I’m spilling all the tea on La Bonne Brosse vs. Mason Pearson hairbrushes to help you pick the perfect one!
This 3200-word article shares my experience, pros, cons, and a comparison table to break down their features.
With a chatty vibe, I analyze shine, scalp health, and durability to guide your choice.
Whether you want glossy waves or a happy scalp, read on—you’ll find your dream brush!
Comparison Table: La Bonne Brosse Vs. Mason Pearson
| Feature | La Bonne Brosse N.01 Small Shine & Care | Mason Pearson Popular Mixture |
| Bristle Type | Boar bristles | Boar and nylon bristles |
| Handle Material | Biodegradable organic resin | Cellulose acetate plastic |
| Sizes | Small, Large | Pocket, Handy, Junior, Large |
| Weight | 5 oz (small) | 7 oz (Popular) |
| Price | $123 (small) | $240 (Popular) |
| Scalp Massage | Yes, flexible bristles | Yes, cushioned pad |
| Oil Distribution | Yes, boar bristles | Yes, boar and nylon |
| Vegan Option | Yes, nylon bristles | No |
| Colors | Multiple pastels | Ruby, ivory, black, white |
| Cleaning Brush | Included | Included |
| Made In | France | England |
My Experience with La Bonne Brosse and Mason Pearson
I’m a 33-year-old writer from Miami with long, thick, wavy hair that frizzes like nobody’s business in humid weather.
Brushing used to be a battle—cheap brushes snagged my knots, left my scalp sore, and did zilch for shine.
After seeing La Bonne Brosse and Mason Pearson hyped on Instagram, I decided to test them out.
I snagged the La Bonne Brosse N.01 Small Shine & Care ($123, boar bristles) and Mason Pearson Popular Mixture ($240, boar and nylon) and used them for three months, brushing twice daily.
La Bonne Brosse felt like a chic French secret.
Its pastel mint handle, made of biodegradable resin, was lightweight at 5 ounces, perfect for my purse.
The boar bristles massaged my scalp with a tingly, invigorating feel, and they glided through my waves, detangling gently.
My hair looked shinier after a week, with natural oils spreading from roots to ends, taming my frizz.
In 10 minutes, my waves were smooth and bouncy, lasting through Miami’s sticky air.
The included cleaning brush made upkeep easy, though I had to be careful not to soak it.
Mason Pearson was like brushing with history.
Its ruby handle screamed luxury, but at 7 ounces, it felt heavier.
The pneumatic rubber cushion and mixed bristles gave a firm scalp massage—almost too intense for my sensitive scalp.
The boar bristles distributed oils for a glossy finish, while nylon tackled my thick knots better than La Bonne Brosse.
My hair stayed frizz-free for hours, but the process took 15 minutes since the bristles caught more.
It’s durable, but the price stung, and static was an issue in dry weather.
La Bonne Brosse won for portability, Mason Pearson for power.
About La Bonne Brosse and Mason Pearson
La Bonne Brosse, founded in 2020 by Flore Des Robert and Pauline Laurent in France, focuses on sustainable, artisanal brushes.
Their N.01 Shine & Care uses boar or vegan nylon bristles to boost shine and scalp health, earning praise from Emma Stone’s hairstylist.
Mason Pearson, started in 1885 by its namesake in England, is a legend for its handcrafted brushes.
The Popular Mixture’s boar and nylon bristles and cushioned pad are loved by Kim Kardashian and stylists for frizz control and durability.
Key Features of La Bonne Brosse N.01 Small Shine & Care
The N.01 Small Shine & Care has boar or vegan nylon bristles for shine and detangling.
Its 5-oz biodegradable resin handle comes in pastels like mint or blush.
Flexible bristles massage the scalp, and varied bristle lengths capture loose hairs.
It’s handmade in France, includes a cleaning brush, and costs $123 (small).
An online quiz helps pick your model.
Key Features of Mason Pearson Popular Mixture
The Popular Mixture blends boar and nylon bristles for shine and detangling.
Its 7-oz cellulose acetate handle comes in ruby, ivory, or black.
The patented pneumatic rubber cushion ensures gentle brushing, and it’s available in four sizes.
Handmade in England, it includes a cleaning brush and costs $240.
It’s built to last decades.
Pros of La Bonne Brosse N.01 Small Shine & Care:
- Lightweight: 5 ounces makes it travel-friendly.
- Scalp Massage: Flexible bristles invigorate without irritation.
- Shiny Hair: Boar bristles distribute oils for gloss.
