This $25 Mason Pearson Brush Alternative Left My Hair as Shiny as the $275 Real Thing
One hair tool you’ll often find in a stylist’s tool kit is the Mason Pearson brush. It’s gone viral on TikTok for its luxe bristles and hand-crafted handles, which are said to enhance hair health, making the $300 price tag worth it. But if you can’t afford to spend that much on a single brush, that’s okay. I spoke with several hairstylists to find the best Mason Pearson brush alternatives that won’t dig a deep hole into your pocket.
“I wouldn’t feel comfortable telling every client that a Mason Pearson is the only option,” says Halie Kellagher, stylist at Pearlita in NYC. “It’s nice that there are other brushes that can help you achieve similar results on the market now.” So, to find the best alternatives, I compiled a few recommendations from the pros and tested them out over four weeks. I also looked for similar materials used to craft the Mason Pearson brushes, like boar and nylon bristles and wooden handles. Experts all agree that boar bristles are the key to healthy, smooth, glass-like hair since they work to distribute the natural oils your scalp produces to the mid-shaft and ends, which help keep your stands moisturized.
So, are you ready to get the healthiest, shiniest hair of your dreams? Below, find the best affordable boar bristle brushes under $85.
The Best Mason Pearson Brush Alternatives
- Best Boar Bristle Brush Overall: Crown Affair The Brush No. 001, $74
- Best Detangling Boar Bristle Brush: Dae Detangle and Style Brush, $26
- Best Boar Bristle Brush for Smoothing: RPZL Polisher Brush, $30
- Best Vegan Boar Bristle Brush: Briogeo Vegan Boar Brush, $28
- Best Boar Bristle Brush for Blowouts: Creative Pro Hair Tools Classic Signature Paddle, $25
Best Boar Bristle Brush Overall: The Brush No. 001
Kellagher calls this brush a spot-on option for those who want a Mason Pearson but aren’t so keen on the high price tag. And, out of all of the boar bristles brushes I tested, this was my favorite. Made with a combination of nylon and boar bristles, I adore how it glides through my fine hair and gives off more shine in a matter of seconds.
While $74 may still seem a little expensive, Kellagher assures that this is one of those brushes that will last a lifetime when properly cared for. “I recommend using this on dry hair only,” she explains. "For your pre-shower routine, it distributes oils, reduces buildup, and stimulates the scalp. You can also use this to refresh and add shine to a blowout or smooth air-dried hair.”
- Why this stands out: Luxurious glide, immediately improves shine, sits comfortably in your hand, offers a stimulating scalp massage.
- What could be improved: Should only be used on dry hair and it’s still a bit expensive.
Best Detangling Boar Bristle Brush: Detangle and Style Brush
This baby pink brush will do more than spark joy when you run it through your mane. Kellagher dubs it one of the most practical — and affordable — brushes, partially because instead of being made with real boar bristles, the Dae brush utilizes vegan boar-like bristles. “This is ideal for those who would want an all-encompassing brush that can be used on wet or dry hair,” she explains. “I find it great for detangling gently as well as smoothing and styling.”
- Why this stands out: Can be used on wet or dry hair, works for all hair types, smoothly detangles and styles, pretty pink hue.
- What could be improved: Some reviewers mention it’s difficult to clean.
Best Boar Bristle Brush for Smoothing: Polisher Brush
If you’ve been wanting to test the boar bristle brush waters, Rogerio Cavalcante, stylist and owner of The Second Floor Salon, recommends this lightweight brush. “It can be used on wet or dry hair, and it’s also great for styling,” he mentions. The bristles on this brush are densely packed (more so than other options on this list), which helps to smooth down stubborn edges and flyaways.
- Why this stands out: Quickly tames frizz and flyaways, sleek classic look, densely packed bristles for even oil distribution.
- What could be improved: The handle length isn’t the most suitable for people with large hands.
Best Vegan Boar Bristle Brush: Vegan Boar Brush
For those who prefer vegan bristles, Cavalcante suggests using this brush from Briogeo. “The nylon bristles have super smooth tips — sometimes nylon bristles feel like they’re scratching the scalp, but that’s not the case with these.” Thanks to a scattering of shorter and longer ballpoint-tipped bristles, this brush effectively smooths out knots without causing pain. Out of the brushes I tested, this became my go-to when I had to really work at detangling. It significantly cut down on the time it usually takes to brush out my waist-length hair, and managed to amp up the shine, all while minimizing breakage in the process.
- Why this stands out: Vegan bristles imitate real boar hair, lessens breakage, quickly untangles knots, provides a soothing head massage.
- What could be improved: For some reason it has a very strong plastic smell, even with continued use.
Best Boar Bristle Brush for Blowouts: Classic Signature Paddle
From the red cushioning, to the way that the bristles are arranged to the long, sleek handle, this Creative Pro Hair Tools looks almost identical to a Mason Pearson…and, Nico Aceves, stylist at Mark Ryan Salon in NYC, says that it produces the same results for a fraction of the price. “The boar bristles [on this brush] help to bring out the hairs’ natural shine while the nylon bristles detangle hair.” He also mentions that the mixed bristles and shape of the brush are ideal for creating smooth, straight blowouts at home.
- Why this stands out: It's a professional-level tool with heat-proof bristles for safe styling and a long, graspable handle.
- What could be improved: Bristles can sink into the cushioning with extended use.
Best Professional Boar Bristle Brush: D81M Brush
Cody Cross, a professional colorist at Cutler Salon in Brooklyn, sings high praises about this Denman brush. The professional-quality brush features a mix of boar bristles and nylon quills for a porcupine effect that distributes oils, boosts shine, and detangles in one fell swoop. The long handle also offers a comfortable grip, so the brush won’t slip out of your hand while working through tough knots. Cross says it holds up well when heat styling, and expects it to last for years if you’re looking for a trusty brush to use at home.
- Why this stands out: Incredibly affordable, works on all hair types, streamlined look, leaves hair looking extra glossy.
- What could be improved: Some reviewers say that the bristles are a bit too pointy and scratch at their scalp.
Best Boar Bristle Brush for Slicked Back Styles: Flat Mate Boar Bristle Brush
Have slicked-back styles become part of your everyday hairstyling routine? This boar bristle brush will become the MVP for getting every last strand to lay down and stay in place. I’ve found the larger paddle covers more ground and cuts the time it takes to pull my mane back. The flexible bristles glide through my strands, immediately boosting shine and softness while giving me an invigorating scalp massage in the process.
- Why this stands out: Extra large paddle makes brushing out thick hair easy, long durable handle provides sturdy grip, strong bristles stimulate scalp, ideal for creating slicked back looks
- What could be improved: The large format doesn’t fit nicely in smaller hands.
