The 23 Best Brushes for Soft, Knot-Free Hair

With picks for every hair type and length.

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Hairbrushes we recommend on a brown background

Byrdie / Lecia Landis

While some people can get by with just a comb, brushes are crucial for anyone with long, thick hair. But as hairstylist Kat Savano notes, they're not all created equal. Your hair type and desired style will determine what kind of hairbrush you need. As a rule of thumb, she explains, the more bristles a brush has, the more control (aka tension) you get. The fewer bristles, the more airflow you get, so less control but a faster blowout. There are also other considerations to be made, like the type of brush and the type of bristles. (More on that later.)

With so many options to choose from, we conducted hours of research on the best hairbrushes, evaluating each on design, bristle type, and brush shape. We also considered if the brush can be used on wet, dry hair, or both, and also, the different hair types each brush is best suited for. After consulting with a few hairstylists, we landed on the following best in show.

Best Overall

Fromm The Intuition Glosser Boar Bristle Brush

Fromm Intuition Glosser Boar Bristle Brush

Amazon

What We Like
  • Bristle formation distributes oils and massages scalp

  • Real boar bristles

  • Leaves hair shiny

What We Don’t Like
  • Not ideal for very thick hair

Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, fine, medium | Bristle Material: Boar | Shape: Paddle | Wet or Dry: Both

Fromm's Intuition Glossar Brush checks both the boxes our experts recommend: boar bristles and a strong handle. The natural fibers are positioned in a porcupine-style formation to help distribute the oils produced by your scalp while loosening up debris. This brush also has longer pins throughout that work to massage your scalp. A cushioned base minimizes tugging while you pull it through your hair, and the wide paddle gives you more coverage with each stroke.

Best Budget

Conair Velvet Touch Hair Brush

Conair Velvet Touch Hair Brush

Amazon

What We Like
  • Eliminates knots without pain

  • Doesn’t pick up a lot of strands

  • Lightweight feel

What We Don’t Like
  • Somewhat small


Hair Type:
All | Bristle Material: Plastic | Shape: Oval | Wet or Dry: Both

For those on a budget, we recommend Conair's Velvet Touch Brush. This lightweight brush received nothing but praise from our home tester, who said it gets knots out without unnecessary tugging. It doesn't pick up a lot of strands, which one might think is a bad thing, however, given that this brush is smaller, we think it's a good choice for anyone who wants to give different areas of their hair individualized attention (which can be important when trying to untangle knots). Also nice: Due to its plastic construction, it works on both wet and dry hair.

Best Splurge

Leonor Greyl Natural Boar Bristle Brush

Leonor Greyl Natural Boar Bristle Brush

Amazon

What We Like
  • Real boar bristles

  • Leaves hair shiny

  • Stylist-recommended

What We Don’t Like
  • Pricey

Hair Type: Straight, wavy, fine, thick | Bristle Material: Boar | Shape: Flat oval | Wet or Dry: Dry

"For brushing dry hair and advancing natural oils down the hair strand, I like a flat brush like the Leonor Greyl Natural Boar Bristle Brush," says Savano. Because of how well it distributes oils, it leaves hair super shiny. It's got boar bristles (so it should only be used on dry hair) and it's ideal for folks with straight, wavy, fine, or thick hair. Oh, and it looks luxe on any vanity.

Best Paddle

T3 Smooth Paddle Brush

T3 Professional Smooth Paddle Brush

Amazon

What We Like
  • Cushioned

  • Heat-resistant bristles

  • Easy to grip

What We Don’t Like
  • Might be too big for those with short hair

Hair Type: All | Bristle Material: Nylon | Shape: Paddle | Wet or Dry: Both

Designed to work with all hair types, T3's take on the paddle brush has a broad base, a cushioned body, and heat-resistant bristles that gently detangle and smooth wet or dry hair. The soft, non-slip handle also provides a nice grip. It's worth noting that because it has such a large body, it might be too big for those with short hair.

Best Round

It's a 10 Haircare Miracle Round Brush

It's a 10 Haircare Miracle Round Brush

Amazon

What We Like
  • Tourmaline barrel

  • Aerated holes

  • Five sizes

What We Don’t Like
  • Not ideal for dry hair

Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly | Bristle Material: Nylon, boar | Shape: Round | Wet or Dry: Wet

This brush comes in five different sizes and has aerating holes at the top of the brush as well as throughout the barrel. The core of the brush is a tourmaline metal, which heats up and acts almost like a hot iron, which can be helpful when styling hair. It's also lightweight by round brush standards, offering a comfortable fit in your hand.