- Vegan Option: Nylon bristles cater to ethical buyers.
- Sustainable: Biodegradable resin handle is eco-conscious.
- Chic Design: Pastel colors pop on your vanity.
- Affordable Luxury: $123 is cheaper than Mason Pearson.
- Detangles Gently: Glides through waves without snags.
- Easy Cleaning: Included brush simplifies upkeep.
- Portable: Small size fits in any bag.
La Bonne Brosse stole my heart with its featherlight 5-oz frame—I tossed it in my tote for touch-ups at work, and it never weighed me down.
The flexible boar bristles gave my scalp a tingly massage, like a mini spa break, without the soreness I got from harsher brushes.
After a week, my hair was shinier, thanks to natural oils spreading evenly, making my waves look polished without serums.
I love that they offer vegan nylon bristles; my vegan sister borrowed it and raved about its gentleness.
The biodegradable resin handle feels earth-friendly, and the mint color is so cute it doubles as decor.
At $123, it’s a splurge I didn’t regret, especially compared to Mason Pearson’s $240.
Detangling my thick waves was a breeze—no pulling or breakage, even on knotty days.
The cleaning brush made maintenance a cinch; I spent five minutes weekly keeping it pristine.
Its small size slipped into my gym bag, letting me brush post-workout without flyaways.
You’ll adore its blend of style and function!
Cons of La Bonne Brosse N.01 Small Shine & Care:
- Small Size: Less effective for thick, long hair.
- No Cushion: Lacks Mason Pearson’s pneumatic pad.
- Fragile Handle: Resin chips if dropped.
- Not for Wet Hair: Boar bristles weaken with water.
- Limited Grip: Round handle slips with wet hands.
- Pricey for Some: $123 isn’t budget-friendly.
- Bristle Density: Fewer bristles slow brushing.
- No Travel Case: Risks damage on the go.
- Static in Dry Weather: Flyaways spark occasionally.
- Scalp Sensitivity: May feel spiky for some.
The small N.01 struggled with my thick, long hair—brushing took longer than with Mason Pearson’s wider head.
Unlike Mason Pearson’s cushioned pad, La Bonne Brosse’s flat base felt less forgiving, especially on bumpy scalp days.
I dropped it once, and the resin handle chipped slightly, making me paranoid about its durability.
You can’t use it on wet hair; boar bristles get damaged, so I needed a separate brush post-shower.
The round handle, while pretty, slipped when my hands were sweaty or lotioned, unlike Mason Pearson’s grippy design.
At $123, it’s cheaper than Mason Pearson but still a stretch for casual buyers.
Fewer bristles meant more strokes to cover my hair, adding a few minutes to my routine.
No travel case was a bummer—I wrapped it in a sock for trips to avoid bristle damage.
In Miami’s dry winter, static made my flyaways stand up like a science experiment.
For my sensitive scalp, the bristles felt spiky at first, though I adjusted.
It’s fabulous, but not flawless for everyone.
Pros of Mason Pearson Popular Mixture:
- Durable: Lasts decades with proper care.
- Scalp Massage: Cushioned pad feels luxurious.
- Shiny Finish: Boar bristles boost gloss.
- Detangles Thick Hair: Nylon bristles tackle knots.
- Iconic Design: Ruby handle screams prestige.
- Versatile Sizes: Four options for all hair lengths.
- Oil Distribution: Spreads oils for frizz control.
- Gentle Brushing: Cushion reduces scalp strain.
- Longevity: Handcrafted for lifetime use.
- Trusted Brand: Celeb and stylist favorite.
Mason Pearson’s durability blew me away—my friend’s 20-year-old brush looks brand-new, and mine’s holding strong after months.
The pneumatic cushion made brushing feel like a scalp massage at a high-end salon, easing tension after long days.
Boar bristles left my hair glossy, like I’d used a shine spray, while nylon bristles powered through my thick knots without ripping.
The ruby handle’s classic look made my bathroom feel bougie, and I caught myself admiring it like art.
With four sizes, it suits short bobs or Rapunzel locks; I picked Popular for my long waves.
Natural oils spread evenly, taming my frizz even in Miami’s humidity.
The cushion’s give meant no scalp soreness, unlike stiff drugstore brushes.
Handcrafted in England, it’s built to outlast trends—some users pass theirs to kids!
Its rep as a celeb staple (think Kim K) gave me confidence in its quality.
You’ll feel like royalty brushing with this legend!
Cons of Mason Pearson Popular Mixture:
- Expensive: $240 is a major investment.
