The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Beard Brush
Beard brushes may not always be the most talked-about grooming tool, but if you’re serious about keeping your beard looking sharp and well-maintained, you’ll know just how essential they are. If you’ve landed here, you’re probably on the hunt for the best beard brush to help tame your beard and keep it looking its best.
Well, you’re in the right place because I’ve done all the legwork for you. After testing different brushes and comparing the results, I’m here to share what I’ve learned. I understand how tricky it can be to find the right one, whether you’re dealing with a thick beard, a tighter budget, or just want to find something that feels good in your hand.
Beyond just recommending some great options, I’ll also walk you through what to consider before you buy. And if you’re new to the beard care game, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. I’ll even show you the right way to brush your beard and explain the differences between a beard brush and a comb so you can make the best decision for your facial hair.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.
Before You Buy: 5 Things to Consider When Purchasing a Beard Brush
When I was searching for the perfect beard brush, I realized there were a few key things to consider. Let me walk you through what I found to be the most important factors when choosing a beard brush:
1. The Material
The material of the brush is something you’ll want to think about. Beard brushes typically come in wood or plastic. Wooden brushes, like those made from pearwood or walnut, tend to be of higher quality—and yes, they’re often a bit pricier.
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Plastic brushes are usually on the cheaper side, but in my experience, they don’t last as long and don’t feel nearly as nice in the hand. Personally, I always recommend aiming for a mid-range wooden brush. It strikes a good balance between price and quality, without skimping on the effectiveness you need to keep your beard in check.
2. The Bristles
Bristle type plays a major role in how well a beard brush works. The options usually fall into natural, synthetic, or plant-based categories.
Natural bristles, typically made from boar’s hair or horsehair, are excellent for distributing the natural oils in your beard. This helps soften the beard and gives it that healthy shine. I’ve found that natural bristles work wonders for making your beard feel and look great.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for vegan or cruelty-free options, synthetic (nylon) or plant-based bristles are solid choices. While they might not distribute oils as effectively as natural bristles, they still do a decent job of keeping your beard tidy.
3. Stiffness
I’ve learned that the stiffness of the bristles can make a big difference depending on what you need. Stiffer bristles, like those made from boar’s hair or nylon, do a great job detangling your beard and distributing oils evenly. If your beard is thick or prone to tangles, I’d recommend going for something with stiffer bristles.
But if you have sensitive skin or a finer beard, softer bristles—like those made from horsehair—might be the way to go. They’re gentler on the skin and still get the job done without causing irritation.
4. The Handle
One thing I found really important was how the brush felt in my hand. Some brushes have an extended handle, while others are more compact, fitting right in your palm. Both have their pros and cons, but I personally find that brushes with extended handles give me better control, especially when dealing with a longer, thicker beard.
The key is to find something that feels natural and comfortable for you. Try a few out if you can and see which one works best for your beard length and style.
5. Price
When it comes to beard brushes, price doesn’t always equal quality, but spending a bit more can get you better craftsmanship and durability. You don’t need to shell out for the most expensive option to get a good brush—there are plenty of mid-range options that will last and work just as well.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether that higher-quality brush is worth the extra investment. In my experience, finding something in the middle range is usually the best route to get the most value for your money.
The 6 Best Beard Brushes: My Personal Picks
After testing a wide variety of beard brushes, I’ve narrowed it down to six of the best options that cater to different needs. Whether you’re dealing with a thick beard, sensitive skin, or looking for something compact and travel-friendly, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the top picks and why I think they’ll work for you.
1. Best Overall: Seven Potions Beard Brush for Men
What stands out about this beard brush:
- 100% boar bristles
- Ideal stiffness and bristle density for a variety of beard types
- Premium craftsmanship
Best for:
Anyone looking for a well-rounded brush that works for most beard types.
Overview:
A beard brush with limp bristles just won’t cut it. You need stiffness to untangle your beard and to evenly distribute your natural oils. That’s where the Seven Potions Beard Brush for Men shines. From the moment I picked it up, I could feel the quality craftsmanship. The pearwood handle fits comfortably in your hand, and the overall size makes it perfect for beards of different lengths and thicknesses.
The 100% boar bristles, specifically first-cut bristles, give this brush its effectiveness. First-cut bristles come from the stiffest part of the boar hair, which means better control and results. I found it did a fantastic job detangling my beard without causing irritation. The density of the bristles also made it easy to spread oils or beard balm evenly.