Best for Thick Hair

Denman D4 Original Styler 9 Row Brush

Denman 9 Row D4 Classic Styling Brush

Amazon

What We Like
  • Extra-long pins

  • Long base

  • Separates wet hair

What We Don’t Like
  • Slick handle

Hair Type: Thick, long | Bristle Material: Nylon | Shape: Curved rectangular | Wet or Dry: Both

Thick hair? The Denman D4 has your name on it. Featuring nine rows of extra-long nylon pins on a long, lightweight, rounded base, this brush effortlessly separates, shapes, and defines even the thickest hair. This is a super sleek pick, which you'll no doubt want to proudly display on your nightstand or vanity.

Best for Curly Hair

Rizos Curls Pink Detangling Flexi Brush for Curly Hair

Rizos Curls Pink Detangling Flexi Brush for Curly Hair

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Unique design

  • Minimizes tugging

  • Easy to grip

What We Don’t Like
  • Not ideal for dry hair

Hair Type: Curly, coily, wavy | Bristle Material: Plastic | Shape: Pronged | Wet or Dry: Wet

The Flexi Brush was designed specifically for curly hair. It's lightweight, gliding through your knots without pulling on your roots and causing unnecessary fallout. What's more, the non-slip rubber handle gives you a solid grip while you work out the tangles.

Best for Type 4 Hair

Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush

Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Flexible bristles

  • Minimizes tugging

  • Designed specifically for curly hair

What We Don’t Like
  • Uncomfortable handle

Hair Type: Coily, curly, textured, wavy, medium, thick | Bristle Material: Plastic | Shape: Rectangular | Wet or Dry: Wet

If you're working with coily hair, this lightweight detangler brush might be your best bet. The flexible bristles are placed in wide rows to help them glide through wet hair without tugging at your scalp or causing tension and breakage. Our only gripe is that the handle isn't the most comfortable.

Best for Extensions

Drybar Super Lemon Drop Detangling Brush

Drybar Super Lemon Drop Detangling Brush

Sephora

What We Like
  • Flexible bristles

  • Minimizes tugging

  • Gentle on hair extensions

What We Don’t Like
  • Somewhat small

Hair Type: All | Bristle Material: Nylon | Shape: Oval | Wet or Dry: Both

We'll let you in on a little secret: Drybar makes the best brush for hair extensions. Featuring flexible bristles and a soft cushioned base, the Super Lemon Drop is designed to gently detangle wet or dry hair with minimal tugging. It's somewhat small, so those with lots of hair might be brushing for a while, but those who want to be extra careful with their extensions might enjoy how petite it is.

Best for All Hair Types

Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Hair Brush

Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Hair Brush

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Massages scalp

  • Eco-friendly packaging

  • Works on wet or dry hair of all types

What We Don’t Like
  • Tricky to clean

Hair Type: All | Bristle Material: Nylon | Shape: Oval | Wet or Dry: Both

We love this pretty lilac brush from Briogeo, which features vegan bristles with soft ballpoint tips to detangle all hair types, wet or dry. It provides the same smoothing benefits boar-style brushes have while remaining cruelty-free. The tips work to gently massage the scalp and detangle every strand they come in contact with, regardless of hair type and texture.

Best for Dry Hair

The Hair Edit Finish & Shine Boar Bristle Brush

The Hair Edit Finish & Shine Boar Bristle Brush

Ulta

What We Like
  • Real boar bristles

  • Leaves hair shiny

  • Massages scalp

What We Don’t Like
  • Not ideal for wet hair

Hair Type: All | Bristle Material: Boar, nylon | Shape: Oval | Wet or Dry: Dry

This blush-pink brush by The Hair Edit was designed for dry hair. Featuring real boar bristles and ball-tipped nylon pins, it helps distribute your hair's natural oils, tames flyaways, and enhances shine, while giving you a nice scalp massage.

Best for Wet Hair

Wet Brush Original Detangler

Wet Brush Original Detangler

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Can be used in the shower

  • Minimizes tugging

  • Easy to clean

What We Don’t Like
  • The plastic bristles aren't the highest quality

Hair Type: All | Bristle Material: Plastic | Shape: Oval | Wet or Dry: Formulated specifically for wet hair, but can be used on dry strands, too

When you step out of the shower (or are in the middle of one), reach for the Wet Brush. This clever and lightweight detangler works to gently remove knots and separate your hair without tugging at your roots or causing hair breakage. It works wonderfully with hair masks and other deep conditioners while being super easy to clean afterward.

