Soft bristle military hair brush

Military hair brushes date back to the 1700s. Their compact, handle-less design was considered good for travel. The main reason for the military brush's shape was simply to be more compact to fit in a military travel bag. They also have a similarity to the brushes used to rub down or brush down a horse but minus the strap going over the back of the hand. It's a classic military item in it's own time, back in the day and was very popular. They were ideal for the military on the move.

What is a military hair brush? It's a circular piece of wood inset with boar or nylon bristles. Its design is much like the currycomb of a horse. It is meant for use with short hair and is therefore often thought of as the hairbrush for men only.

Military soft bristle brush roundup

In this post I gathered up a list of the most popular and best "soft" military hair brushes for men. These are going to suit men who have short hair and tender scalps. These brushes are not going to be good for waving as they are way too soft. I started with the highest price brush listed first followed by less expensive brushes as you go down the list.

Brush quality

Keep in mind there is no way a $5.00 brush is going to have the same fit and finish as a higher dollar brush. There are going to be places on the brush where it's not smooth and you are going to see imperfections. It's simply not going to have the finish of a Kent or Brush King brush. So when buying a less expensive brush set you expectations accordingly. It's normal for brushes to loose some bristles but if an entire plug comes out send it back for a refund.

Also be aware many cheaper brushes sometimes have a heavy chemical smell. I believe this has to due with where they are manufactured, as some countries do not have strict environmental constrains and allow for a greater latitude in the manufacturing process. If you are interested in reading more on this topic see my article "Best brushes for men" and scroll down to the section on "Best brushes don't smell like plastic and rubber". All prices are as of this writing and are subject to change.

Soft bristle military hair brushes

1. Kent MS23D Finest Men's Military Style Dual Timber Hair Brush - Satin Wood and Beech Wood Base, with Soft, Pure White, Natural Boar Bristle - $94.00

1. Quality is top notch, fit and finish is excellent. You expect this in a high dollar brush and your get it. Kent has been making brushes for over 230 years so you are getting their 230 years of experience. Most of their brushes are still manufactured by hand.
2. Zeus Palm Military Style 100% Soft Boar Bristle Beard Brush Set, Soft Second Cut - $40.00 

1. High quality brush made in Germany from pear wood. Comes with a very nice tin and a bristle cleaner. Also comes in a First cut which is much stiffer so when purchasing make sure you get the Second cut which is the softer version.
3. Fendrihan Genuine Boar Bristle and Pear Wood Military Hair Brush, Made in Germany Very-Soft Light Bristle  - $28.95

1. Classic 1700 military style brush that fits in your hand very well. 
2. Made in Germany's Black Forest region. Very nice quality for the price.
4. Fendrihan Genuine Boar Bristle and Pear Wood Military Hair Brush, Made in Germany Soft Bristle - $28.95

1. Handle is indented to ensure a positive grip while brushing.
2. Made in Germany and of very good quality for the the price.
5. Zeus Military Style 100% Boar Bristle Beard Brush, Soft Second Cut - $23.95 

1. Great quality for the price. Made in Germany from pear wood. Comes in two versions a First cut or stiff bristles and a Second cut or soft bristles. Made sure you get the soft version for thin hair.
6. Boar Bristle Beard Brush - Perfect For Balms and Oils - Natural, Soft Boars Hair by  Hundred Beard Co. - $10.95

1. Nice quality and 100% boar bristles. Plus you get a nice presentation cardboard box that makes it a great gift. 
2. Not sure what the wood is, I assume it's a hardwood.
3. Comes if with a lifetime guarantee which is impressive at this price range.
7. GranNaturals Boar Bristle Hair + Beard Brush for Men -"Military Style" - $7.99

1. A great brush for this price range. Not sure what the wood is but assume it's a hardwood.
8. Brush Strokes Extra Soft Oval Military Brush by Brshst - $6.95

1. Seems to be an OK soft brush for people who are cost conscious.
2. Quality is going to be what you expect at this price point.
9. Diane 100% soft boar military brush, camo, DBB0244 - $5.36

1. Very good price and quality is going to be about in that same range.
2. The reason this one is on the list is because of it's awesome "camouflage" paint job. It's just looks cool. Other than that, it's a $5.00 soft brush.

What are the advantages of using a military hair brush?

Military brushes are used on what is some times called "buzz cuts" or extremely short hairstyles. They are also particularly suitable for the "slicked-back" hairstyles, as the dense brushes will not leave definite comb marks. Although a buzz cut hairstyle may seem too short to be worth combing, the biggest benefit of using a military hair brush is to help condition the scalp. It removes dandruff and spreads natural oils to promote healthy hair by conditioning hair with natural oils. Back in the "ole days" there were not a lot conditioners and other products so the way to condition your hair was to brush it daily.


The bristles massage and condition the scalp, remove dandruff and distribute the natural oil of the scalp to promote healthier looking hair. Like most all hairbrushes, military brushes come in a range of basic sizes and materials.

Can I use a military brush on my beard?

Military hairbrushes are also very commonly used to brush beards because short, coarse bristles are an ideal way to deflect curly hair. However please take note. The brushes listed above are not ideal for beards unless you have a thin short beard because of the soft bristles. For coarse hair a stiffer brush is needed for penetration.

Although it's tempting to look for a specifically made, smaller size, it's not a necessity. We often go straight from brushing our heads to brushing our faces. This one brush can do a lot. It can align your hair, your beard, and spreading healthy oils will keep your all your hair healthy, bright, and smooth. Plus it's a compact size for traveling.

What features should you consider when choosing a brush?

1. Brush Purpose: Are you going to use the brush on your head, beard or both? What hair type do you have and do you need a soft, medium or firm bristle brush? Are you going to use the brush for waving and if so what stages? Will you use the brush in the shower or will it be exposed to water?
2. Handle Material: Wood is generally much stronger than plastic and you can use much more tension if you have a wooden handle. However wood is not a good choice for the shower. Pearwood is popular because of the dark color, but beechwood is a nice alternative.
3. Country of Origin: Germany makes excellent brushes, as does England. These are the main countries that have an excellent reputation for making quality brushes. You may end up paying more but you get consistent quality. Meaning if you choose to buy a brush 5 or 6 years later from the same company you will most likely get the same high quality brush. Plus when you open the package it will not smell like a chemical bag.
4. Brush Size: This is covered under your intended purpose. Most brushes come in a standard size, but small brushes are also made for travel and beards.
5. Price: Handmade brushes can cost 2-3x the price of a machine-made brush, but will last longer and lose fewer bristles. Buy from trusted well know manufactures and a good country known for quality manufacturing.

How to care for your military brush?

Caring for a military hair brush is a little different from caring for a usual hair brush due to its unique design. It should be stored between uses on its back so that the bristles do not bend. Using another brush, hair should be periodically cleaned from the bristles.

Military hair brushes sometimes need a deeper cleaning. Plastic military hair brushes can be soaked once a week in an alcohol and water solution, but wood-backed brushes can not be submerged or they will rot. Instead, you should swish the bristles in sudsy water and then rinse in clean water until the bristles are clean.