Our guide to buying the right Mason Pearson brush breaks down everything you need to know about these heirloom-quality hair brushes. Mason Pearson’s history began in the 1800s, when the company’s eponymous founder, an Industrial Revolution-era engineer, joined the business world. With a penchant for design and an eye for luxury, Pearson quickly earned acclaim.
In 1885 the brand was awarded a silver medal at the International Inventions Exhibition in London for a patented rubber cushion—an innovation that changed hair care forever. By the turn of the century, these handcrafted brushes appeared on dressing tables across England. To this day, Mason Pearson continues to make hair brushes that stand the test of time. Are they still worth the hype? Absolutely! We’ll explain why.
Why Choose a Mason Pearson Brush?
The materials, manufacturing procedures, and high standards Mason Pearson established in the mid-1900s persist today. An 18-step process is used to create each brush, including selecting the bristles, tufting the brush, and polishing the frame—all by hand. The result is a hair brush that can last a lifetime, giving it the heirloom factor we love.
The patented cushion design is what you see mimicked in other hair brushes today. An air pocket allows the brush to contour around the curves of the head, so it effectively detangles the hair while staying gentle on the scalp. This rubber cushion works with the boar and nylon bristles to stimulate natural oil production in the skin. The bristles then evenly distribute the oil along each hair strand, resulting in healthier, shinier hair.
How To Choose the Right Mason Pearson Brush
If you’re wondering which Mason Pearson brush you should choose, we’ve got you covered. Consider the bristles and the size of the brush to help you decide.
1. Select the Right Bristles for Your Hair Type
Each hair type has different needs. The heavy-duty brush that works for thick hair might be too harsh for thin hair. A soft brush designed for a sensitive scalp is not effective for detangling a curly mane. That’s why you’ll want to choose a brush with the right bristles for your hair.
Mason Pearson uses two different types of bristles to meet everyone’s needs. Natural boar bristles are soft and flexible, so they’re gentle on the scalp and won’t tug on your hair. Synthetic nylon bristles are ultra-smooth to weave between strands and detangle without tearing. Some brushes come with a combination of the two bristles for the best of both worlds. Here’s a handy list that breaks down which Mason Pearson brush is best for your hair type:
- Pure Boar Bristles – These brushes are best for normal to fine and thinning hair, and for sensitive scalps.
- Pure Nylon Bristles – This bristle type is ideal for curly, thick, or coarse hair.
- Boar and Nylon Bristles – The perfect combination for normal to thick hair.
2. Find the Right Brush Size
Mason Pearson offers a variety of sizes, including Medium, Handy, Pocket, and Military. Each Mason Pearson brush size is designed with different hair lengths and applications in mind. Find the size that’s right for you:
- Pocket – Think of it as the perfect grab-and-go brush size. The Pocket Brush is made especially for fine-textured thin hair and fine-textured hair with high density and is also a great choice for normal hair. This size also includes options for children!
- Medium – Also called Junior, this is Mason Pearson’s mid-size category. These hair brushes are ideal for medium to long hair, but work well on any hair length. The Junior Hair Brush is a nice all-around choice.
- Handy – This is Mason Pearson’s most popular size. The Handy Brush is a good choice for any hair length, but it’s especially effective for short- to medium-length hair.
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Military – Originally designed for men, this innovative size category features handle-free brushes that offer increased control—they’re perfect for short hair. The Military Brush also makes an excellent choice for anyone with a sensitive scalp.
This chart breaks down the length, width, and head size of the Mason Pearson brushes we offer:
| Hair Brush | Medium/Junior | Handy | Military | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 6.75 in. | 8.87 in. | 8.50 in. | 4.87 in. |
| Width | 2 in. | 2.75 in. | 2.50 in. | 2.87 in. |
| Head | 3.5 in. | 4.37 in. | 4.37 in. | 4.87 in. |
Caring for a Mason Pearson Hair Brush
Most Mason Pearson brushes last 10 years before they need replacing. But with the right care, these hair brushes can last far longer. Here are some easy tips that will help prolong the life of your Mason Pearson brush:
- Don’t let the brush come in contact with or sit too close to your hot tools.
- Never let the brush soak in water.
- Store the brush in a clean, dry place.
- Clean your brush regularly.
How To Clean a Mason Pearson Brush
Hair, dust, and dirt naturally accumulate in any brush over time, but Mason Pearson hair brushes are durable enough to withstand routine cleanings and gentle washings to strip away grime. A good rule of thumb when cleaning your Mason Pearson Brush is to extract loose hair every two weeks and to wash the brush once a month.
Draw out any leftover hair by running a comb through your brush’s bristles. Do this a few times until all strands are removed from the brush head. Repeat this twice monthly for the best results.
After removing excess hair from your Mason Pearson brush, begin the washing process by briefly running the head under lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as it can prematurely wear out the bristles. Gently scrub the rubber pad and bristles using a mild soap dispensed into your palm or onto a Mason Pearson cleaning brush. Rinse away the suds until the water runs clear. Set the brush bristle-side down and allow it to air dry. Doing this once monthly will keep your hair brush clean without compromising the integrity of its construction.
That’s everything you need to know about choosing and caring for a Mason Pearson hair brush! Feel free to contact our customer service department if you still have questions. A member of our team will be happy to guide you through the purchase of a Mason Pearson hair brush that’s perfect for you.
