I’m obsessed with my Mason Pearson hairbrush, and you should grab one too!
This article shares my experience, pros, cons, and maintenance tips for this iconic tool.
With a conversational tone, I compare it to other brands and answer FAQs to help you decide.
From smoother strands to a happier scalp, this brush is a game-changer.
Trust me—you’ll love it!
My Experience with Mason Pearson

I’m a 35-year-old marketing manager from Seattle with long, wavy hair that’s prone to frizz and tangles.
For years, I used cheap drugstore brushes that yanked my hair, left it staticky, and did nothing for shine.
Then, a hairstylist friend raved about Mason Pearson, claiming it transformed her clients’ hair.
Skeptical but curious, I splurged on the Popular Mixture Hairbrush ($240, boar and nylon bristles) six months ago, and it’s been a revelation.
The first time I brushed my hair, I felt like I was at a luxe salon.
The rubber-cushioned pad glided over my scalp, massaging it gently while the bristles detangled without pulling.
My hair looked shinier instantly, like I’d applied a gloss.
The boar bristles distributed my scalp’s natural oils, banishing greasy roots and dry ends.
In 10 minutes, my frizzy waves were smoother and bouncier, lasting through a humid Seattle day.
I use it morning and night, and my scalp feels invigorated, almost tingly.
After a month, I noticed less shedding and fewer split ends.
My hair feels thicker, and friends keep asking what I changed.
At 50, my dad, who’s thinning up top, borrowed it and swears it’s slowing his hair loss—though I suspect it’s the scalp massage boosting his confidence!
The brush’s sturdy ruby handle feels timeless, and the included cleaning brush makes maintenance easy.
Sure, the $240 price stung, but after a decade of flimsy brushes, I’m hooked.
This isn’t just a brush—it’s a daily ritual that makes my hair and scalp happier.
You’ll feel the difference too!
About Mason Pearson
Founded in 1885 by engineer Mason Pearson in London, this family-run brand has crafted hairbrushes for over 140 years.
Their patented pneumatic rubber-cushion design and hand-finished boar or nylon bristles set them apart.
The Popular Mixture, my go-to, combines boar and nylon for all hair types, promising shine, detangling, and scalp health.
Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and hairstylists like Jen Atkin swear by them, and they’re still handmade in England.
Pros of Mason Pearson Popular Mixture:

- Scalp Massage: Stimulates blood flow, leaving your scalp tingly.
- Oil Distribution: Boar bristles spread natural oils for glossy hair.
- Gentle Detangling: Nylon bristles glide through knots without breakage.
- Reduces Frizz: Smooths flyaways, even in humid weather.
- Durable Build: Handcrafted to last decades with care.
- Shiny Finish: Hair looks polished without products.
- Versatile: Works on wavy, straight, or thick hair.
- Luxury Feel: Brushing feels like a spa treatment.
- Eco-Friendly: Longevity cuts waste from cheap brushes.
- Timeless Design: Ruby handle looks chic on your vanity.
My Mason Pearson turned brushing into a ritual I crave.
The rubber cushion and bristles massage my scalp, making it feel alive and refreshed, like a mini spa session.
Boar bristles work magic, pulling natural oils from my roots to my dry ends, leaving my hair glossy without greasy buildup.
The nylon bristles detangle my wavy hair gently—no more snapping strands like with my old $10 brush.
Frizz?
Barely an issue, even on rainy Seattle days; my waves stay smooth and defined.
This brush is built to last—its sturdy ruby handle and tight bristles haven’t budged in six months, unlike flimsy drugstore ones I replaced yearly.
Every stroke leaves my hair shinier, like I just left a salon, without serums or sprays.
It handles my thick waves but also worked on my dad’s fine, thinning hair, proving its versatility.
Brushing feels indulgent, almost meditative, and the chic design elevates my bathroom counter.
Unlike plastic brushes that break and pile up in landfills, this eco-conscious choice could last my lifetime.
You’ll adore how it pampers your hair and scalp!
Cons of Mason Pearson Popular Mixture:
- High Price: $240 feels like a luxury splurge.
- Static Issues: Can spark flyaways in dry climates.
- Maintenance Time: Cleaning takes effort weekly.
- Not for Wet Hair: Boar bristles weaken with water.
- Heavy Weight: 7 ounces tires arms during long sessions.
- No Travel Case: Lacks protection for on-the-go.
- Bristle Shedding: Rare, but a few fell out initially.
- Size Confusion: Choosing the right model is tricky.
- Not Vegan: Boar bristles may deter ethical buyers.
- Counterfeit Risk: Fakes are common online.
The $240 price tag made me gulp—I could buy groceries for a month!
It’s not a casual purchase, and you’ll need to budget.
In Seattle’s dry winters, I noticed static, with flyaways sticking up like I’d rubbed a balloon on my head.
Cleaning is a chore; weekly dry cleaning and biweekly wet cleaning take 10 minutes, and I’m lazy sometimes.
You can’t use it on wet hair—boar bristles get damaged—so I need a separate brush post-shower.
At 7 ounces, it’s heavier than drugstore brushes, and my arm aches after brushing my long hair.
No travel case means I wrap it in a towel for trips, risking bristle damage.
A few bristles shed in the first week, which panicked me for the price, though it stopped.
Picking the right model (Popular vs. Junior vs. Pocket) was confusing; I spent hours researching.
The boar bristles, sourced from animals, might turn off vegan friends, though Mason Pearson claims ethical sourcing.
Buying online is risky—fakes are rampant, and I triple-checked my seller.
Despite these quirks, it’s still my favorite brush.
Maintenance Tips for Mason Pearson:

