A luxury hair brush may not be a necessity, per se, but it’s one that quickly earns its keep, offering both durability and long-term value beyond simply getting the job done. Crafted with sculptural handles and sturdy bristles, legacy brushes such as Mason Pearson’s often become a beloved companion for decades, achieving heirloom-quality status in one’s daily routine.
Vogue’s Favorite Luxury Hair Brushes
In this story
- Difference Between Luxury Versus Standard Hair Brushes
- How Choose The Right Brush for Your Styling Needs
- How To Pick the Best Brush Bristle for Your Hair Texture
- How We Tested
- Meet The Experts
The right brush does more than just detangle or smooth hair; high-quality bristles are better suited to distribute natural oils to promote overall hair health, pampering the scalp with every stroke. A well-crafted design—one with a satisfying look and heft—can turn a mundane task into a moment of care and indulgence, reminding us that sometimes, beauty really is in the details. Not to mention, many luxury brushes are as stunning as they are functional, making them effortlessly chic gifts for someone special—or a stylish treat for yourself.
Ahead, find the best luxury brushes for every texture and style—from petite travel-friendly options to extra large paddle brushes, paired with expert insight on which hair type each brush is best suited for. Anyone of them are worth the splurge.
Best Detangling: Mason Pearson Handy Bristle Nylon Hairbrush
- Why We Love It: Mason Pearson brushes have earned a loyal following among top hairstylists (think Guido Palau and Jen Atkin) as well as a long list of celebrity fans, including Kim Kardashian, Kate Moss, Kate Middleton, and Jenna Ortega. It’s a favorite of Bridgerton darling Phoebe Dynevor too. “I remember my grandmother every time I use this brush,” Dynevor said in her Vogue Beauty Secrets. The appeal goes well beyond the name: they’re famously long-lasting, often becoming the kind of tool people keep for years and even pass down—which is why Vogue’s head of content Chloe Malle and her actor mother Candace Bergen consider it “the only brush you’ll ever need.” First crafted in the late 1800s and still made with meticulous care today, it’s a brush that’s earned its iconic status.
- Editor’s Note: “All I will say is that I have been in a relationship with my Mason Pearson brush longer than my husband. The medium-size white brush was given to me by my mother when I was about 12, I still have it and use it almost daily (I have curly hair so brushing is not always in order). I clean the line of grey gunk that accumulates on the edge with an acetone-free nail polish remover and comb the bristles with a delightful hairbrush cleaning tool that looks like a Lilliputian garden rake. After a cleaning, the brush appears much the same as it did when I removed it from its retro 1920s-designed box nearly three decades ago.” —Chloe Malle, head of content
- Shape: Round
- Bristle Material: Dual bristle; nylon, boar bristle
- Wet or Dry: Dry
- Best for: Fine to medium hair thickness, with straight to wavy texture
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Sculptural design is chic for display | Not well suited for coily hair |
| A luxurious, high quality choice for daily brushing | |
| Boar bristle and nylon brush offerings |
Best Boar Bristle: La Bonne Brosse N.01 The Universal Brush
- Why We Love It: La Bonne Brosse brushes aren’t just something you leave out because they look beautiful—though the sculptural handles and soft, glossy colors certainly make that tempting. “This brush is excellent for smoothing, detangling, and overall scalp health—it glides through hair with elegance,” says Ibrahimi. “Consider it a beauty investment piece.” The No. 1 Universal features 100% keratin-rich boar bristles to help distribute natural oils and enhance shine, making it a strong everyday option for most hair types. The line also includes brushes designed for more specific needs: softer bristles for sensitive scalps, mixed bristles for thicker hair, and even versions tailored to curl patterns to help maintain definition.
- Editor’s Note: “I actually own two La Bonne Brosse brushes. I’ll admit, the sculptural handles and beautiful color options were what hooked me at first—picking a shade feels almost like choosing a piece of jewelry. The boar bristle brush works as a soft, smoothing finisher on my thick hair, while the No. 7 detangling brush uses long nylon pins to glide from roots to ends with a satisfying little scalp massage.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Shape: Round
- Bristle Material: Boar
- Wet or Dry: Dry
- Best for: Daily use on most hair types—a universal go-to for anyone who appreciates elevated essentials.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Sculptural design is chic for display | Less effective of thicker or coily hair |
| Keratin-rich boar bristles | |
| Multiple brush offerings for different hair textures |
Best for Frizzy Hair: Oribe Italian Resin Flat Brush
- Why We Love It: From the moment you pick this brush up, you can feel the difference: its ergonomic handle is crafted from custom Italian resin, giving it a balanced heft that instantly feels premium. Inside, a thoughtfully engineered mix of boar bristles and rounded nylon pins glide through hair while gently stimulating the scalp. The bristle heights vary, enabling the brush to grip strands more efficiently, reduces frizz, and help distribute natural oils for a sleek, polished finish.
