Why does Kent make so many hair brushes?

The Kent range has evolved over generations to include brushes for all hair types and for all styling techniques. Brushing hair is also about lifestyle and fashion, and Kent meets these needs by introducing new ranges to match new demands.

How do I choose the right Kent hairbrush?

To make the best brush choice first consider the hair type and secondly what you want to do, brush, curl, detangle or volumise. When purchasing from a shop it is possible to feel the texture of all our brushes, and for the best brushing performance it is important to select the bristle strength to suit the thickness of hair. Our packaging gives a good guide too, so in shops look out for Kent and take a moment to read the advice.

Why are there such big price differences?

The price of any brush, whether for hair, shaving or make up, is determined by a combination of labour and material costs. So, it is inevitable that our unique
handmade brush range is our most expensive. We aim to provide ranges in all price bands to make Kent accessible to everyone.

What key design features make Kent brushes so different?

Attention to detail has always been at the heart of Kent brush making and Kent knows the difference between a good brush and a great brush. It is the finer detail in our designs that sets Kent apart, such as no joints where hair can catch and pull, safe rounded quill ends to protect hair and scalp, use of different ‘cuts’ of bristle to provide for thick or fine hair, strong comfy grips for easy styling, and a continued use of the finest quality materials.

Are you really the oldest brush company in the world?

We are pretty sure that we are, as we were founded in 1777 by William Kent. Kent had premises in Tylers Street London, now called Fouberts Place, then moved to Great Marlborough Street, London. Still expanding, Kent moved to Robinson Road and Approach Road in Victoria Park, which were kept but additional space was acquired at Farringdon Road, London EC. This was the largest brush warehouse in Britain and we stayed here until 1940.

In the 1940’s we also acquired offices in 24 Old Bond Street London and a shop in Piccadilly. Our first factory outside London was built in 1901 in Hemel Hempstead. We are still at this site today and we re-built the original buildings with a modern factory and amalgamated the London offices in 1983.

How much is a brush making machine?

Our newest brush making machine cost £250,000 and our oldest brush making machine originally cost £8.00 and was bought over 100 years ago and is still in use today. We still use many hand crafting skills, and keep some of our old machines for certain processes, this all contrasts enormously with our ‘high-tech’ machines and makes our factory a place of contrasts requiring skilled employees who can turn their hand to a variety of tasks!

What are your plans for the future?

We are bursting with ideas, but it is often manufacturing costs that prevent some of these ideas coming to fruition. We are determined to continue making ‘The Finest Brushes in the World’ and will ensure that every brush range that we create will always match the quality that we are renowned for.