
Wild Willies Beard Straightener
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 1,154 Reviews
Promising Review:
Game changer. From first use. I never knew I needed this thing but now I’m wondering how I went without it for so long.
I brush it up from the bottom and then down with the top. No more frizz or scraggly hair. Throw in some butter or balm and brush it all through with a boar brush.
Mission Beard Ultimate Beard Brush & Comb Tin Set
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 973 Reviews
Promising Review:
Perfectly satisfied with this purchase! By far the best beard brush I’ve ever bought. I love what these guys are doing with their product by making them so affordable and what not. I now look forward to brushing my beard in the morning, highly recommend!
CanYouHandlebar Beard Balm Application Brush
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 762 Reviews
Promising Review:
This brush is (almost) perfect. The cruelty-free horsehair bristles are very soft, and don’t scratch or irritate my relatively sensitive skin. The size is ideal: small enough to fit easily in the hand, but large enough to spread beard oil and balm quickly throughout a moderate goatee…
Overall, if you have sensitive skin or a relatively soft beard, this is probably one of the best beard brushes on the market.
Badass Beard Care Wood Bristle Brush
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 509 Reviews
Promising Review:
I have had a beard of varying lengths for about twenty years. I’ve used various hair brushes and combs in the past. I did not think that I needed a special brush for my beard.
I was absolutely wrong. This brush is *excellent*. It has a combination of soft and firm bristles. When it passes through my beard it aligns the hairs and smooths them perfectly.
– Toph
Grow A Beard Brush & Comb Set
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 25,140 Reviews
Promising Review:
I really was surprised at how nice this beard grooming set is. The wooden beard comb is very nice and hefty, the beard brush is solid with a great gripping wooden handle and has great bristles, there is a pair of trimming scissors and it all comes in a carrying bag.
Rocky Mountain Military Style Brush
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 2,067 Reviews
Promising Review:
Overall TL;DR: It’s an awesome brush that looks beautiful and functions even better. The contoured bristles are awesome and really hug your face in a way other brushes don’t and actually let you brush more of your beard at once in single strokes.
Gainwell Bristle Hair Brush
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 2,402 Reviews
Promising Review:
I have a curly beard that soft bristles won’t get through. This has very tough bristles, but at the same time, they are not scratchy like another brush I have.
More comfortable and also with a nice curved shape instead of flat. Just more effective.
Rapid Beard Grooming Kit
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 10,201 Reviews
Promising Review:
‘ve had a beard for quite sometime, but never owned a beard brush or beard oil, so figured I might as well get a kit. I went with the one above, and I do not regret it…
My beard went from very scratchy to nice and luscious (oh hell yea).
FAQ
Which type of beard brush is the best?
The best type of beard brush really depends on your personal preference and individual beard needs. But bristle material is one of the key factors to consider, and natural bristles like boar hair usually work best because they distribute oils evenly and provide gentle exfoliation.
It’s also worth giving some thought to bristle stiffness and brush handle design. As mentioned above, softer bristles work well for shorter, finer beards, while stiffer bristles suit longer, coarser beards.
Meanwhile, some guys insist on a long handle, while others prefer a round brush they can hold in their palm.
Are beard brushes worth it?
Definitely. Beard brushes are worth it for guys who want to maintain a healthy and well-groomed beard because they help distribute natural oils, remove dead skin cells, untangle hairs, and stimulate hair follicles, promoting overall beard health and appearance.
A beard brush is a great way to enhance your beard grooming routine, and you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a good one, so it’s absolutely a worthwhile investment.
Should a beard brush be soft or hard?
I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but it really does depend on your hair type and personal preference. Softer bristles are great for shorter, finer beards, while stiffer bristles work better for longer, coarser beards.
What kind of brush is best for a curly beard?
For a curly beard you need a brush with medium to firm bristles, like the boar hair brushes listed here, because you need some firmness in order to detangle and manage curls effectively. Stiff bristles will also help distribute natural oils, reduce frizz and promote overall beard health.
The Summary
Summary
This Zilberhaar brush ranks first on our list thanks to an excellent combination of natural boar bristles and an extended handle that offers a better grip.
More Resources ↓
More Advice on How to Look Your Bearded Best:
- The Best Straight Razor for Beginners (Plus How to Use a Straight Razor)
- How to Grow a Beard Faster – The Definitive Guide
- The 13 Best Stubble Trimmers for Ruggedly Refined Facial Hair
- The 17 Best Beard Straightening Brushes
- The Best Beard Growth Kits for Full, Healthy & Handsome Beards
- Beard Balm vs Beard Butter – The Key Differences, Explained
- The 17 Best Beard Trimmers for Long Beards
- The 21 Best Beard Products for Black Men’s Beards
- The Best Vacuum Beard Trimmers to Make Cleaning Up a Breeze
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beardstache Styles
- The Best Beard Color for Men
- How to Use a Derma Beard Roller Properly
- The Best Face Rollers for Beard Growth
Illustration: Irreverent Gent
Geoff Hayes
Resident Irreverent Gent beard expert Geoff Hayes is a Toronto-based writer, baseball fan and craft beer aficionado (though not always in that order).