Beard care is important for those that wish to have a long and luscious beard or even those that just want to keep a healthy beard.
So aside from products to use, you should also do your research and consider the tools that you’ll be using.
Content:- What is a beard brush?
- Why use it?
- How to use
- Beard Brush vs. Beard Comb: Which should I get?
- Top 5 Beard Brushes for you
- Summary
What is a beard brush?
Everyone knows that you use a hair comb to style your hair, but not many are aware that there is a special tool to use for styling your beard.
If you’re using a beard brush, you’ll be able to style your beard neatly in a quick and fine manner. It really is a game-changer in the beard styling industry.
Yet aside from the tools that you’ll be using, you should try combining them with beard care products. For optimal care, especially growth, beard care products are a must.
Just like most beard oil and beard shampoo, a beard brush also has an important function in your beard care routine.
→ Read more: The beard oil top 5 buying guide
A beard brush is a special brush that is able to help you with the following:
- Evenly distributing beard oil so that the beard hairs can fully absorb them
- Evenly distributing beard balm to help keep your beard moisturized throughout the day
- Evenly distributing beard wax for an even hold throughout the day so that the beard stays in its desired shape
And most importantly, it also makes uneven lengths of beard hair visible before trimming, so you don’t accidentally cut a piece.
You may notice the beard brush’s striking and appealing shape. Don’t worry, this design has an important reason! It’s basically for you to be able to hold your brush with ease, thus allowing an easier time of shaping your beard.
In addition, a beard brush is characterized by a certain stiffness. This stiffness, in combination with the length of the brush, ensures good skin stimulation.
We’ll talk more about this later on in the article.
Why use a beard brush?
Using a beard brush is beneficial for several reasons. As mentioned above, you can use a beard brush to evenly apply beard care products (such as beard oil and beard balm) all over the beard whilst leaving your hands clean.
This is an important factor in beard care as it can greatly help in ensuring that all the hairs on your beard are coated by oil or balm. This contributes to the care and healthy condition of the beard.
Unlike if you’re using your hands to apply beard care products, there’s a high chance that you’ll end up damaging the hairs of your beard. For example, you can induce friction to the hair which is highly damaging especially if you have a dry beard. You might also not evenly coat even if you’re using your fingers to comb through your beard.
Let’s put our beard care products to good use and get the ultimate results by using a beard brush!
In addition, a beard brush also ensures perfect cleaning. Throughout the day, unnecessary impurities are bound to find their way to your beard; Some of these can be dust, debris, and maybe even food scraps.
With a beard brush, you are able to remove all this dirt quickly and easily.
Finally, a beard brush also has a ’learning function’ for the hairs of your beard.
By brushing your beard in the same direction every day, there’s a high chance that the hair will grow in that particular direction over time. This will make your beard even tighter and more cared for.
Brushing also stimulates the hair follicles in the underlying skin, which some say has a positive effect on the beard growth cycle. However, that is anecdotal and there is no scientific evidence for it.
Beard Dandruff
This is a topic that not many people want to talk about because of how embarrassing it may seem, but we believe it’s necessary. It’s a natural process but yes, flakes are incredibly frustrating.
Flakes (or dandruff) are the result of an overproduction of skin cells by a microorganism called Malassezia, which is nourished by the sebum from the sebaceous glands in the underlying skin.
So it is actually a very natural process, but with white flakes as a result.
One of the many ways you can combat dandruff is by exfoliating. And that can be done in two ways: chemically (e.g. by using a scrub) or with a beard brush.
When using your beard brush, combing through your beard helps remove these flakes and frees the beard of impurities. Unlike if you’re just using your hands or simply washing your beard, there is no guarantee that you’ll completely rid of this dirt and they might even end up clumping!
Beard dandruff is easy to remove, but if you have a predisposition to it, it will eventually come back. Brush regularly and you will hardly be bothered by it.
How to use a beard brush?
A beard brush is fairly easy to use. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Only use a beard brush when your beard is completely dry. A wet beard is heavy and wet beard hairs are brittle, possibly breaking the hair
- Wash your beard about 2 to 3 times a week with beard shampoo. You also want to wash too often because you’ll be getting rid of the natural oils that are good for your beard hair, also it makes it easier to style
- Once every 3 months, clean your beard brush with beard shampoo. This helps preserve the quality of your brush.