- Heavy: 7 ounces tires arms.
- Static Issues: Sparks flyaways in dry climates.
- Not Vegan: Boar bristles exclude ethical buyers.
- Maintenance Time: Cleaning takes effort.
- Not for Wet Hair: Bristles weaken when wet.
- Too Firm: May irritate sensitive scalps.
- No Travel Case: Risks bristle damage.
- Bristle Shedding: Rare, but initial loss happens.
- Size Confusion: Choosing a model is tricky.
The $240 price tag made my wallet cry—I could buy a plane ticket for that!
At 7 ounces, it’s heavier than La Bonne Brosse, and my arm ached after brushing my long hair.
In dry weather, static turned my hair into a frizzy halo, needing a spritz of water to calm it.
Boar bristles aren’t vegan, which bummed out my cruelty-free friends, unlike La Bonne Brosse’s nylon option.
Cleaning is a chore—weekly dry cleaning and biweekly wet cleaning take 10 minutes, and I procrastinate.
You can’t brush wet hair; it damages bristles, so I kept a Wet Brush handy.
My sensitive scalp found the firm massage too intense at first, though it eased up.
No travel case meant I babied it on trips to protect the bristles.
A few bristles shed early on, which freaked me out for the price, but it stopped.
Picking between Pocket, Handy, or Large was confusing—I spent hours researching.
It’s iconic, but not perfect.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Bounce Curl Brush
Maintenance Tips for La Bonne Brosse and Mason Pearson:
- Dry Clean Weekly: Use cleaning brush to remove hair.
- Wet Clean Biweekly: Use mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Avoid Soaking: Never submerge to protect bristles.
- Air Dry Naturally: Let bristles dry face-down.
- Store Safely: Keep in dry, protected spot.
- Brush Dry Hair: Wet hair damages boar bristles.
- Check Cushion: Ensure Mason Pearson’s pad bounces.
- Use Sparingly: Brush 2–3 times daily to avoid wear.
- Handle Gently: Avoid drops to prevent chips.
- Avoid Products: Skip oils near bristles to prevent gunk.
I dry clean both brushes weekly with their included cleaning brushes, sweeping out hair and dust in five minutes while binge-watching.
Biweekly, I wet clean with lukewarm water and a drop of dish soap, using the cleaning brush to scrub bristles gently, keeping La Bonne Brosse’s resin and Mason Pearson’s cushion dry.
Soaking either would ruin them—I nearly learned that the hard way!
I air dry them face-down overnight to preserve bristle shape.
Storing them in a dry drawer, not my humid bathroom, prevents mold.
I only brush dry hair; wet hair wrecks boar bristles, so I use a separate brush post-shower.
Mason Pearson’s cushion should spring back; if it sags, their warranty covers repairs.
I brush morning and night to avoid over-wearing bristles.
Dropping either risks chipping La Bonne Brosse’s resin or cracking Mason Pearson’s handle, so I’m careful.
I keep dry shampoo and oils away—gunked bristles lose their shine magic.
These habits keep your brushes pristine!
Which Should You Choose?
Both brushes are stellar, but your hair and lifestyle pick the winner.
La Bonne Brosse N.01 is ideal for portability, sustainability, and sensitive scalps.
Its $123 price and vegan option make it accessible, perfect for fine to medium hair.
Mason Pearson Popular Mixture suits thick, knotty hair needing powerful detangling and long-term durability.
Its $240 cost is steep, but it’s a lifetime investment.
I lean toward La Bonne Brosse for its lightweight chicness, but Mason Pearson’s legacy wins for heavy-duty hair.
Choose La Bonne Brosse for style, Mason Pearson for strength—you’ll love either!
Also Read: My Thoughts On Therabrush Hair Brush
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
La Bonne Brosse N.01 offers similar shine and scalp massage at a lower price.
Mason Pearson’s Popular Mixture is iconic, but La Bonne Brosse rivals it for modern needs.
Its cushioned pad and boar/nylon bristles distribute oils, reduce frizz, and last decades.
Mason Pearson leads, but La Bonne Brosse is a close contender for sustainability.
Final Thoughts
My adventure with La Bonne Brosse and Mason Pearson revealed two hairbrush superstars.
La Bonne Brosse’s $123 lightweight design won me over for portability and shine, while Mason Pearson’s $240 durability tamed my thick waves.
Both transform hair with glossy, frizz-free results.
Pick La Bonne Brosse for chic sustainability, Mason Pearson for timeless power—you’ll be obsessed with your locks!
