Here's a suggestion: Wash the brush in HOT (not boiling) water and shampoo. Let it soak for a while in the hot, shampoo water so the bristles soak up lots of water and soften. Rinse with more HOT water and cream rinse. Allow it to hang upside down (use a string around the handle if you dont have a brush stand) and see how it is when it dries. If this doesn't improve it enough, repeat the procedure and put a rubber band around the bottom of the knot while it is drying. You may even have to do it again with a second rubber band partway up the knot (where the bend is, or higher). Sounds like work, but you'll keep the old brush original, and I have had good luck with this technique.