Beard Brush vs. Beard Comb: Which Should I get?
There’s no judgment at all if you prefer the beard brush or the beard comb. Both variants have their pros and cons, in which the age of the beard, in particular, plays an important role.
Beard brush: a brush is best used in the first 3 months of the beard. During these months it is important that the beard is well cared for, thus growing (more) quickly.
For optimal results, it’s best to use a beard brush along with beard oil and/or balm.
Beard comb: a comb is best used when the beard is older than 3-6 months. With a more mature beard, styling is now much easier to do, thus playing a bigger role.
A beard comb is normally used for shaping your beard as it’s much easier thanks to its single-file shape.
In the first 3 months, a beard is usually too short to use a beard comb. It is of course possible, but a brush is just a bit easier to use at this certain point in your journey.
After these 3 months, the beard is long enough to use the comb. With the comb, you can style your beard with the help of beard balm.
The tip of other LooksThatWork is to use both variants after 3 months. With the beard brush, you can keep your beard clean and moisturized. The beard comb then takes care of detangling and styling the beard.
Different types of beard brushes
When purchasing a beard brush, you can choose from different variants
- A round model: this model is mainly suitable for modeling your beard into shape.
- An oval model: this is the most sold model. The oval shape makes the brush very comfortable to hold.
- Electric beard brush: the best way to style very rebellious hair. The heating element heats up so that hairs are guaranteed to be straightened. Note: this requires some skill and practice.
- Rectangular model: this is not a very practical shape. In terms of appearance, it’s slightly more ‘masculine’ than an oval model
- Mustache model: these brushes are small and are particularly suitable for the mustache.
With the above variants, you can sometimes also choose a model with a handle.
→ Read more: The beard styles inspiration guide with 250+ photos
Top 5 Beard Brushes
You might be wondering, “A brush is a brush. Why should I spend so much time researching on which to get?”
Yet like everything that is made, each product was made to fit a certain market. Meaning, each product has a certain use that may be beneficial to others but not you.
We know that there are so many factors to consider, so we’ll make things easier for you.
Below you’ll find the Top 5 Beard Brushes we found and reviewed just for you.
Although if you already have a certain concern in mind, check out these beard brushes that we pegged to have helped in certain areas:
- Best All-Around Beard Brush
- Best Budget-Friendly Beard Brush
- Best Beard Brush for Travel
- Best Electric Beard Brush
- Best Beard Brush for Application
Zilberhaar’s Beard Brush is a product made in Germany by real artisans. The pearwood timber is carefully crafted into the perfect brush size while the natural, but firm, boar bristles are trimmed carefully to achieve the right size for the brush.
Due to its small size, the Zilberhaar Beard Brush is great for both short beards and medium beards. Yet because of its size, it’s a great beard brush to bring while traveling!
Many reviews commended this product on its superb quality and the fact that yes, it did help with beard growth and beard dandruff! Two birds with one stone!
Pros & Cons
- Firm and stiff bristles
- Helps with Beard Dandruff
- High quality materials used
- Helps with beard dandruff
- Overall size is smaller than expected
- Not suitable for long beards
Once you use this product, you’ll find it hard to switch to a different one. Let us tell you why:
Fitting your palms perfectly. The size of this Beard Brush was made to perfectly fit the palms of anyone -– allowing maximum control and comfort for all users.
Perfectly spaced bristles. While it’s dense, it’s also not too dense. Its perfectly spaced bristles ensure maximum cleansing and an even distribution of product throughout your beard.
Gentle Exfoliating. With its boar bristles, this beard brush exfoliates hair while also massaging your face without causing any irritation and/or scraping of the skin.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to handle
- Allows easy styling
- Ensures even distribution of product
- Best for oily beards
- Bristles are very stiff
- Size may not be appealing to everyone
- A bit pricey
Kent BRD5 Men's Beard and Mustache Brush
Comfort
Cleansing
Application
Styling
Price
The BRD5 Beard Brush by KENT uses a special hand-mixed blend of both horsehair and carefully selected nylon to create a feathered-like head while still giving unbelievable grooming.