- Dry Clean Weekly: Use the included brush to remove hair.
- Wet Clean Biweekly: Use mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Avoid Soaking: Never submerge to protect the cushion.
- Air Dry Only: Let it dry naturally to prevent damage.
- Store Properly: Keep in a dry, safe spot.
- Brush Dry Hair: Avoid wet hair to preserve bristles.
- Check Cushion: Ensure it bounces back or seek repairs.
- Use Sparingly: Brush 2–3 times daily to avoid wear.
- Handle Gently: Don’t drop to prevent cracks.
- Avoid Products: Skip oils or dry shampoo near bristles.
Keeping my Mason Pearson pristine is key to its magic.
Weekly, I use the included cleaning brush to sweep out hair and dust—takes five minutes while watching TV.
Every two weeks, I wet clean with lukewarm water and a drop of mild dish soap, dipping the cleaning brush (not the hairbrush) and dragging it across the bristles, head down to avoid soaking the cushion.
Never dunk it; water ruins the rubber pad, and I’d cry over a $240 mistake.
I let it air dry overnight, bristles down, to keep the shape.
Store it in a dry drawer, not my humid bathroom, to prevent mold.
I only brush dry hair—wet hair weakens boar bristles, so I use a Wet Brush post-shower.
The cushion should spring back; if it sags, Mason Pearson’s warranty covers repairs.
I brush morning and night, not obsessively, to avoid bristle wear.
Dropping it risks cracking the ruby handle, so I’m extra careful.
I keep dry shampoo and oils away—gunked-up bristles lose their shine-spreading power.
These steps keep my brush like new, and you’ll want to do the same!
Also Read: My Experience With Nature’s Bounty Hair Growth
Comparison with Other Brushes
- Mason Pearson Vs. Wet Brush
My Wet Brush ($10) is my go-to for wet hair, where Mason Pearson can’t play.
Its IntelliFlex nylon bristles detangle my post-shower knots without pulling, perfect for fragile, wet strands.
It’s lightweight at 3 ounces, so my arm doesn’t tire, and it’s dirt-cheap, making it a no-brainer for travel.
But it lacks Mason Pearson’s scalp massage or oil distribution, so my hair doesn’t shine like it does with the $240 brush.
Wet Brush feels plasticky, and I’ve replaced mine twice in five years, while Mason Pearson’s built to last decades.
For wet detangling, Wet Brush wins; for dry hair health, Mason Pearson’s unmatched.
- Mason Pearson Vs. Denman
I tried a Denman D81L ($12) for my wavy hair, drawn by its curl-defining rep.
Its nylon and boar bristles are stiffer than Mason Pearson’s, great for sculpting waves but harsh on my scalp.
It’s affordable and durable, but the rigid base doesn’t massage like Mason Pearson’s cushioned pad.
Denman’s oil distribution is decent, but it doesn’t match the glossy finish I get from my $240 brush.
At 4 ounces, it’s lighter, but it snags my fine hair more.
Denman’s ideal for curly hair on a budget, but Mason Pearson’s gentler for daily shine.
- Mason Pearson Vs. Briogeo Vegan Brush
A friend lent me her Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Brush ($28), a synthetic take on Mason Pearson.
It’s lighter at 5 ounces and detangles well, with vegan bristles appealing to ethical buyers.
It smooths flyaways decently but doesn’t massage my scalp or spread oils like Mason Pearson’s boar bristles.
The plastic body feels less luxe, and it’s less durable—hers showed wear after a year.
Briogeo’s a solid budget pick for vegans, but Mason Pearson’s $240 craftsmanship delivers a spa-like experience and longevity that’s worth it.
Which Should You Choose?
Mason Pearson’s Popular Mixture is my top pick for healthier, shinier hair.
Its $240 price suits those prioritizing scalp health and longevity, especially for fine to thick, dry hair.
Wet Brush is best for wet detangling on a budget, Denman for curl definition, and Briogeo for vegan ethics.
But for a daily ritual that transforms your hair and lasts a lifetime, Mason Pearson’s unmatched.
I love its luxe feel, and you’ll cherish the results too!
Also Read: My Thoughts On Therabrush Hair Brush
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With proper care, it can last 20–30 years, often passed down generations.
Handmade with boar/nylon bristles and a cushioned pad, they distribute oils, reduce frizz, and massage scalps.
No direct evidence, but scalp massage may boost blood flow, supporting healthier hair.
Dry climates or over-brushing can cause static; try a humidifier or fewer strokes.
Final Thoughts
My Mason Pearson hairbrush changed my hair game, and you need one in your life!
This journey shared my experience, pros, cons, and tips to keep it pristine.
From shinier strands to a happier scalp, it’s worth every penny.
Whether you battle frizz or want a luxe ritual, this brush delivers.
Grab yours—you’ll thank me later!