Battle of the Brushes: Mason Pearson vs. La Bonne Brosse
Battle of the Brushes: Mason Pearson vs. La Bonne Brosse, Which One is Better?
If you know anything about us, you know we rave about the iconic Mason Pearson brushes to all our clients. When it comes to beauty tools that make the biggest difference in your self-care routine, a good hairbrush is easily overlooked. Enter: La Bonne Brosse and Mason Pearson.
If you frequent #hairtok on TikTok or scroll through Pinterest, you might have come across La Bonne Brush as a popular dupe for the classic Mason Pearson. Both are stylish, high-quality boar bristle brushes that promote shine, smoothness, and scalp health. But if you're wondering whether the Mason Pearson is really worth the $200+ splurge compared to La Bonne's minimalist dupe, this post is for you.
Spoiler alert: it absolutely is…and here’s why.
Why Boar Bristle Brushes Are a Haircare Game-Changer
Before we get into the comparison, let’s talk about why beauty editors, hair stylists, and even trichologists swear by boar bristle brushes:
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They distribute your scalp’s natural oils from root to tip, creating an enviable shine without any product.
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They smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and static.
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They minimize breakage while detangling gently.
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They stimulate blood flow at the scalp to encourage healthier growth.
Boar bristle brushes are especially powerful for dry, damaged, thick, or textured hair. If you're someone who heat-styles often, struggles with frizz, or wants that soft, glossy second-day look without rewashing, add a boar bristle brush to your cart stat!
Both La Bonne and Mason Pearson use a boar-nylon bristle blend, but ultimately what separates them is quality, craftsmanship, and results.
La Bonne Brosse: A Beautiful Beginner Option
La Bonne Brosse has captured attention on TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest for a reason. The neutral tones, matte-finish packaging, and under-$100 price point make it an aesthetic dream for the average shopper. It’s perfect for minimalists who love a curated beauty routine.
What It Offers:
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Boar + nylon bristles for gentle detangling
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Glossy acrylic handle in minimalist shades
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Soft rubber cushion for a smooth brushing experience
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$80 CAD ($60 USD) price point
Ideal for:
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Fine to medium hair
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Light, everyday brushing
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Travel or desk drawer touch-ups
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People exploring boar bristle brushes for the first time
It’s a great starter brush, and yes, it looks great on your vanity. But after a few weeks, many users begin to crave something that performs just a bit better. Something stronger and longer-lasting.
Mason Pearson: The Gold Standard in Hairbrushes Since 1885
The Mason Pearson brush is a generational tool. Used by royalty, celebrities, and hairstylists alike, it’s been hand-assembled in England for over 100 years and still reigns supreme in performance and longevity.
What differentiates the Mason Pearson from La Bonne Brosse is this is the kind of tool that doesn’t just look good, it earns its spot in your beauty routine every single day for LOTS of years to come.
What Makes It Superior:
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Ultra-dense bristle layout for deeper oil distribution and scalp stimulation
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Patented rubber cushion pad that flexes with your scalp, never tugs
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Custom options based on your hair thickness (fine, normal, thick)
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Ergonomic handle crafted from durable, hand-finished cellulose
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Comes with a cleaning brush to preserve bristle integrity
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10+ year lifespan with proper care
While the price can range from $200 to $350 CAD, most users say they never go back to anything else, and the brush often lasts for decades. Hearing stories of Mason Pearsons being passed down from generation to generation is common, it’s that sturdy!
Why the Mason Pearson Is Worth the Investment
It’s easy to think of a $200+ hairbrush as unnecessary. But if your hair is your crown (and you’ve spent money on treatments, serums, or styling tools) it only makes sense to invest in the brush that supports your hair’s long-term health.
Here’s why it’s worth every penny:
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You’ll use it every day (sometimes twice!), this isn’t something that will collect dust on your shelf.
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It pays for itself over the years by reducing product dependency, breakage, and frizz.
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It gives salon-quality results at home without heat.
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It’s a once-in-a-decade purchase and not something you replace annually.
Many Mason Pearson users say they started with a dupe (like La Bonne), only to eventually upgrade, and wonder why they waited.
Who Should Get Which Brush?
Choose La Bonne Brosse if:
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You’re new to boar bristle brushes
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Your hair is thin, soft, and detangles easily
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You want a gentle brush for aesthetic reasons
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You like a light, minimalist grooming routine
Choose Mason Pearson if:
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Your hair is thick, wavy, curly, or gets frizzy
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You’re committed to growing healthier, shinier hair
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You want scalp stimulation and deep oil distribution
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You believe in investing in tools that last
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You’ve tried other brushes and want the best
Pro Tips for Using Your Boar Bristle Brush Like a Pro
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Brush dry hair only – Wet hair is fragile and prone to breakage (however you can use a Mason Pearson on wet hair, we recommend brushing dry to distribute the natural oils throughout your hair).
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Start at the nape – Brush in sections from the bottom up.
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Use long, full strokes – This helps distribute oils from root to tip.
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Clean regularly – Especially for Mason Pearson, use the included brush weekly.
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Pair with scalp oils – A drop of rosemary or castor oil gets evenly distributed, enhancing shine and hair health.
So…Save or Splurge?
La Bonne Brosse is beautiful, functional, and makes a great entry into luxury haircare. But Mason Pearson is the brush that earns its reputation, not just for the name, but for the results.There is a reason why they have been a favourite by beauty professionals for hundreds of years and that is because it is both stylish and it performs unlike any other.
If you are serious about hair health, if your strands are thick, high-maintenance, or just need that little extra bit of TLC, then the Mason Pearson will transform the way your hair looks and feels.
It’s not just a brush, it’s an heirloom, a ritual, and an investment in your beauty that pays off every single day for many, many years.
