Kent Brushes: British Heritage Since 1777
Experience the craftsmanship and quality that has served royalty for 247 years
The World's Oldest Brush Manufacturer | Royal Warrant Holder for 10 Consecutive Reigns
For nearly 250 years, Kent Brushes has stood as the pinnacle of British craftsmanship and quality. As the oldest hairbrush manufacturer in the world, Kent holds the prestigious distinction of serving the Royal Household for an extraordinary 10 consecutive reigns—from King George IV in 1820 to His Majesty King Charles III today.
When you choose a Kent brush, you're not just buying a grooming tool—you're investing in centuries of expertise, sustainable practices, and a legacy that has served royalty, servicemen in two World Wars, and discerning customers worldwide.
The Royal Warrant: A Legacy of Excellence
Kent Brushes proudly holds the Royal Warrant of Appointment to His Majesty King Charles III as Brush Makers.
This exceptional privilege, granted in 2024, marks a historic milestone—Kent now serves its 10th consecutive British monarch. From Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III, Kent has been the trusted choice of royalty for over two centuries.
"This Royal Warrant is not only an extraordinary honour but also a reflection of the generations of craftsmanship and dedication that have defined Kent Brushes. It is a privilege to serve the Royal Household once again."
— Alan Cosby, Chairman & Managing Director, Kent Brushes
What the Royal Warrant Means:
- ✅ Uncompromising quality - Every brush meets Royal Household standards
- ✅ Proven reliability - 247 years of consistent excellence
- ✅ Sustainable practices - Commitment to environmental responsibility
- ✅ Traditional craftsmanship - Many brushes still handmade today
The Kent Story: From 1777 to Today
1777 - The Beginning
William Kent established his company in London, delivering brushes by horseback—remarkably, 25 years before the invention of the train and even before Big Ben was built.
1820 - First Royal Appointment
Kent Brushes began supplying toothbrushes to His Majesty King George IV, marking the start of an unprecedented royal relationship that continues today.
1851 - International Recognition
Awarded a medal for "Services Rendered" at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park, London, cementing Kent's reputation for excellence.
1870s - Household Name
Under George Barton Kent's leadership, the company became a household name. In the 1872 catalogue, G.B. Kent wrote that the factory "has turned out more brushes than have been made in any other factory in the UK."
World Wars - Service to the Nation
Kent Brushes equipped millions of brushes for troops in the Army, Navy, and RAF. From hair, tooth, shaving, and cloth brushes to custom brushes for cleaning aircraft fuselages and anti-tank gun barrels—even creating top-secret brushes concealing maps and compasses.
1955 - Queen Elizabeth II
Kent Brushes became the proud recipient of the Royal Warrant as Brushmakers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
1974 - Innovation Continues
The iconic "Headhog" brush was designed—it remains a bestseller 50 years later.
2024 - 10th Royal Warrant
Granted Royal Warrant by His Majesty King Charles III, marking 10 consecutive reigns served—a distinction held by very few companies worldwide.
Today - Global Excellence
Kent Brushes products are available in more than 50 countries worldwide, maintaining the same commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation that William Kent established nearly 250 years ago.
What Makes Kent Brushes Special
British Manufacturing Heritage
Manufactured at the historic Apsley factory in Hertfordshire since 1901. One of the oldest independent British companies still trading today.
Sustainable & Ethical
Sourcing the finest materials from FSC™ certified forests. Pure Flow range sold in fully recyclable packaging. Bristles ethically sourced from respected merchants.
Handcrafted Excellence
Many Kent brushes are still handmade using traditional techniques passed down through generations, with meticulous attention to detail and quality control.
Royal Warrant Holder
10 consecutive Royal Warrants spanning 10 reigns. A testament to unmatched quality and service to the Royal Household for over 200 years.
Every Hair Type Covered
From fine to thick, straight to curly. Kent offers brushes tailored for every hair type, texture, and styling need. Expert guidance available.
Investment-Grade Quality
Kent brushes last 20-40+ years with proper care. The initial investment pays for itself many times over compared to replacing cheap brushes every few years.
Shop Kent Brushes by Collection
Hair Brushes
From iconic paddle brushes to luxury beechwood models, Kent hair brushes cater to any hair type, length, and styling need.
Shop Kent Hair Brushes →
Beard & Mustache Brushes
Specialized brushes designed to groom, style, and distribute natural oils through facial hair. Travel and dresser sizes available.
Shop Beard Brushes →
Combs
Handmade combs for every need—from fine-tooth styling combs to wide-tooth detanglers. Sawcut and hand-polished for smooth, snag-free glide.
Shop Kent Combs →
Clothes Brushes
Maintain your wardrobe with Kent's specialized clothes brushes—designed for everything from delicate fabrics to general garment care.
Shop Clothes Brushes →
Bath & Body Brushes
From exfoliating body brushes to nail brushes, Kent's bath collection brings the same quality to your entire grooming routine.
Shop Bath Brushes →
Shaving Brushes
Premium badger hair and synthetic shaving brushes for the perfect lather. Traditional craftsmanship meets modern performance.
Shop Shaving Brushes →Why Choose Kent?
Kent Brushes aren't just grooming tools—they're heirlooms. When you invest in a Kent brush, you're buying:
- 247 years of expertise - Nearly two and a half centuries of continuous refinement
- Royal-approved quality - If it's good enough for 10 British monarchs, it's exceptional
- Sustainable practices - FSC™ certified woods, ethical sourcing, recyclable packaging
- British manufacturing - Made in England at the historic Apsley factory since 1901
- Investment value - 20-40+ year lifespan means you'll never need another brush
- Hair health benefits - Pure bristles distribute natural oils, reduce static, prevent breakage
- Handcrafted quality - Many models still made by hand using traditional techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
Fine/thin hair: PF20, smaller pneumatic cushion brushes
Thick/curly hair: PF18 paddle, radial brushes
All hair types: Pure bristle brushes for shine
Detangling: Headhog, Air Hedz collection
Experience 247 Years of British Excellence
From the Royal Household to your home—discover why Kent Brushes has been the gold standard for nearly two and a half centuries.
✓ Royal Warrant Holder | ✓ Handmade in England | ✓ Sustainable Practices | ✓ 20-40+ Year Lifespan