I first reviewed the Manta Hairbrush eight years ago – here's why it's still one of the best

Few beauty tools have a backstory quite as personal as the Manta Hairbrush. It wasn't designed to follow a trend or reinvent haircare for the sake of it. Instead, it was created by professional hairdresser Tim Binnington, who wanted to help his wife care for her fragile hair as it grew back following serious illness. Fortunately, the brush itself lives up to the story behind it.

That heartfelt idea has become one of the beauty industry's biggest success stories. Since launching eight years ago, the Manta has collected dozens of beauty awards, earned a Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation and built a devoted following. The brand is also an ambassador for the Little Princess Trust, the charity that provides real-hair wigs for children and young people experiencing hair loss.

I actually review the brush when it was first launched all those years ago and recall being certain it would make its way into thousands of handbags.

At first glance, the Manta looks unlike any conventional hairbrush. It has no rigid handle, instead, it fits comfortably into the palm of your hand, while its flexible base and soft bristles move as you brush. Rather than gripping a handle, you slide your fingers through the back of the brush, giving you much more control over the pressure you're applying. It's also one of the few beauty products you'll be told to bend before using. Giving the brush a few gentle flexes helps loosen the base so it can move more naturally with your hair.

The brush is available in a range of colours, including black, white, pink, burgundy and turquoise, with occasional limited-edition shades released too. It feels well made without being heavy, and its compact design means it can be easily stashed in a handbag, gym bag or suitcase.

I have long, fine hair that tangles easily, particularly after washing. Many brushes either snag on knots or leave far more hair wrapped around the bristles than I'd like. The Manta feels much gentler. Rather than dragging through tangles, it flexes as it moves through the hair, making detangling noticeably more comfortable. I also found there was less hair left wrapped around the bristles afterwards, which is always reassuring.

I thought I'd give it a go in the shower too. I found it worked well for distributing conditioner evenly through my hair, while the flexible bristles gently massaged my scalp without feeling harsh. Because wet hair is more vulnerable to stretching and breakage, it felt reassuring to use a brush that seemed to minimise unnecessary pulling. If you enjoy giving your scalp a massage while shampooing, this does an excellent job of that too.

The brush isn't just for fine hair like mine. It's designed to work across all hair types, including thick, curly, coily and textured hair, making it a versatile option for almost anyone looking for a gentler way to detangle.

Another bonus is that it doesn't create excess static, leaving my hair looking smooth rather than flyaway. It's also a doddle to clean, with no cushion to trap loose hairs or product build-up.

At around £30, the Manta costs more than a standard hairbrush, but it feels like money well spent. It's one of those beauty tools you don't realise you needed until you've tried it. Whether your hair is fine like mine, thick, curly or somewhere in between, it turns a daily routine into a much gentler experience.