Due to the material of its bristles, it can withstand even the most unmanageable beards but is still light enough to carry around with you.
The BRD5 by KENT spots about 8 inches of grooming power.
With each bristle sewn in, quality is ensured with every stitch and cut. This is one of the highest quality beard brushes out on the market.
Pros & Cons
- High-quality materials
- Uses soft bristles while still doing its job
- Ergonomic design
- Good for styling
- Body can get stained from oils
- Some find the bristles too soft
- Not suitable for left-handed people
GOLDEN BEARDS KOBENHAVN's Vegan Beard Brush
Comfort
Cleansing
Application
Styling
Price
Sporting a hand-sculpted high-quality hardwood (pearwood) and using natural fibers for bristles, Golden Beards Kobenhavn’s has changed the game for many people.
Working for all kinds of beards and mustaches, this vegan brush also helps with an itchy beard and dandruff issues!
What more do you need?
Pros & Cons
- Natural and Vegan materials used
- Sturdy and long-lasting bristles
- Combs out well
- Great at taming hairs
- Evenly distributes product
- A bit pricey for others
- Bristles may be too hard for some
- Size may not be appealing to some
Aside from the sleek and appealing aesthetic of this beard brush, it also helps you maintain your beard in the easiest way.
The Beard Brush by Rocky Mountain Barber Company is a rectangular brush with a curved design for its bristles. Styling your beard has been made much easier.
Its 100% Boar Bristles (no synthetics, plastics, and/or nylon is used) is also great for keeping your beard healthy! It helps remove dead skin, dandruff, and cleans your beard thoroughly
Pro: Work for all beard type, Firm but soft Bristles, Easy handling, Evenly distributes product, Great at taming hair, Works for both short and long beard
Cons: Soft bristles may not be appealing to some, Bristles may sometimes fall out, Print on product comes off easily,
Pros & Cons
- Work for all beard type
- Firm but soft Bristles
- Easy handling
- Evenly distributes product
- Great at taming hair
- Works for both short and long beard
- Soft bristles may not be appealing to some
- Bristles may sometimes fall out
- Print on product comes off easily
Best All-Around Beard Brush
KENT's BRD2 Boar Bristle Brush
Best All Around Beard Brush
Comfort
Cleansing
Application
Styling
Price
The Kent BRD2 Beard Brush for men is filled with natural boar bristles cut at a 45-degree angle, giving you the best brushing experience.
The longer side of the bristle is great for reaching the deepest hairs while the short bristles are stiff and great for styling and taming. Most importantly, because of its boar bristles, it’s great in evenly distributing products and detangling your beard.
Its ergonomic pistol-like grips give you the utmost comfort when maintaining your beard.
The Kent BRD2 also comes with a hand-stitched cotton bag for storage, which is great if you travel a lot and always seem to need a beard brush with you!
Pros & Cons
- Soft but firm bristles
- Works with both dry and wet beards
- Easily tames fly-away hairs
- Evenly distributes products
- Handle may be prone to stains
- Not suitable for left-handed people
- Handle is made from 100% natural wood
Best Budget Brush
Diane's Original Military Brush for Men
Best Budget Brush
Comfort
Cleansing
Application
Styling
Price
Diane’s 100% Boar Original Military Brush is made with medium boar bristles that are best for medium to coarse hair types.
Because of its bristles, this beard brush by Diane is great for smoothing beard hair, styling and defining them, deepening their wave styles.
Since they are working with medium boar bristles, it is particularly excellent for those with sensitive skins. It’s incredibly gentle while still helping you clean out your beard brush well.
Most of all, the product is durable. The oval-shaped palm grip is made out of high-quality wood that was sealed with a UV gloss which prevents cracking. It also uses an advanced implantation technology that limits bristle loss as much as possible.
