The Hairbrush You Use Matters, and Stylists Recommend These 16 Above All Others
Unsurprisingly, finding quick and simple ways to streamline and simplify our haircare routines can be easier said than done. Shopping for the best hairbrush to suit your hair type, texture, length, and styling preferences poses a challenge based entirely on your relationship with your hair. Your selected brush can make or break the health of your hair in a heartbeat, ranging from the unequal distribution of your favorite leave-in conditioner after you step out of the shower to frizz for days.
The hunt for the perfect hairbrush may be further complicated by the recommendations and experiences of others or simply by perusing the hair aisle of your favorite beauty retailer without your hair needs at the top of your mind. With so many brands, lines, and models available, it's easy to feel discouraged. Luckily for you, we've dedicated time to rounding up the best of the best brushes on the market, settling on the 15 that set themselves apart from the others.
Finding the Right Brush
What better way to learn the best hairbrushes for the job than from an industry expert? Mohair Salon owner Monice Lopez shared what she looks for when selecting her tools for the trade. "I look for a brush that is thoughtfully designed and effective yet gentle enough to use on both natural hair and extensions," the Roseville, California–based hairstylist explains. "That's why I love the Wet Brush Go Green Detangler. It's made with 58% plant-based plastic and uses IntelliFlex bristles to glide through hair with 45% less damage!" Lopez, who specializes in curly hair, gravitates toward hairbrushes with unique designs that can be used on all hair types and textures.
When it comes to selecting a hairbrush, your hair needs come first. Since transitioning my hair from a chemically straightened state to its natural, kinky 4c curls, I've had to completely update the hair tools I use (including my brushes). Since each brush offers a completely different result, it's important to take note of what your hair needs the most out of the brushes you use. For defining tight textures, for example, you may want to opt for a flexible and durable brush that detangles while producing juicy, bouncy curls. However, when the same textures are being dried, the firmer and more flexible a brush's bristles are, the better.
The same, however, does not go for individuals with fine hair types that may require more attention to the dispersion of oils through the strands and efforts to curb the effects of static. With the help of Lopez and thousands of customer reviews pulled from the beauty industry's biggest retailers, we've scoured the internet to compose the ultimate list of the 15 best hairbrushes on the market. You're sure to receive nonstop compliments once you get your hands on one (or two) of these superhero hair tools.
Overall Best: Wet Brush Go Green Detangler Brush
The Wet Brush Go Green Detangler Brush helps hair stay strong and healthy by gently loosening knots on wet and dry hair without pulling, snagging the strands, or causing any discomfort to the scalp. It's no wonder this one is Lopez's top pick!
Customer review: "I've used a large comb on my long, thick 2C wavy hair for years because I was always afraid to use a brush and I swear, my hair tangles when I blink. I finally gave this a try and let me tell you my hair has never been detangled so easily and gently. It's lightweight, distributes oil and product and makes your hair so glossy. 40/10 recommend!"
Pro: Lightweight and easy to use
Con: None
The Best Brush for Detangling in the Shower
When I recall my hairbrush history, there's a defined time before this detangling brush and after. (The former is admittedly more of a challenge to remember.) With that said, Pattern's Shower Detangling Brush completely altered the way I approach the days I wash and style my natural hair. It's a true power player due to its ability to clump, detangle, and define tight textures.
Customer review: "The best and only wet brush that can detangle my hair. This is also great for evenly distributing products. My hair needed this in order to prevent further damage to my hair, other brushes would break my ends. 10/10 recommend."
Pro: Gently works through tangled strands
Con: Not ideal for extremely coarse hair
The Best Brush for Combating Static + Frizz
I haven't had to face off against static and frizz often in my hair journey, but I know plenty of people who have stopped at nothing to find a solution. Fromm's ultra-flexible vent brush is one of them. It offers salon-quality control over strands using flexible, anti-static, ceramic-infused pins ideal for smoothing away frizz and flyaways.
