Are Synthetic Brushes the Way of the Future?

I’ve thought about brush matters quite a bit lately, and here are some of the pros of synthetics that I can think of:

• Often cheaper than their natural hair counterparts (though not always the case).
  
• Little to no soak time needed.
  
• Use less product than natural hair brushes.
  
• Softer bristles and tips than many natural options.
  
• Minimal drying time.
  
• Less likely to build up residue over time.
  
• The animal cruelty factor is not something you have to consider with synthetics.
  

I’m sure most of us are also familiar with the cons, so I won’t get into that more than to echo what PickledNorthern said, which is that quality badgers definitely tend to look a lot nicer than synthetics do — not just color-wise, but especially when it comes to the bloom that happens over time.

But I think synthetic brushes are definitely the future. I hope manufacturers keep developing them further, but even if they don’t, I’ll keep using them.

I’ve thought about brush matters quite a bit lately, and here are some of the pros of synthetics that I can think of:

• Often cheaper than their natural hair counterparts (though not always the case).
  
• Little to no soak time needed.
  
• Use less product than natural hair brushes.
  
• Softer bristles and tips than many natural options.
  
• Minimal drying time.
  
• Less likely to build up residue over time.
  
• The animal cruelty factor is not something you have to consider with synthetics.
  

I’m sure most of us are also familiar with the cons, so I won’t get into that more than to echo what PickledNorthern said, which is that quality badgers definitely tend to look a lot nicer than synthetics do — not just color-wise, but especially when it comes to the bloom that happens over time.

But I think synthetic brushes are definitely the future. I hope manufacturers keep developing them further, but even if they don’t, I’ll keep using them.

These are all great points. +1

I'd add that synthetics seem to be more efficient in that they build a usable lather quickly.

Matsilainen. All great points, I was coming to update or add the Animal Ethics point and price. There is just no denying for a stock handle synthetic these days for $15-20, they are much more appealing to new shavers then looking at 10 grades of varying degrees of Badger quality that range from $60-300

As for the bloom, splay and look, I also agree. But this is where I think science R&D will come in and eventually we will have a choice of synthetics that mimic natural hair. For starters, I don't recall too many FAN synthetics, why?

I can easily see in a year or two, synthetic badger, synthetic boar, and they will look and feel just like Badger & Boar.

I for one enjoy the pillow soft, kitten feel of the current synthetics.

Matsilainen. All great points, I was coming to update or add the Animal Ethics point and price. There is just no denying for a stock handle synthetic these days for $15-20, they are much more appealing to new shavers then looking at 10 grades of varying degrees of Badger quality that range from $60-300

As for the bloom, splay and look, I also agree. But this is where I think science R&D will come in and eventually we will have a choice of synthetics that mimic natural hair. For starters, I don't recall too many FAN synthetics, why?

I can easily see in a year or two, synthetic badger, synthetic boar, and they will look and feel just like Badger & Boar.

I for one enjoy the pillow zoft, kitten feel of the current synthetics.

+1 ^^^. The Muhle/Simpson/EJ knots are so close right now. It doesn't seem like much of a stretch that they will figure out how to get those fibers to take on some forming or whatever you want to call it. (Less sproingy.)


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I think that they are great performers, but I generally prefer a brush with a little scrub, sometimes even some downright scritch. Obviously it is just my opinion, but for the most part, I don't really find them appealing to look at either.

I have a couple I rotate in at home, and one that I travel with. I just can't imagine myself getting away from my natural hair brushes.


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I too think Synthetic Brushes have come along way. They represent a real value in terms of costs and performance. I have several that I truly enjoy using. However, I can't see them replacing badger brushes in my rotation.

Probably no new information here, but I don't see synthetics replacing natural hair brushes in the near future. I enjoy my Simpson 2nd Gen synthetic. It performs well and is really soft. At the same time my badgers and boars give me a different experience. So, like soaps, razors and scents, I enjoy the different sensations that each product offers my daily shave.

I think synthetics have made huge progress, even in the past year and they definitely have a regular spot in my brush rotation.

Lately, I have used synthetics almost exclusively and have not missed natural brushes in the least.

In addition to the great points made already:

1. synthetics also offer ultimate consistency in a manufacturer's knot(s)
2. no issues with customs/shipping internationally

Pricing is very attractive as already mentioned and I have begun giving away synthetics in starter kits vs. boar as they are both easier to use and a 24mm synthetic for $10 is a huge value that a person won't outgrow.

All of my natural hair brushes are packed away in storage. The only two brushes in my house are synthetics. While I still like boars, I doubt I'll ever use a badger or horse brush again.

I like all types of brushes for the different experiences they provide, but lately I've been using one of my Plissoft brushes more often than not for most of the reasons that have already been mentioned. I don't think synthetics will rise to the level of making other types of brushes obsolete as many people still prefer their natural hair brushes. I don't see that going away any time soon.

I’ve thought about brush matters quite a bit lately, and here are some of the pros of synthetics that I can think of:

• Often cheaper than their natural hair counterparts (though not always the case).
  
• Little to no soak time needed.
  
• Use less product than natural hair brushes.
  
• Softer bristles and tips than many natural options.
  
• Minimal drying time.
  
• Less likely to build up residue over time.
  
• The animal cruelty factor is not something you have to consider with synthetics.
  

Best Answer.

These are all great points. +1

I'd add that synthetics seem to be more efficient in that they build a usable lather quickly.

I agree.

As for the bloom, splay and look, I also agree. But this is where I think science R&D will come in and eventually we will have a choice of synthetics that mimic natural hair. For starters, I don't recall too many FAN synthetics, why?

I for one enjoy the pillow soft, kitten feel of the current synthetics.

I've had the same question about knot shape. I like a wide splay, so I think I would enjoy a fan shaped knot, but I've only seen them in the envy/ubersoft style, which I don't enjoy as much as the Plisson/fauxmere knots.