How to Use a Mason Pearson Hairbrush

Mason Pearson started out his small business in 1860 by making his hairbrushes by hand. In 1885 he invented a brush-boring machine, followed by his famous pneumatic rubber cushioned hairbrush. Mason Pearson's design is still used in 2009, and his rubber cushion hairbrush remains just as popular today as when it was introduced. The Mason Pearson hairbrush stimulates the scalp while brushing the hair to increase blood flow to the hair roots. Brushing the hair at the scalp distributes natural oils throughout the hair, which leaves hair strong, supple and healthy.

Things You'll Need

• Mason Pearson Hairbrush

Instructions

1. Choose a Mason Pearson brush with boar bristles if your hair is fine to normal. Choose boar bristles or nylon tufts if your hair is normal to thick. Nylon tuft hairbrushes are ideal for thick hair.

2. Use a large hairbrush if you have long hair. Mason Pearson brushes come in nine different shapes and sizes. The "Large Extra" B1 brush has eight rings of very stiff bristle tufts. The smaller "Pocket Bristle" B4 brush has five rings of bristle tufts.

3. Hold the hairbrush by the handle. Mason Pearson hairbrushes are made with cellulose plastic handles designed based on the original wood handles. All the sharp edges of the handles are removed and polished for comfort when used.

4. Bring the hairbrush up to the top of your head and place it on your crown. Move the brush down the hair while stimulating your scalp. The goal is to apply pressure on your head, which releases oils from your scalp. As the brush is lowered from the scalp to the ends of your hair, you are redistributing the oils.

5. Continue brushing your hair in this manner until your entire scalp is stimulated and massaged. The cushioned rubber under the hair bristles adds extra softness to the brushing process.

Tips & Warnings

• Mason Pearson hairbrushes are made in England and tend to be expensive ($80 to $150 in 2009), so shop around before purchasing.

• Do not use a Mason Pearson hairbrush on animals. Do not leave the hairbrush in strong sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Do not use any type of oil on the hairbrush as this can destroy the rubber.

References

• Mason Pearson Brushes