While it's still unclear who invented the original brush or comb, it was Lyda Newman, a black woman living in Manhattan, who first patented the hairbrush in 1898. Newman's brush was the first to feature synthetic bristles (rather than animal hair, such as boar), and was also specially designed to provide ventilation and storage for excess hair, making it far more sanitary and easier to clean.
According to her patent, Newman's design aimed to "provide a new and improved hair brush which is simple and durable in construction, very effective when in use, and arranged to permit of conveniently cleaning the brush whenever desired." Bless you, Lyda Newman! Our follicles thank you.