A roundup of the best hairbrushes and combs for different hair types
image via @labonnebrosse/instagram
words by daisy henry
La Bonne Brosse, Mason Pearson and more.
Just like an expensive set of towels or a designer makeup bag, hairbrushes have become something of a cult-like beauty accessory. They’ve stretched far beyond the original remit of detangling, now promising to smooth, straighten, stimulate and even redistribute the oils in your scalp.
For more haircare reviews, check out our Beauty section.
Of course, there’s a strong argument that an affordable chemist-bought comb is just as effective as a four-hundred-dollar boar bristle brush (or is it?). Below, we’ve rounded up our favourite places to source a quality hairbrush for every need, hair type and budget.
Basecamp Beauty
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Price range: $66 to $99
Basecamp Beauty is an Australian hair and beauty brand, founded by makeup and hairstylist, Ashlea Penfold. Along with cosmetics, eye masks and hair clips, its hair accessories are both effective and aesthetic. Its Smoothing brush features a curved head and a blend of boar and nylon bristles designed to eliminate any frizz and create a smooth, silky finish, while its dual-teeth comb is a luxurious addition to your everyday routine.
Get it here.
La Bonne Brosse
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Price range: $190 to $275
La Bonne Brosse is a French label known for its luxury hairbrushes. Aside from the fact that they’re extremely stylish, the brand says that with correct use, the brushes can significantly improve both scalp and hair health. There are a few options available, from boar bristles to nylon to a combination of both. For fine hair, you’re better off going for boar bristles (like the Number One Universal Brush), while a nylon brush (like the Number Four Detangling Scalp Brush) is better suited to thick hair.
Get it here.
Oribe
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Price range: $93 to $228
Oribe was first founded in 2008 by celebrity and fashion hairstylist Oribe Canales, along with Daniel Kaner. Though it’s perhaps most commonly known for its range of haircare, the brand’s offering also extends into luxury brushes and combs. Its Italian resin range features a hair pick comb for detangling, a flat brush with a blend of boar and nylon bristles, and a medium round brush for maximum volume.
Get it here.
Robe
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Price range: $30 to $40
Robe is the creation of Australian hair stylist Lauren Mackellar. Having worked across celebrity styling and editorial, she began designing a line of her own haircare products in 2020. As part of that, Robe has released two hairbrushes – a small but mighty scalp brush and a wide-toothed detangling comb.
Get it here.
Florietta
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Price range: $99
Rather than overloading your bathroom cabinet, Florietta is a call to keep things simple, with the website featuring only one hero product. Suited to all hair types, the Boar Bristle hairbrush features both boar and nylon bristles for deep, thorough care. Where the nylon smoothes strands and stimulates the scalp, the boar detangles and massages.
Get it here.
GHD
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Price range: $33 to $59
Launched in 2001, GHD’s entire philosophy is all about guaranteeing you a ‘good hair day’. Just like its heat tool range, it has an extensive collection of hair brushes, catering to every need. Choose between an all-rounder paddle brush, a tail comb, a blow dryer brush (and plenty more).
Get it here.
Mason Pearson
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Price range: $122 to $561
Mason Pearson might be the most expensive brush on the list, but according to contributor Constance McDonald, it’s well worth it. Steeped in heritage, the 130-year-old brand is still owned by the singular lineage of the Pearson family and continues to be made and manufactured in England. The process of choosing your brush is taken quite seriously, with the website helping step you through every consideration, from size to bristle type.
Get it here.
Evo
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Price range: $24 to $95
Evo is an Australian-born and run brand that’s regularly stocked in hair salons around the country. Made from Forest Stewardship Council-certified hardwood, it has a range of paddle, round and teasing brushes, alongside a wide-toothed comb and a range of heat protectant serums.
Get it here.
Find more hairbrush recommendations here.
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