That said, if your beard is particularly long or thick, this might not be the perfect choice. The compact size and lack of a long handle can make it harder to maneuver. For those with longer beards, you might want to consider the ZilberHaar Pure Beard Brush.
The good:
- Effectively detangles and softens the beard
- Stiff bristles that are still gentle on the skin
- Excellent for distributing beard oils
The bad:
- Not ideal for very long, thick beards
Bottom Line:
The Seven Potions Beard Brush is a fantastic all-rounder, offering great detangling and oil distribution with high-quality craftsmanship.
2. Best for Thicker Beards: ZilberHaar Pure Boar Bristles Beard Brush
What stands out about this beard brush:
- 100% boar bristles
- Extended pearwood handle
- Lifetime guarantee
Best for:
Men with long, thick beards that need extra control.
Overview:
The ZilberHaar Pure Boar Bristles Beard Brush was designed with thicker beards in mind, and it definitely shows in its performance. The extended handle, made from premium pearwood, gives you great control and maneuverability, especially when tackling a long or unruly beard. If you’ve ever struggled with shorter-handled brushes, this one makes grooming easier.
The 100% first-cut boar bristles are stiff but not irritating, which is crucial for those of us with thicker beards. I found the bristles to be long enough to reach deep into the beard, making it easier to spread oils and untangle even the toughest knots.
Another bonus is the lifetime guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with it at any point, ZilberHaar offers a full refund—proof that they stand behind their product’s quality.
The good:
- Extended handle makes it easier to use on thick, long beards
- Stiff bristles effectively detangle and spread oils
- Bristles don’t fall out after repeated use
The bad:
- Not as effective for shorter beards
Bottom Line:
If you’ve got a thicker, longer beard, this is one of the best brushes to keep it under control. The extended handle and stiff bristles make grooming a breeze.
3. Best for Shorter Beards and Sensitive Skin: Austin & Tyler Beard Brush
What stands out about this beard brush:
- 100% horsehair bristles
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Affordable price
Best for:
Men with shorter beards or those with sensitive skin.
Overview:
If you’ve got a shorter beard or sensitive skin, the Austin & Tyler Beard Brush is a great option. The soft horsehair bristles are gentle and provide a soothing brushing experience. While they may not have the same stiffness as boar bristles, I found them to be perfect for reducing beardruff and distributing oils evenly without irritation.
The compact size makes this brush ideal for travel, though if you have larger hands, it may feel a bit too small. While it works well for short beards, it’s not as effective on thicker or longer beards, as the soft bristles can’t detangle them as efficiently. If your beard is on the longer side, you might want to opt for the ZilberHaar brush instead.
The good:
- Soft bristles are perfect for sensitive skin
- Compact and easy to travel with
- Affordable
The bad:
- Not suitable for thicker, longer beards
- Bristles may fall out after extended use
Bottom Line:
For men with shorter beards or sensitive skin, this compact, gentle brush offers great value. However, it’s not the best option for tackling larger, coarser beards.
4. Best Beard Brush Kit for Beginners: Billy Jealousy Beard Envy Kit
What stands out about this beard brush:
- All-in-one kit
- Synthetic bristles
- Comes with a beard wash and conditioning lotion
Best for:
Beginners looking for a complete beard care kit with all the essential products.
Overview:
The Billy Jealousy Beard Envy Kit is a fantastic starter kit for anyone new to beard care. It includes a beard wash, a conditioner, and a beard brush—everything you need to maintain a clean, healthy, and well-groomed beard.
Let’s start by talking about the beard wash and conditioner. Both are packed with beneficial ingredients. The beard wash includes aloe vera and green tea, which hydrate the skin, reduce beardruff, and cleanse with anti-inflammatory properties. The conditioner contains aloe vera, witch hazel, jojoba, and glycerin—all excellent for moisturizing the skin, balancing oil, and softening the beard. This combination of ingredients works wonders to protect and nourish both your beard and the skin underneath.
Now for the beard brush. It has an oval wooden handle, similar to other premium brushes, and is comfortable to hold. The bristles are a blend of synthetic nylon and boar hair, which makes them quite stiff. If you’ve got a thick beard, you’ll appreciate how effectively it tackles tangles and removes dead skin cells. However, if you have a shorter beard or sensitive skin, the stiff bristles might feel a bit harsh.