- Shape: Round
- Bristle Material: Dual bristle
- Wet or Dry: Both
- Best for: Most hair types—especially frizzy, static-prone hair
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Reduces flyaways and frizz | Not meant for heat styling |
| Ergonomic handle | |
| Chic Italian resin design |
Best for Long Hair: Sisley Paris Hair Rituel The Radiance Brush
- Why We Love It: Another classic dual-bristle option, Sisley Paris’s brush is an excellent choice for anyone looking for gentle yet effective detangling. Its wide paddle design gives it a larger surface area, which means it can move through longer or thicker hair without pulling or creating breakage. “Its paddle brush design is amazing for thick or long hair,” says Lennon. “It will distribute shine and help the scalp and is a great choice for a before-bed brush out.” The blend of flexible nylon and natural bristles helps lift natural oils from the roots and sweep them down the lengths, leaving strands smoother, softer, and more conditioned after just a few passes.
- Shape: Square
- Bristle Material: Dual bristle
- Wet or Dry: Both
- Best for: Longer, thicker lengths
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Gentle detangling | Some experience mild static after brushing |
| Enhances shine and softness |
Best Dual Bristle: Crown Affair The Brush No. 001
- Why We Love It: What sets this dual-bristle brush apart is its thoughtful construction: the ethically-sourced boar bristles help sweep natural oils down the hair shaft for shine, while the extra-long nylon pins give the scalp a soothing, circulation-boosting massage. This combination makes it a strong match for all hair types, but it’s especially effective on medium to thick textures that require both smoothing and gentle detangling. “It’s part brush, part ritual,” says Ibrahimi of Crown Affair’s soothing scalp-massaging brush. Lennon agrees, considering this a classic, everyday dual bristle brush. “It has ethically sourced boar bristles and is the best option for snatching hair into a tight ponytail.”
- Editor’s Note: “I truly adore this brush. It’s rare to find bristles that can actually work through my thick, wavy hair, but these reach all the way through without tugging. The longer pins give the most indulgent scalp massage, while the boar bristles leave everything smoother and more polished. And the fact that the bristles are ethically sourced makes it even easier to use every day and feel good about it.” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty shopping writer
- Shape: Round
- Bristle Material: Dual bristle; nylon pins, boar hairs
- Wet or Dry: Dry
- Best for: Medium to thick hair with straight to wavy textures
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Dual bristles detangle and distribute oils evenly | Not for heat styling |
| Combination of long and short bristles massage the scalp | |
| A luxurious daily brushing ritual |
Best for On-The-Go: Yves Durif Petite Vented Brush
- Why We Love It: This small but mighty styling brush does it all—heat-resistant nylon pin bristles detangle wet or dry lengths with ease. Meanwhile, air vents cut drying time in half by evenly distributing heat for the ultimate blowout (and adding a bit of root lift, as a bonus.) Not to mention, the petite size is perfectly portable—pop it in your tote bag for on-the-go hair touch ups, or use it as the perfect beauty travel companion when jet setting this summer. Associate shopping director, Talia Abbas, uses hers daily, adding: “There’s nothing that gives me the ick more than a bristles tangled with clumps of my own hair—thankfully, I never have that issue with this one. It’s so easy to clean, and wonderfully lightweight. I can’t remember what life was like before using it.”
- Shape: Mini square paddle
- Bristle Material: Dual
- Wet or Dry: Both
- Best for: Multi-purpose styling on straight to wavy hair types—from detangling to blow drying. Even more, this pick is safe for hair extensions.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Petite size is great for travel or on the go styling | Not suitable curly hair |
| Suitable for detangling on wet or dry hair | |
| Heat-resistant bristles |
Best Travel-Friendly: Machete Petite Travel Detangling Hair Brush
- Why We Love It: Machete knows how to make portable beauty tools feel elevated—from travel hair brushes to elegant compact mirrors. Their petite detangling brush is no exception. Crafted from glossy Italian acetate, it’s stylish enough to be seen yet small enough to slide into your suitcase or purse. The brush features flexible nylon pins capped with ball tips that glide effortlessly through tangles and deliver a gentle scalp massage, making it perfect for quick touch-ups on the go. It’s proof that portability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality.