Customer review: "I wish I would have known about this brush years ago! I love it and have told all my curly-haired family and friends about it. I wash my curly (almost kinky) hair 1-2x/week. It's typically quite a chore to brush it out before I wash. Not with this brush! I never feel a tug or tangle and way less hair comes out as well. Excellent product!"
Pro: Glides through all hair types
Con: None
The Best Brush for Detangling Natural Hair
Lopez has endless tips and tricks for detangling natural hair textures. She uses this uniquely shaped brush to detangle curls without tugging or pulling. Lopez also uses The Go Green Detangling Comb to distribute conditioner and leave-in treatments evenly through strands. "Its shape makes it gentle on the scalp, yet it can handle even the toughest tangles," says Lopez.
Customer review: "I have curly and very tangly/thick hair and this wet brush can completely detangle and brush my hair from root to end. I notice less hair being broken off, or pulled out as I brush my hair as well. Highly impressed and now I don’t even need to rely on my detangling spray to be able to brush my hair!"
Pro: The bristles are extremely flexible
Con: Has a tendency to break with prolonged use
The Best Brush for Creating Big, Bouncy Curls
If you're after volume, finding a round brush is imperative to creating ultra-glam waves and curls every time. Raincry's medium-size volumizing brush is crafted with magnesium to reduce the presence of static electricity and keep blow-drying time low. Magnesium allows heats and cools faster than ceramic, meaning this brush helps preserve styles while minimizing damage.
Customer review: "This brush is amazing. I could never get the volume I wanted in a blowout until I tried this volumizing brush. It made such a difference, my hair is finally bouncy and voluminous like I've always wanted! So glad I purchased this product."
Pro: Can be used for blowouts, styling bangs, and more
Con: Offered at a luxury price point
The Best Brush for Fine, Fragile Hair
A larger version of Tangle Teezer's best-selling Ultimate Detangle Tangle Teezer brush, this one is designed to thoroughly and gently distribute product while you're in the shower and allow for easy detangling afterward. (You can thank its 325 uniquely flexible teeth and two-tier technology for that.) While it's designed for all hair types, it's especially effective on fragile hair.
Customer review: "I got the biggest size and am glad I did. It’s the size of a 'normal' brush in my opinion. I have been a dedicated user of the wet brush for many years. However, this detangles much better in my opinion. It is also easier to clean and get the hair out of because of the design. Definitely recommend giving this a try!"
Pro: Designed to detangle thick, long, curly, and textured hair
Con: Inflexible handle is potentially hard on the wrists
The Best Brush for All Hair Types
Did you know your hair type and texture can change over time? I experienced that after transitioning my hair from being chemically treated to its natural curly state. No matter your hair story, it's always a good idea to have a few versatile hair tools in your arsenal, like this Wet Brush that promotes healthy hair for all textures and types.
Customer review: "I have a great deal of fine hair that tangles easily. This brush works in wet or dry hair without pulling my hair out. Best brush ever, I will never buy anything else!"
Pro: Detangles the hair easily without pulling on strands
Con: Not long-lasting or durable with frequent use
The Best Brush for Blowouts + Silk Presses
If you've ever left the salon after an expensive hair treatment to find your hair quickly reverting to its less-fabulous state, you're not alone. Luckily, GHD's paddle hairbrush can keep your lovely locks in check. It's designed to keep strands looking sleek and static-free.
Customer review: "Holy great brush! This is the best brush I've ever owned. I have thicker hair and it dries faster and is smoother with this brush. Highly recommended."
Pro: Helps to minimize hair breakage
Con: Not easy to clean when used to distribute hair product
The Best Paddle Brush
Spoiler alert: Paddle brushes are game changers for most hair types. However, they probably make the biggest difference in straight and wavy textures. T3's Smooth Paddle Brush uses high-heat-resistant bristles and a cushioned body to smooth the strands for sleek and polished results with or without the addition of a hair product.
Customer review: "I am so pleased with the purchase. I did not realize how easy to blow dry and style my hair when I use this paddle brush. Without using any product, my hair looks almost as good as it does after having gone to a hair salon. I should have bought this sooner!"
