The Mason Pearson brush is one of the highest quality hairbrushes on the market and has been since its original design created by Mason Pearson in 1885. A primary reason for this hairbrushes popularity is the fact that it is completely handmade with the best materials. These brushes are never mass-produced to maintain quality.
Mason Pearson brushes are manufactured to different specifications, with different brush pads for the different types of hair. Although you ultimately need to feel the brush on your scalp to decide the best massaging feature for you, these general guidelines will give you a good idea of what you will need.
The Mason Pearson boar bristle brush is generally used for fine to normal hair. The nylon brush is used for thick hair. The combination of boar bristle and nylon tufts is used for normal to thick hair.
The Mason Pearson hair brush comes in three different pads, as just discussed, in four sizes and five colors. The large brushes contain eight rings or tufts, medium contain seven rings, handy contains six rings, and the pocket size contains five rings. In general, the longer the hair, the bigger the brush needed. If you still desire a smaller brush and have long hair, it is recommended to purchase a smaller mixture brush rather then pure bristle.
The brushes come in a variety of traditional colors that they were initially released with in 1885. These colors include dark ruby, ivory/white, pink, blue and lightwood. The prices vary for each color.
Many people may ask, what sets this hairbrush apart from other manufacturers? Aside from the fact that the Mason Pearson brush has been around since 1885 and is still hand made using the original techniques of Mason Pearson, it also has many other features that surpass the rest. One is the unique rubber used for the cushion that offers both a massaging affect for the scalp and efficient brushing.
The plastic handle is designed from cellulose plastic that is durable and does not damage over time due to wear and tear. It is also hand polished and the edges are smoothed to create the most comfortable feel for your palm while brushing. The original handle in 1885 was manufactured as a wood handle, and these are still produced in small quantity today.
Mason Pearson hair brushes have also customized two special brushes throughout the years. The child’s brush was designed to help children adapt to the task of brushing their hair. There was also the sensitive brush, designed for those who may have fine or thinning hair. The bristles are much softer to gently stimulate the scalp. The sensitive model has gained popularity with men who are balding on top.
All materials used in manufacturing these brushes are of the highest quality to ensure a long durable life. While no brush can be completely indestructible, with continual improvements, these brushes are made of the highest quality. Mason Pearson has developed their own nylon and is especially careful when selecting the natural bristles used to make the strands of the brush.
Caring For Your Mason Pearson Brush
If you follow common guidelines set for use with Mason Pearson brush products, you will prolong the use of it. First, do not use the brush for applications it is not designed for. These brushes are designed for human hair. Do not use on an animal, whether it is a cat or dog, as it will damage the bristles of the brush. Do not leave it in direct sunlight or heat for long periods. It can warp the handle and can ruin the rubber used on the pad. Lastly, and probably most important, do not use oils or spray spirits on your hairbrush. The chemicals can destroy the rubber, even if on your hair, when they are allowed to accumulate in the brush without being cleaned.
To keep it in good condition, you need to clean and maintain your brush. For large models, a cleaning brush is provided with the product. For pocket size models, you can purchase a cleaning brush or use a toothbrush. There are different methods of cleaning your brush.
The dry cleaning method removes dead hair and scales from your scalp that clog the bristles of your brush. Start by loosening hair stranding from as close as the pad of the brush around the whole circumference of the brush and lift away. Run the cleaning brush along the tops of the bristles and across diagonally to remove excess hair.
You are also recommended to frequently wash your brush as grease accumulates. Grease is similar to oils and spirits for the hair as it damages the rubber. Start by dry cleaning and make sure all hair strands are removed. Lather lukewarm soapy water; make sure not to use detergents or other products as your soap. Dip the cleaning brush into the water and run from the pad to the end of the bristles and then diagonally across the brush. Never dip the hairbrush into the water; this can extremely warp the brush. Hold the hairbrush so that the head is pointing downwards, with the hole at the bottom. Dip the cleaning brush into clean rinsing water and clean the hairbrush of excess soapy water. Shake the hairbrush to remove moisture and leave pad down to let dry, never use a towel to dry the brush. The bristle and nylon are softened if exposed to too much moisture. It is suggested to allow drying in an airy area. Subjecting it to heat can cause bristles to become brittle. For brushes with plastic handles, they should not be subjected to heat or chemicals such as nail polish remover, as they will remove the dye. For wooden handles, if moisture enters the inside of the brush it can cause the brush to swell and crack.
The Mason Pearson brush ranges in prices depending on the model you select. The average price range is between $50 and $100. These brushes offer some of the most high quality materials found in any brush today. Hair brushing plays an important role in the condition of your hair, purchasing a quality brush is a wise investment.