Pros: Very soft bristles, Great for travel, Comfortable use, Durable materials,
Cons: Some find the bristles TOO soft, Might not work with long beards
Pros & Cons
- Very soft bristles
- Comfortable use
- Great for travel
- Durable materials
- Some find the bristles TOO soft
- Might not work with long beards
Best Beard Brush for Travel
ZEUS' N91 Boar Bristle Pocket Beard Brush for Men
Best Beard Brush for Travel
Comfort
Cleansing
Application
Styling
Price
ZEUS’ N91 Boar Bristle Pocket Beard Brush for Men is definitely one of those combs that will end your search for a travel brush.
Note that this is a Pocket Beard Brush, so its size is just perfect for, literally, keeping in your pocket!
You might not be expecting much from a brush this small but with its 100% Boar Bristles and rounded tips, it bags a spot on one of the best beard brushes.
Upon purchasing Zeus’ N91 Pocket Beard Brush, it comes with a pouch that allows you to safely store it and to be able to bring it with you wherever you go.
Pros & Cons
- Great for traveling
- Rounded bristle tips
- Evenly distributes products
- Thoroughly cleans
- Suitable for wet and/or dry beards
- Shape may not be appealing to some
- Not for sensitive skin
Best Electric Beard Brush
Kuschelbär's Heated Beard Straightener Brush
Best Electric Beard Brush
Cleansing
Comfort
Application
Styling
Price
Kuschelbär’s Hair and Beard Straightener is one of the world’s first heated straightening brush for men. Combining the functionality of both hairbrush and the power of heat, this brush can smoothen out both your hair and beard with ease.
With its easy-to-use features and a dual voltage feature (making it easier for both travel and home use), this Heated Beard Straightener is one of the best ones your money can buy.
Not to mention that with its negative ion technology, it allows hair to be hydrated and smoothed while preventing heat damage onto your hair.
Pros: Suitable for travel and home use, High-quality materials used, Works with rough and coarse hair, Uses negative ion technology, Instant results
Cons: May not work for some wavy beards, Short cord,
Pros & Cons
- Suitable for travel and home use
- High-quality materials used
- Works with rough and coarse hair
- Uses negative ion technology
- Instant results
- May not work for some wavy beards
- Short cord
Best Beard Brush for Application
CanYouHandlebar's Application Brush
Best Beard Brush for Product Application
Cleansing
Comfort
Application
Styling
Price
Coming in at only 2.4 ounces (68 g), this application brush makes it so easy to apply your preferred beard balm/oil.
The bristles are made with natural horsehair and its handle is made of solid wood that fits the hand perfectly.
CanYouHandleBar’s Beard Application Brush comes in a small tin can that perfectly fits it. What’s great is about that is that you can be sure your brush will be kept safe, avoiding any dents or mishandling that can happen.
Since it is made with horsehair, it’s natural for the hairs to fall out, but CanYouHandleBar made sure that you’ll know how to take care of that issue. Just don’t forget to read the manual!
Pros: Easy application, Suitable for Travel, Comfortable grip, Made with horsehair, Applicable for wet beard only, For all types of beards, Easy cleansing
Cons: Horsehair may fall out, Some find it too soft,
Pros & Cons
- Easy application
- Suitable for Travel
- Comfortable grip
- Made with horsehair
- For all types of beards
- Easy cleansing
- Applicable for wet beard only
- Horsehair may fall out
- Some find it too soft
Summary
A beard brush is one of the finest and a must-have tool in the well-groomed, beard-wearing man’s arsenal.
The use of a beard brush stimulates the skin and hair follicles, which is vital for the natural growth cycle of the beard.
Brushed hair is also easier to style and uneven lengths are immediately visible, which is a requirement for trimming the beard effortlessly.
Beard brushes come in various shapes for the grip (round, oval, pistol-like, etc.) and with different hairs such as wild boar or synthetic hair.
The hardness of the bristles also determines the degree of brushing. If you have a stiff beard, a beard brush with stiff bristles will work better.
Be sure to do research on the type of beard you have and what type of brush would work best for you. For example, if you have a long beard, bristles that are longer would be better to help penetrate them well.
Also note that if you have sensitive skin, you should be wary of which beard brush to get as, of course, we want comfort while tending to ourselves.
Happy brushing!