Pro: Features heat-resistant nylon bristles
Con: Offered at a high price point
The Best Vegan Hairbrush
Your search is over for a vegan boar-bristle brush that will actually make a difference in your hair. This Briogeo brush detangles straight, coiled, curly, and wavy hair types using multi-layered bristles with soft ballpoint tips to gently massage the scalp and promote better health for all hair textures.
Customer review: "[The] Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Hair Brush is such a great hair brush that smoothes hair so easily and effortlessly. Love how it leaves my hair soft. It’s soft on my scalp and I take it everywhere with me."
Pro: Smoothes and detangles all hair types
Con: Can be challenging to clean
The Best Brush for Volume
Ready to bring on the volume? Here's one luxurious round brush that promises that and more. Crafted from European beechwood and high-quality boar bristles, Oribe's Medium Round Brush delivers the perfect grip and balanced weight with an ergonomic design that rivals all other salon-quality round brushes.
Customer review: "This brush creates the perfect at home blow out! Such a great product- highly recommend. Oribe never disappoints—this is such a high quality brush and is also light weight for travel."
Pro: Delivers high volume every time
Con: Offered at a luxury price point
The Best Vented Brush
Vented hairbrushes are a favorite among beauty experts because they quickly dry most hair types by allowing hair to circulate freely and blow through the bristle section. This top-rated brush from Olivia Garden is also ceramic coated and uses ion technology to restore the hair's balance and smooth the hair while adding endless sheen.
Customer review: "Was looking for a good paddle brush and this one was recommended by my hair stylist. I love this brush. It is lightweight and feels good on the scalp. It’s also brushes easily and my hair seems less frizzy after."
Pro: Can be used with or without a blow-dryer, for straightening, and detangling
Con: None
The Best Brush for Tight Natural Curls
If you have naturally curly hair and haven't invested in one of Denman's best-selling hairbrushes, it's time you hop on the bandwagon and simplify your haircare routine by adding one (or two) to your collection. The Curly Hair Brush D4 is a favorite of mine since it is multifunctional, delivers easy detangling without hair breakage, and is extremely comfortable to use.
Customer review: "From detangling to styling, this brush turns out to be one of the best purchases I've made for my hair. It allows my hair to be in precise sections for styling, the hold of the brush is greatly designed, and the sturdiness of the brush exceeds expectations."
Pro: Uses smooth, round-ended pins to reduce catch or drag in the hair
Con: Handle can get slippery and sticky when brush is used with products
The Best Brush for Straight and Wavy Hair
You can never have too many multipurpose brushes. Don't believe me? Check out this one that can detangle and style hair for a smooth, styled finish. Made from entirely vegan materials, it fights against frizz while stimulating hair growth using vegan boar-like bristles that gently massage the scalp.
Customer review: "This brush makes my hair feel so soft! I brush my hair every morning and night and this makes my hair feel so smooth. Super gentle as well!"
Pro: Has a nice weight and feel to it
Con: Can produce static for ultra-fine hair types
The Best Teasing Brush
Teasing your hair doesn't have to be challenging. Oribe's Teasing Brush is proof since it features a blend of boar bristles and soft nylon pins to style your hair while adding volume. This luxurious brush is crafted from custom-designed Italian resin for the ideal grip and weight.
Customer review: "Used this brush to give my hair more volume after styling. Excellent brush and very well made."
Pro: Features an ergonomic handle
Con: Offered at a luxury price point
The Best Styling Brush
This Fromm Intuition Boar Bristle Brush zeroes in on the hair shaft by ridding it of hidden dust and debris while evenly distributing natural oils from the scalp and down to the strands. Its longer pins massage the scalp, while shorter pins add the perfect amount of tension.
Customer review: "Boar bristle brushes are literally magic for your hair. They help comb your natural oils through your hair, which leaves your scalp less greasy and your hair more nourished naturally. My hair has never been softer and shinier - even though I use heat and dye it frequently!"
Pro: Leaves the hair soft and shiny
Con: Not ideal for use on dry hair