Best In-Shower

Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Shower Brush

Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Shower Detangling Brush

Amazon

What We Like
  • Defines natural curl pattern

  • Easy to grip

  • Can be used with hair masks and conditioning treatments

What We Don’t Like
  • Not very durable


Hair Type:
Curly, wavy, textured, thick | Bristle Material: Plastic | Shape: Curved rectangular | Wet or Dry: Wet

Pattern's Shower Brush has long, comb-like bristles that effortlessly separate and detangle your wet hair while defining your natural curl pattern. The comfy handle also has a hole on the end so you can hang it up next to your loofah. Byrdie editor Olivia Hancock shares that this brush makes detangling her thick, long curls a pain-free process. "The well-made bristles allow the brush to gently and effectively work through even the toughest tangles in my hair," she says. "The brush also does an excellent job of clumping curls, which helps me achieve incredible definition."

Best Detangler

Tangle Teezer Original Detangling Brush

Tangle Teezer Original Detangling Brush

 Amazon

What We Like
  • Minimizes tugging

  • Easy to grip

  • Easy to clean

What We Don’t Like
  • Not ideal for curly hair

Hair Type: Medium, straight, wavy | Bristle Material: Nylon | Shape: Contoured | Wet or Dry: Both

The Tangle Teezer earned a 4.8 out of 5 overall score from our tester, who said it passed through her knots without tugging and enhanced her hair's natural shine. She also liked the lightweight, comfy hold and easy-to-clean design. For more on her experience with the brush, check out the full review.

Hair before and after using Tangle Teezer Original Detangling Brush

Byrdie / Sarah Wu

Best for Blow-Drying

Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Thermal Hairbrush

 Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Thermal Round Brush

Ulta

What We Like
  • Ceramic barrel with aerated holes

  • Easy to grip

  • Eight sizes

What We Don’t Like
  • Bristles can be scratchy against skin and clothing

Hair Type: All | Bristle Material: Nylon | Shape: Round | Wet or Dry: Wet

Savano recommends a ceramic barrel when blow-drying, like this thermal option from Olivia Garden. Available in eight sizes, it has sturdy bristles (which, admittedly, can be scratchy against skin and clothes), large holes for maximum airflow, a retractable sectioning pick, and an ergonomic handle.

Best Multi-Purpose

Kitsch Kitsch Dual Edge Brush and Comb

Kitsch Dual Edge Brush and Comb

Ulta

What We Like
  • Works as edge brush and for grooming brows and lashes

  • Lightweight

  • Compact size

What We Don't Like
  • Not as sturdy as some other products

Hair Type: All | Bristle Material: Nylon | Shape: Rectangular | Wet or Dry: Either

This two-for-one product offers a brush on one side and a comb on the other, so it's kind of the best of both worlds. Use the comb to lay baby hairs and edges (or groom brows and lashes) or create a part and sweep through with the brush to smooth flyaways.

Best for Medium-Length Hair

Mason Pearson Mason Pearson Handy Bristle Hair Brush for Medium Length Hair

Mason Pearson Handy Bristle Hair Brush (B3)

Mason Pearson

What We Like
  • Well-made and luxurious

  • Easy to maneuver

  • Comfortable

What We Don't Like
  • Bristles can be sharp at first

Hair Type: Mid-length and fine hair | Bristle Material: Boar | Shape: Oval | Wet or Dry: Either

This luxurious brush tames frizz and flyaways with six rings of stiff boar bristle tufts. We love the long handle, which allows the user to brush to great lengths (literally). And while it's expensive, it will likely stand the test of time, thanks in part to the cleaning brush that comes with it and helps you keep your hairbrush in the best possible condition.

Read Full Review: The Mason Pearson Pocket Bristle & Nylon Hairbrush BN4 Feels Like a Mini Massage

Best for Thin Hair

Crown Affair The Brush No. 001

Crown Affair The Brush No. 001

Sephora

What We Like
  • Great for fine or thinning hair

  • Glides through hair without tugging or breaking

  • Volumizes as it brushes

What We Don't Like
  • Might not be ideal for thick hair

Hair Type: All, but best for thin | Bristle Material: Nylon and boar | Shape: Oval | Wet or Dry: Either

All hair types will benefit from this boar- and nylon-bristled brush, but commerce writer Caitlyn Martyn says it's exceptional for those with thin hair who need volume. "I've tried so many brushes and this is the one I keep coming back to," she explains. "It's gentle on my fine strands—so it won't cause breakage— and it effectively detangles and volumizes my waves." It's something of an investment, but as Caitlyn points out, it's a solid choice for those in need of something that won't be too hard on their head or hair.

