The Brush No. 001 Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Hair tools often promise the world but rarely deliver. When Crown Affair launched The Brush No. 001, the buzz was immediate—a sleek, handcrafted brush designed for air-drying and gentle detangling. But in a market flooded with paddle brushes, boar bristles, and thermal tools, does this one actually stand out? We put it to the test over three weeks, using it on fine, wavy, and thick hair types, to give you an honest verdict.

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, here is a quick overview: The Brush No. 001 is a mid-sized paddle brush with a cushioned pad, nylon and boar bristles, and a solid beechwood handle. Crown Affair markets it as the ultimate tool for air-drying and sculpting natural texture—no blow-dryer required. We also tested a few complementary products from the brand to see if the full system elevates the experience.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you notice about The Brush No. 001 is its weight. It feels substantial but not heavy—thanks to the beechwood handle that sits comfortably in the palm. The nylon bristles are tipped with rounded balls to avoid scratching the scalp, while the boar bristles are densely packed to distribute natural oils from root to tip. The cushion pad offers just enough give to prevent tugging, even on wet hair.

Compared to other luxury brushes we have tried, The Brush No. 001 feels more refined. The bristles are firmly set, and after several weeks of use, none have loosened or bent. The only minor downside is that the brush is not vented, so it does not speed up drying time significantly. However, for gentle detangling and smoothing, it performs admirably. If you prefer a smaller version for travel or quick touch-ups, Crown Affair also offers The Comb No. 001, which pairs nicely for on-the-go detangling.

• Solid beechwood handle with an ergonomic curve
• Mixed nylon and boar bristles for glide and shine
• Cushioned pad reduces breakage on wet hair
• Not vented—drying speed is average

Performance: Air-Drying and Daily Use

The real test for The Brush No. 001 is how it handles air-dried hair. We used it on freshly washed, towel-dried hair—spraying in a leave-in conditioner and slowly brushing from ends to roots. The result was noticeably smoother and less frizzy compared to using a standard plastic brush. The boar bristles helped tame flyaways without making hair greasy, and the nylon bristles did not snag on tangles.

For those who like to enhance natural waves, this brush works well when paired with a lightweight styling product. After brushing, we applied a small amount of The Finishing Gel to define curls and tame frizz, then let hair air-dry completely. The combination yielded soft, touchable waves with minimal effort. Over several days, the brush continued to distribute scalp oils evenly, extending the time between washes. One tip: use The Brush No. 001 on dry hair in the morning to refresh your part and smooth bed-head without re-wetting.

• Best for air-drying: reduces frizz and adds shine
• Works well with curl-defining products like The Finishing Gel
• Daily detangling on dry hair is gentle and effective
• Cleaning: remove hair from bristles weekly with a brush cleaner

Pros and Cons at a Glance

To help you decide quickly, here is a breakdown of the key advantages and drawbacks we observed over the testing period.

• Pros: High-quality materials, ergonomic handle, excellent for air-drying, reduces breakage, distributes natural oils, easy to clean
• Cons: Premium price point, not vented so slower drying, may not suit very thick or coarse hair as a primary detangler, only available in one color

How It Compares to Other Crown Affair Tools

If you already own other Crown Affair tools, The Brush No. 001 fits naturally into a routine. For example, The Mini Air Dry Set is a great companion—it bundles a microfiber towel and a shampoo/conditioner duo that preps hair for air-drying. After washing with The Mini Air Dry Set, we used The Brush No. 001 to distribute the leave-in conditioner, and the results were salon-quality without heat.

Another complementary product is The Scrunchie No. 001, which is gentle enough to wear while hair dries without leaving creases. Together, these items create a low-heat hair care system that prioritizes health and texture. If you are building a full Crown Affair routine, The Brush No. 001 serves as the cornerstone for all detangling and styling steps.

For those with very curly or coily hair, The Comb No. 002 might be a better primary detangler due to its wider teeth, but The Brush No. 001 works well for smoothing edges and distributing products on dry hair.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?

After three weeks of daily use, we can say that The Brush No. 001 lives up to its reputation—but with caveats. It is a premium tool for those who prioritize gentle detangling, air-drying, and scalp health. If you are someone who blow-dries and styles with heat daily, this brush might not revolutionize your routine. However, for anyone embracing their natural texture or trying to reduce heat damage, The Brush No. 001 is a worthwhile investment that will last for years.

The construction quality is excellent, the performance on wet and dry hair is consistent, and the brand’s overall philosophy of mindful hair care is reflected in every detail. It is not cheap, but it is not trying to be. Compare it to other luxury brushes in the same price range, and it stands out for its thoughtful design and eco-friendly materials.

If you are serious about upgrading your air-drying routine and want a brush that feels as good as it performs, The Brush No. 001 deserves a spot on your shelf. Pair it with The Hydration To-Go Set for a complete, travel-friendly system that keeps your hair healthy and polished wherever you go.