While it’s not the top-performing brush on this list, the Billy Jealousy kit provides great value, especially since it comes with a beard wash and moisturizer to round out your grooming routine.
The good:
- Complete kit with beard wash and moisturizer
- Great value for beginners
- Stiff bristles, ideal for thicker beards
The bad:
- Scent of the lotions may not appeal to everyone
- Bristles can be a bit too stiff for shorter beards
Bottom Line:
The Billy Jealousy Beard Envy Kit offers everything you need to start your beard care journey. It’s perfect for beginners, especially those with thicker beards looking for a complete solution.
5. Best Vegan Option: ZilberHaar Vegan Beard Brush
What stands out about this beard brush:
- Vegan bristles made from Agave Lechugilla fiber
- Extended handle for easy use
- Stiff bristles
Best for:
Anyone who values cruelty-free, vegan grooming products.
Overview:
If you’re looking for a high-quality vegan beard brush, the ZilberHaar Vegan Beard Brush is a great option. This brush is made by the same company that brought us the ZilberHaar Boar Bristle Brush, but instead of animal hair, it uses Agave Lechugilla fiber—a plant-based alternative that’s both firm and effective.
What makes these bristles special is their ability to hold and release water better than synthetic nylon. This means that they do a fantastic job at distributing oils throughout your beard, keeping it moisturized and well-groomed. When I tested this brush, I appreciated how the bristles were stiff enough to detangle the beard without causing discomfort, even though they were slightly sharper than their boar-hair counterparts.
The brush’s walnut wood handle adds a touch of luxury and is comfortable to hold. The extended handle also makes it easier to brush through longer beards, giving you more control as you style and detangle.
Overall, this vegan brush is a top contender, especially for those who want a cruelty-free option without sacrificing performance.
The good:
- Ideal for all beard types, especially longer beards
- Excellent at detangling and distributing oils
- Premium craftsmanship with vegan-friendly materials
The bad:
- Slightly sharper bristles compared to boar hair
Bottom Line:
For anyone committed to using vegan grooming products, the ZilberHaar Vegan Beard Brush is a high-quality, eco-friendly option that performs just as well as its boar-hair counterpart.
6. Best for Mustaches: Kent BRD2 Boar Bristle Beard Brush
What stands out about this beard brush:
- Premium craftsmanship
- White boar bristles
- Features a logo designed by Andre Visage
Best for:
People who are looking for a premium Kent beard brush designed for short beards or mustaches.
Overview:
If you’re familiar with beard care, you’ve likely heard of Kent—a brand known for its premium grooming products. The Kent BRD2 Boar Bristle Beard Brush stands out as one of their finest, and it’s perfect for those of us looking to maintain shorter beards or mustaches.
One of the first things I noticed when using this brush was its extended pistol-like handle. This design not only makes brushing easier but also offers better control, thanks to its thicker grip. It’s crafted from high-quality wood and features a stylish logo designed by the artist Andre Visage, adding a touch of artistry to your grooming routine.
What really sets this brush apart, though, are its 100% white boar bristles. The bristles are specially cut to make it easier to spread natural oils, style your beard, and control any flyaways. One side of the bristles is shorter and stiffer, offering excellent control and precision, while the other side is longer and softer, making it easier to reach deeper into your beard.
However, if you’ve got a thicker or longer beard, this might not be the best brush for you. The way the bristles are cut makes it more suitable for shorter beards and mustaches. For those with thicker beards, I’d recommend trying the ZilberHaar Pure Boar Bristle Beard Brush, which is better suited for handling dense facial hair.
The good:
- Stiff white boar bristles for effective control
- Spreads oil evenly and detangles well
- Great for both mustache styling and shorter beards
- Pistol handle offers excellent grip and control
The bad:
- A bit expensive for some budgets
- Not ideal for thicker or longer beards
Bottom Line:
If you’re looking for a premium beard brush to style and maintain your mustache or shorter beard, the Kent BRD2 is an excellent choice. It offers high-end craftsmanship and great control, making grooming a breeze.
How We Chose the Best Beard Brushes
When testing beard brushes, it’s nearly impossible to try every single one on the market. However, I’ve personally tested several and relied on trusted reviews for others to ensure I’m recommending brushes that offer good value and performance. I made sure to include options for various needs, such as:
- The best beard brush for vegans
- The best mustache brush
- The best brush for thick beards
There are plenty of options out there, and while I’ve covered some of the best, there may be others that outperform the ones listed here. If you’ve come across one that should be considered, feel free to leave a comment—I’d love to try it out!