Best Wood

Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush

Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush

QVC

What We Like
  • Lightweight and easy to hold

  • Scalp-stimulating bristles

  • Natural design and aesthetic

What We Don't Like
  • Bristle tips may fall off over time

Hair Type: All | Bristle Material: Nylon | Shape: Paddle | Wet or Dry: Either

If you like the look and feel of a wooden brush, this one from Aveda has your name on it. Suitable for all hair types, it's lightweight and easy to hold with a large paddle and scalp-stimulating bristles that work to detangle hair, wet or dry.

Best Ceramic

Moroccanoil Ceramic Paddle Brush

Moroccanoil Ceramic Paddle Brush

Amazon

What We Like
  • Speeds drying time

  • Helps smooth flyaways

  • Prevents heat damage

What We Don't Like
  • Bristles may warp under high heat

Hair Type: All | Bristle Material: Nylon | Shape: Paddle | Wet or Dry: Either

If you need something for at-home blowouts, go with the Moroccanoil Paddle Brush. Like many hair dryers and flat irons, the paddle and handle are made of ceramic to help speed up drying time, prevent damage, smooth flyaways, and leave you with super-sleek locks. Just a heads up, medium blow-drying heat is best, as the nylon bristles might warp if they get too hot.

What to Look For in a Hairbrush

  • Hair Type: When shopping for a brush, be sure to keep hair type in mind. Thin hair can benefit from a boar bristle brush, which helps ensure hair doesn't snag or frizz. Curly hairand thicker hair types will also appreciate boar bristles, which are more flexible than synthetic and therefore avoid tugging on the hair. Those with damaged hair should also look for bristles that are soft, which will help avoid further damage.
  • Shape, size, and design: When it comes to shopping for hairbrushes, hairstylist and salon owner Anthony Nader recommends first making sure the brush shape will fit your specific hair needs. “If you want to achieve more volume, aim for using a medium to large round brush,” he says. However, if you’re looking to achieve a quick and effortless blowout with minimal drying time, he recommends investing in a large, flat cushioned paddle brush. “The larger the brush, the more area you can cover in a shorter amount of time,” he says. Size also matters: Bigger paddles and longer arms will ensure more coverage and comfortability when brushing long hair. On the other hand, smaller styles will be better for those with short hair (or those who are looking for a tool to use on the go).
  • Bristles: When it comes to bristle material, Nader is a big fan of brushes made of boar hair. “These are soft, so your strands will glide through them with ease,” he says. “They help reduce the amount of tugging on strands, which can cause hair breakage, and they're fab for promoting blood flow which is beneficial for natural hair growth.” Nylon can also be effective and some tools mix both nylon with boar. Plastic is good, too, though it won't hold up as well and can cause added friction to strands.
FAQ
  • How often should you brush your hair?

    When it comes to brushing, Nader’s rule is never to brush more than twice a day. “Any more than that, and you’re asking for trouble,” he says. He explains that over-brushing causes the sebaceous glands in the scalp to work overtime, leading to oily roots and the need to wash hair more frequently.

  • When should I replace my hairbrush?

    Experts recommend that hairbrushes be replaced every six months and cleaned at least once a month. To clean a brush, mix a clarifying shampoo with water and baking soda, and allow the brush to soak in the mixture for 30 minutes.

  • How do you clean hairbrushes?

    According to Nader, cleaning your hairbrush shouldn’t be a complicated process. “I just mix warm water with clarifying shampoo and let the brushes soak for an hour; that way, all the buildup can disappear," he says. "Then, I rinse them in cool water and lay them out in the sun to dry.”

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer covering haircare, skincare, and makeup at Byrdie. She interviewed two experts for this story, compiling their product recs and insight into the best materials and designs:

  • Anthony Nader is a celebrity hairstylist and the salon owner of Raw Anthony Nader in Sydney, Australia.
  • Kat Savano is a hairstylist based in the California Bay Area.
Updated by Caitlyn Martyn

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