Looking to buy a Kent hairbrush? Here’s everything you need to know about the Diplomat tested, compared, and brutally honest.
Meet the Diplomat: Luxury for Fine and Thinning Hair
Fine hair? Thinning patches? I know the struggle. I spent over $120 on the Kent Diplomat boar bristle brush, and I’m here to tell you what you get (and don’t). This isn’t just a grooming tool it’s heirloom gear. Handmade by Kent (yep, the British brushmakers since 1777), the Diplomat is crafted with satinwood over beech and ultra-soft white boar bristles. Zero nylon, zero scratch.
Yes, this brush has ULTRA SOFT bristles.
Comparison: Kent Brushes at a Glance
| Brush Model | Best For | Bristle Type | Handle Material | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kent Diplomat (OS11) | Fine or thinning hair | Soft white boar | Satinwood & Beech | Ultra-gentle, premium craftsmanship |
| Kent LS9D | Delicate or short hair | Pure soft boar | Cherrywood | Small & gentle for sensitive scalps |
| Kent OG4 | Thick or coarse hair | Firm boar + nylon | Beechwood | Mixed bristles for dense textures |
| Kent CSML | Curly or voluminous | Mixed bristle | Satinwood | Controls frizz, glides through curls |
| Kent BRD2 | Beards & short styles | Boar (stiff) | Compact beech block | Ideal for facial hair or travel |
Ed’s Quick Tip:
“If your hair’s fine or thinning, go Diplomat or LS9D. For thick, curly, or unruly manes? The OG4 or CSML gives you grip without damage.”
Why the Diplomat’s a Standout
- Soft on the scalp: Gentle enough for sensitive or aging scalps.
- Boosts shine: Distributes oils naturally from roots to ends.
- No tug, no static: Smooth strokes, every time.
- Long-term investment: Properly cared for, this brush will outlast your next three cars.
What Meesh Thinks:
“If you’ve got fine hair that gets greasy fast or tangles easily, the Diplomat’s a game-changer. It glides like butter no yanking, no damage.”
Stacey’s Take:
“For clients with hair loss or postpartum thinning, I always recommend something this gentle. It keeps the hair on your head where it belongs.”
Is the Diplomat Right for You?
| Hair Type | Diplomat-Friendly? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fine / Thinning | ✅ Absolutely | Soft bristles, zero pulling |
| Medium | ✅ Yep | Great for daily maintenance |
| Thick / Coarse | ⚠️ Not ideal | May not penetrate dense strands |
| Curly / Coily | ❌ Skip it | Not enough grab for textured hair |
Care Tips
- Clean weekly with gentle soap and water (don’t soak it).
- Dry bristles down to protect the wood.
- Oil the handle occasionally to maintain finish.
Straight Talk from Ed: Don’t Panic If Bristles Fall Out
When you’ve got your heart set on buying, I’ve learned one thing don’t get between a dog and a fire hydrant. But let’s slow down a sec and talk bristle truth.
With any boar bristle brush yes, even a high-end one like the Kent Diplomat you’re going to see bristles come out now and then. That’s completely normal. Most folks see a few loose bristles and think, “Well, this brush is junk.” Nope. It’s still good. Still doing its job.
The only time it’s a real problem?
👉 When an entire plug of bristles pops out. That’s a manufacturing issue, and the brand should replace it.
Also, wooden brushes aren’t bulletproof. You leave this beauty in the shower, soaking in steam day after day? Don’t be surprised when it starts turning black or splitting like firewood. Wood and water don’t mix long-term.
Ed’s Brush Truths:
- A few bristles? Normal.
- A full plug? Contact the seller.
- Keep it dry. Love it long.
This is why folks come to HairBrushy I tell it like it is, no sugarcoating, just what works in the real world.
Final Verdict from Ed:
“The Kent Diplomat is like the Aston Martin of hairbrushes. Not for everyone, but if you’re tired of plastic brushes ripping out your hair, this one earns its keep.”
Where to Buy the Kent Diplomat:
Affiliate Disclosure: AS an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through some inks on this page, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Every tool I recommend has been tested in real studio conditions.
Want more premium brush reviews?
Hello, I’m Ed Shears, Editor and Author at HairBrushy.com and your trusted guide on the journey to healthier, more vibrant hair. At HairBrushy.com, I utilize my extensive expertise in research of hairbrushes to curate and create educational, dependable content that empowers readers to take control of their hair care routines.
Hello, my name is Stacey Bee experienced research analyst. I specialize in hairbrushes for adults with over 30 years experience. As we get older, our hair changes and so do our hairbrushes needs. What worked while we were young may not work as we get older. For than 30 years I have researched and tested hundreds of hairbrushes and contributed to just as many or more hairbrushes articles. I am about providing sound advice to help people look their best.
Hello, my name is Meesh Switch, I am a contributing editor and hairbrush product analyst. I am focused on hairbrushes for young adults. I have enjoy writing, testing, and analyzing hairbrushes. I have contributed to hundreds in-depth articles and provided sound advice on hairbrushes based on testing and research.