Is this $200 Hair Brush Worth It?
The Mason Pearson brush is a natural boar bristle brush that has been around for 130 years. Yes, you read that right: 130 years. Hairstylists swear by it. But is it worth it? Let’s take a look.
I first learned about the Mason Pearson in class at hair school. I remember everyone’s jaws dropping when we heard the price. Two hundred dollars!? The teacher at the time said that this is hands down the best hair brush on the market, and it is a family-owned business that has been around for generations. “If you want to invest in your kit, get a Mason Pearson.”
We’ve also seen Jen Atkin use it to brush out celebrities’ hair in magazines, fashion shows and during award shows. I’ve always been amazed at how it tames frizz and just makes the hair sit.
It can be used to tease, brush out curls and waves, and add volume where needed.
WHAT MAKES THE MASON PEARSON BRUSH DIFFERENT
“Our hairbrushes are still made virtually by hand as they were over 125 years ago when Mason Pearson Bros. Ltd. was founded,” says a spokesperson from the company.
The boar bristles stimulate the scalp when brushing, to encourage blood flow, remove debris and dead skin cells, and distribute your natural oils throughout the hair strands for natural conditioning.
Can we use it to blowdry?
So, it depends. I’ve heard two different answers to this question. The spokesperson says: “No. Our hairbrushes were then and still are now, made just for good brushing of dry, natural hair. So we do not recommend that our hairbrushes are used with oils, hairdryers or hot tools. Using heat along with your Mason Pearson can deteriorate the natural boar bristles, melt the nylon and destroy the rubber pad.”
However, on Instagram they show that as long as you angle the brush away from the heat, you’re good.
How do I know which size to get?
The general rule is ‘the longer the hair, the bigger the hairbrush’.
For medium straight hair, you can use a small brush. For medium wavy or curly hair, a medium size brush, and for longer hair, the large brush is perfect for you.
Photo from masonpearson.com
Which bristles should I get?
The Mason Pearson brush comes with different bristle mixtures, and each one is made for specific hair types.
If you’re dealing with hair loss due to a medical condition or have alopecia, a sensitive model SB3 or SB4 is for you.
For fine thin hair, the pure bristle brush is ideal.
For medium thickness hair, grab the bristle + nylon mixture.
For fine hair that’s very thick, you want the bristle + nylon.
For thick and course or curly hair, the nylon model works best.
Is there a kid’s version?
Yes! The CB4 is made for children between the ages of 3-6 years, made with softer bristles so as not to stimulate the scalp, and to get them used to brushing their own hair.