A brush seal is provided. The brush seal may comprise an annular backing plate and a first bristle pack coupled to the annular backing plate. The first bristle pack may be oriented in an axial direction. A second bristle pack may be coupled to the first bristle pack and oriented in the axial direction. A bristle of the first bristle pack may have a greater diameter than a bristle of the second bristle pack. A retention structure may be coupled to the second bristle pack.