What Are the Benefits of Using a Beard Brush?
If you’re still on the fence about whether a beard brush is worth the investment, let me walk you through some of the key benefits. I’ve found that a good beard brush can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your facial hair.
1. It Helps You Style Your Beard
One of the most obvious benefits of a beard brush is its ability to help style and control your beard. Brushing detangles the hair and makes it straighter, which makes styling much easier. A neat, well-styled beard is always going to look better than one that’s untamed.
2. It Exfoliates the Skin and Reduces Beardruff
Healthy skin is the foundation of a great beard, and brushing helps exfoliate your skin by removing dead skin cells and dirt that accumulate beneath your beard. If you’ve ever had to deal with beardruff (beard dandruff), you know how annoying it can be. Regular brushing helps keep your skin healthy and reduces the chance of flakes.
3. It Trains Your Beard to Grow in the Right Direction
Brushing your beard regularly helps train the hairs to grow in the desired direction. If you’ve ever struggled with stubborn hairs that seem to grow in every direction but down, brushing can help guide them. Over time, your beard will become easier to style as the hairs grow more uniformly.
4. It Distributes Oil and Other Beard Products Evenly
Whether you’re using beard oil, balm, or wax, a brush is an essential tool for distributing these products evenly through your beard. Brushing helps coat each hair follicle, which keeps your beard looking and feeling healthy while also conditioning it from root to tip.
5. It Reduces Hair Breakage and Split Ends
Regular brushing helps reduce breakage and split ends by evenly distributing the natural oils (sebum) from your skin. This extra layer of protection keeps your beard healthier and less prone to damage from tugging or pulling.
6. It Promotes Hair Growth
Another benefit of brushing is that it promotes blood circulation to your hair follicles, which can help stimulate growth. Plus, by reducing breakage and keeping your beard in good condition, you’re more likely to see consistent growth.
How to Use Your Beard Brush Like a Pro in 6 Simple Steps
To get the most out of your beard brush, consistency is key. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to use your beard brush effectively:
1. Brush Your Beard in the Morning
Brushing your beard in the morning is ideal because it helps style your beard for the day. It’s also the best way to deal with any “bed beard” you might wake up with.
2. Brush After Applying Shampoo and Beard Oil
After washing your beard, wait for it to dry, apply your beard oil or balm, and then brush it. This helps spread the product evenly and ensures your beard stays hydrated and soft.
3. Brush With the Grain
Always brush in the direction your hair grows (with the grain). Start at the tips and work your way up toward your face to avoid tangles and knots.
4. Work Gently Through Any Tangles
If you encounter any knots, work through them gently. Don’t pull too hard, as this can irritate the skin or cause breakage.
5. Make Sure Your Beard Is Dry Before Brushing
Never brush a wet beard, as this can lead to breakage. Always wait until your beard is dry before brushing.
6. Clean Your Beard Brush Weekly
It’s important to clean your beard brush regularly to remove any dirt, oil, or dead skin cells that accumulate in the bristles. A quick clean once a week should do the trick.
Beard Brush vs. Beard Comb
You might be wondering when to use a beard brush versus a beard comb. Both have their benefits, but here’s a quick breakdown of when to use each.
When to Use a Beard Brush:
- When you want to condition your beard by distributing natural oils or beard products.
- When you need to exfoliate the skin underneath your beard.
- When you want to make your beard appear fuller and thicker.
- When your beard is in the early stages of growth and you want to train it to grow in the right direction.
- If you prefer grooming your beard when it’s dry.
When to Use a Beard Comb:
- When your beard is longer (3-4 months or more) and you need to style it.
- When you want to detangle a thicker or longer beard.
- If you prefer grooming your beard when it’s wet after a shower.
- When you want a portable grooming tool to use throughout the day.
Conclusion
And that wraps up my reviews of the best beard brushes. I hope my experiences with these products help you find the right brush for your beard. Whether you’re just starting out, have sensitive skin, or are managing a thick, unruly beard, there’s a beard brush out there for you.
If you’ve tried any of the brushes I’ve mentioned or have other recommendations, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear your feedback
