Ah, the joys of travel… But let’s face it, maintaining your grooming routine on the road can be a challenge. Many men report compromising their shaving routine while traveling. Ready to elevate your on-the-go wet shaving game?
Top 5 Travel-Sized Shaving Brushes for 2024
Why trust Sharpologist? Sharpologist specializes in getting the best, most enjoyable shave possible. This list is based on the personal experience of Sharpologist‘s editor, contributors, and readers who have actually purchased and used the products–plus over ten years of research from review sites and specialty discussion forums. Generally-speaking, shaving facial hair is the primary objective.
As with all products, caveat emptor and “your mileage my vary.” This list is not sponsored: no one was paid to mention any of these products. But note that Amazon and OneBlade links are affiliate.
“Classic” Travel Shave Brushes
Really you can take any brush with you when you travel–you just need to keep it in a container that can get some air flow (I use a prescription pill bottle with a few holes drilled into it)–more on this below. But there are brushes that lend themselves to travel more readily.
The classic travel shave brush typically uses a slightly smaller brush “loft” and “knot” than most brushes, with the fibers fitting inside a tube that also doubles as a handle (see the images below). Sometimes you will see these brushes referred to as “turnback” or “switchback” brushes.
Here are our favorites for different circumstances.
Brush 1: The Compact Champion
The MÜHLE Travel Silver Aluminum Silvertip Fibre Shaving Brush (also available in black as shown above) is one designed specifically for travel, allowing the brush head to unscrew and store within the handle for easy packing and convenience. Its very compact design makes it easy to take with you on-the-go, while its well-known and high-quality synthetic silvertip fibers (19mm knot) provide a smooth and comfortable lathering experience that dries quickly.
On Amazon this brush as a 95% positive sentiment from over 300 ratings (4.6/5).
Brush 2: The Luxury Traveler
The Mondial 1908 Two-Piece Chrome Travel Shaving Brush with EcoSilvertip Synthetic Badger is a high-end option with premium materials.
Mondial’s Krex synthetic fiber is one of the latest generation of synthetic, in both material and design. And by “design” I mean that the individual fiber itself feels like it’s not be absolutely uniform and straight, but more like the naturally-occurring variations of animal hair. It has a 20.5mm knot.
This brush seems to retain water (and heat) much more like a natural hair badger brush does. You don’t have to be overly-careful about draining too much water from the brush’s “breach”–the inner-most area near the knot where the most effective mixing of water and cream/soap occur.
Users find performance outstanding–and this brush has more backbone than other synthetic travel brushes, in case you’re looking for a bit more “scrubbiness.”
• Brush 3: The Budget-Friendly Globetrotter
This Parker Full Size Travel Pure Badger Brush is more affordable without compromising quality. It has a 20mm knot of pure-grade badger hair. The bristles are soft yet firm, effectively lifting and cleaning your whiskers, preparing them for a smooth shave.
• Brush 4: The Quick-Dry Wonder
Fendrihan says their Black Anodized Aluminum Travel Shaving Brush Synthetic Silvertip Fibre is made in Germany so it might be sourced from Muhle. It performs similarly to the Muhle as well…but for some reason this brush dries a little more quickly in our tests.
Also available on Amazon (though at a higher price).
• Brush 5: The Low-Cost (Throwaway?) Winner
The Omega Travel 50014 Boar Shaving Brush goes for a tenner on Razor Emporium. Boar hair does not perform as well as badger or synthetic (though they can perform admirably after an extended break-in period). But for ten bucks you can afford to lose this brush while traveling.
Another Alternative For Travel
Sure, you can take a “regular” shave brush with you but you need to keep a couple things in mind.
First, it needs to be appropriate for the luggage…which probably means it should be comparatively lighter and smaller (but still perform reasonably well). One example is OneBlade’s “Tuxedo” synthetic fiber shave brush.
Another example is Omega’s model 11047 “Mixed Midget.”
This mixed boar/badger hair brush has been around a while but it doesn’t seem to get a lot of love because of its perceived size deficiency. But although small it can generate a very good lather quickly. Bowl lathering and face lathering are equally effective. The brush’s small size still holds enough lather for a 3 pass + shave for most people. It can make a great little travel brush.
In any case you will need sometime to put the brush into while traveling. Ideally it should allow for air flow so the brush doesn’t get “funky.”
One common solution is to use a prescription pill bottle. Go to your local pharmacy/chemist with your brush and (politely) ask for a pill bottle it will fit into. Odds are they will just give you a quizzical look, hand you a bottle and send you on your way at no cost. Drill some holes through it for air flow.
A more recent alternative are purpose-made plastic tubes for brushes like this one.
Why Choose a Travel-Sized Shaving Brush?
• Compact design saves valuable luggage space
• Preserves the luxury of a traditional wet shave experience
• Helps maintain skin health and reduce irritation while traveling
• Can be more durable than full-sized counterparts
• Perfect for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and adventure seekers
Top Features to Look for in Travel Shaving Brushes
• Size and portability: What dimensions work best for your travel style?
• Bristle material: Synthetic vs. natural – which is ideal for travel?
• Handle design: Ergonomics and grip for on-the-go use
• Drying capabilities: Quick-drying features for busy travelers
• Travel case inclusion: Protection and hygiene considerations
Conclusion
There you have it, fellow wanderers – the ultimate guide to travel-sized shaving brushes for 2024! Whether you’re a seasoned jetsetter or a weekend warrior, these compact grooming companions will ensure you always put your best face forward. Remember, a great shave isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling confident and ready to tackle whatever your journey throws at you. So pack smart, shave well, and go conquer the world – one smooth cheek at a time! Which brush will be your new travel buddy? The adventure awaits!
About the authors: This article was written jointly by Mark, “Mantic59” and Otto Wright.