- Shape: Round paddle
- Bristle Material: Flexible nylon pins with ball tips
- Wet or Dry: Both
- Best for: Traveling, commuting, or anyone who wants chic detangling in a compact form
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Travel-friendly | Not as effective on thick curly hair types |
| Scalp massaging effect |
Best for Scalp Care: Guerlain Scalp Hair Care Brush
- Why We Love It: Perhaps you never thought a wet brush could get this luxe. Designed in collaboration with Japanese haircare brand S.Heart.S, Guerlain’s ergonomic, gilded brush is built to multitask, energizing the scalp while smoothing strands to perfection. Inside the sleek, waterproof resin body, 376 nylon fibers with varying lengths and rounded tips gently massage the scalp and detangle in a single, effortless glide.
- Shape: Ergonomic, slender retangular paddle
- Bristle Material: Nylon fibers with massaging tips
- Wet or Dry: Both
- Best for: Scalp care, detangling—though it’s especially beneficial for distributing product on wet hair)
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Scalp massaging tips | Finer hair types should brush with a gentle touch |
| Effective detangling |
Best for Fine Hair: Altesse Studio Beaute Classic Repair Shine Brush
- Why We Love It: Designed by the historic Altesse Studio (a heritage French company Heritage since 1875), this brush is crafted from beautifully weighted olive‑wood handle. “These 100% boar bristle hair brushes focus on boosting shine,” says Lennon, noting the size is perfect for throwing in your purse and keeping on hand for refreshes. “Its size and soft bristles make it a great option for thin hair types.” Plus, the flexible bristles ensure for gentle brushing and a smooth finish.
- Shape: Round paddle
- Bristle Material: Boar bristles
- Wet or Dry: Dry
- Best for: Fine to medium hair types aiming to boost shine and smoothness
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Known to boost shine and overall smoothness | One of the priciest options |
| Made with a sustainable olive wood handle | |
| Anti-static |
Everything You Need To Know
Difference Between Luxury Versus Standard Hair Brushes
From thoughtfully designed materials, to unbeatable longevity, the experts assure that luxury hair brushes aren’t all fluff. “Many luxury brushes use natural boar bristles, which help distribute scalp oils down the hair shaft, leading to more shine and smoother hair, which helps reduce breakage. Plus, they’re built to last you for years,” pro hairstylist Scott King tells Vogue. “Most standard brushes are cheaply made and have plastic bristles that tend to snag the hair and cause breakage.These materials also don’t cater to scalp health.”
Lennon agrees, noting that dual bristle brushes also bolster scalp health. “Your scalp has muscles that benefit from bringing blood flow to the area. Longer nylon bristles do exactly that, helping to encourage hair growth,” he adds.
How To Pick the Best Brush Bristle for Your Hair Texture
Professional hair stylist and Pattern Beauty brand educator, Ebony Bomani explains how to pick the best hair brush to match your specific needs.
“Fine, straight hair benefits from a natural, soft bristle (such as boar bristle hair brushes) or soft, nylon bristles that gently glide to distribute oils without causing static,” Bomani previously told Vogue. "Coarse or thick hair does better with firm, widely spaced bristles (like nylon or mixed bristles) that can penetrate denser strands. Meanwhile, curly, coily, or textured hair need a brush that respects the curl structure—flexible detangling bristles [are your] the best bet.”
How often should you clean your hair brush?
Even the most luxurious brushes need a little TLC to stay in top form. While there’s no strict rule for how often to clean them, there’s some guidelines to help preserve the bristles, maintain performance, and ensure your investment lasts for years. “Cleaning frequency all depends on how quickly it gets dirty, which varies according to the products you use and the nature of your hair,” des Robert and Laurent previously told Vogue. As a daily hygiene practice, start by cleaning out the hair from your brush after each use. Then, once monthly you can clean your brush more thoroughly with a warm damp cloth, running it through each bristle to remove buildup from hair products—just make sure to let it dry while facing down.
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from celebrity hairstylists and beauty founders—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to luxury hair brushes, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: materials, bristles, and what hair types they’re best suited for. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet The Experts
- Ebony Bomani is a professional hair stylist and Pattern Beauty brand educator
- Flore des Robert and Pauline Laurent are the co-founders of La Bonne Brosse
- Merita Ibrahimi is a celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Ali Krieger, Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, Mallory Swanson and more. She also serves as master hairstylist at Bridal By Alexandria.
- Scott King is an LA based celebrity hair stylist. His roster includes Lucy Hale, Sabrina Carpenter, Madison Beer, Amelia Gray, Kate Beckinsale, and more.
- Gregg Lennon Jr. a celebrity hairstylist based in LA. His roster includes Charli XCX, Rina Sawayama, Lisa Rinna, and more.
