The Mermaid Brush Essential Boar Bristle Brush has been named Best Hairbrush in the 2026 Marie Claire Beauty Awards. For a small botanical brand, this is a proud moment.
It also recognizes a brush many of you already use every day. Below you will find what the editors said and how to make the brush part of your routine.
What did Marie Claire say about The Mermaid Brush?
2026 Marie Claire Beauty Awards
Best Hairbrush: The Mermaid Brush
Marie Claire’s editors and testers picked the 2026 Beauty Awards hair care winners. The Mermaid Brush took Best Hairbrush.
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Shine: boar bristles spread your natural oils from root to end.
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Detangling: nylon bristles work through knots without yanking.
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Gentle: soft enough for extensions, with a smooth, frizz-free finish.
The opening of their review paints a familiar scene: a parent pulling a brush through childhood knots, and the tool they wish they’d had back then.
How do you use The Mermaid Brush?
Use The Mermaid Brush Essential Boar Bristle Brush on dry or nearly dry hair. Go slowly and let the bristles do the work.
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Start at your ends. Hold a section near the middle and brush out the last few inches.
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Work up in small steps until the brush moves from root to end without catching.
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Finish with long strokes from your scalp down to spread your natural oils.
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Repeat in the morning, the evening, or both.
Where does The Mermaid Brush fit in your routine?
Every day
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1
Brush dry hair with The Mermaid Brush Essential Boar Bristle Brush to smooth and detangle.
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2
Smooth a drop or two of Growing Season Burdock Hair Growth Oil through dry ends, then brush to spread it evenly.
Wash days: the sandwich method
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1
Before you wash, massage Growing Season Burdock Hair Growth Oil into dry hair and scalp, root to tip. Leave it on for at least 45 minutes, or 2+ hours for best results.
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Shampoo with Nourishing Shampoo, working the lather through your lengths, then rinse.
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3
Apply Nourishing Conditioner from mid-lengths to ends. Once or twice a week, use the Deep Repair Mask in its place and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes.
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With the conditioner still in, glide the Wet Detangling Brush through to spread it evenly and ease out knots. Finish with a cool rinse.
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Once your hair is dry or nearly dry, switch back to the Essential Boar Bristle Brush.
Styling
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The Lilia Styling Round Boar Bristle Brush gives you a smooth blowout with shaped ends. Our round brush guide walks you through it.
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The Muse: Perfecting Styling Cream tames flyaways after brushing. It holds without feeling tacky, so you can still run your fingers through your hair.
How do you keep your brushes clean?
The Mermaid Brush Cleaner has a side for each of our everyday brushes.
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Use the metal comb side on The Mermaid Brush Essential Boar Bristle Brush to lift out loose hair.
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Use the nylon bristle side on the Wet Detangling Brush. Hold it at an angle.
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Wash both brushes with mild soap and water.
What other awards has BUR BUR won?
This win joins a growing list of awards for BUR BUR.
Hair mask
Growing Season Deep Repair Mask
2026 Allure Best of Beauty Awards
Shop the Essential Boar Bristle Brush on burbur.com, or browse our Bundles. US standard shipping is free on orders over $80.
Questions we get
Which brush won Best Hairbrush in the 2026 Marie Claire Beauty Awards?
The Mermaid Brush Essential Boar Bristle Brush by BUR BUR. Marie Claire’s editors chose it for its mix of boar and nylon bristles, which smooth and detangle in one stroke.
Is the Essential Boar Bristle Brush gentle enough for extensions?
Marie Claire’s editors called it gentle enough for extensions. Start at your ends and brush slowly as you work up.
Can I use the Essential Boar Bristle Brush on wet hair?
For wet hair, we suggest the Wet Detangling Brush. Reach for the Essential Boar Bristle Brush once your hair is dry or nearly dry.
Does the Essential Boar Bristle Brush work on wavy and curly hair?
Yes. Detangle wet curls in sections with a wide-tooth comb or the Wet Detangling Brush first. Once your hair is dry, use the Essential Boar Bristle Brush at the scalp to keep your curl pattern.
Do I still need a round brush?
Only if you blow dry. The Lilia Styling Round Boar Bristle Brush uses the same boar bristles and nylon pins as the Essential Boar Bristle Brush. What sets it apart is its ceramic-coated aluminum barrel, which heats up fast and holds the warmth for quicker, more even blow drying. Reach for the Essential Boar Bristle Brush every day and Lilia when you want a smooth blowout.
Where can I buy the Essential Boar Bristle Brush?
You can buy it on burbur.com, with free US standard shipping on orders over $80. BUR BUR is also carried at Nordstrom, REVOLVE, FWRD, Anthropologie and Free People.
More brush guides: how to brush different hair types, boar bristle vs. nylon brushes and how to use a round brush.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.