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
Bristle formation distributes oils and massages scalp
Real boar bristles
Leaves hair shiny
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
Eliminates knots without pain
Doesn’t pick up a lot of strands
Lightweight feel
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
Real boar bristles
Leaves hair shiny
Stylist-recommended
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
Cushioned
Heat-resistant bristles
Easy to grip
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
Tourmaline barrel
Aerated holes
Five sizes
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
Extra-long pins
Long base
Separates wet hair
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
Unique design
Minimizes tugging
Easy to grip
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
Flexible bristles
Minimizes tugging
Designed specifically for curly hair
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
Flexible bristles
Minimizes tugging
Gentle on hair extensions
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
Massages scalp
Eco-friendly packaging
Works on wet or dry hair of all types
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
Real boar bristles
Leaves hair shiny
Massages scalp
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
Can be used in the shower
Minimizes tugging
Easy to clean
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
Defines natural curl pattern
Easy to grip
Can be used with hair masks and conditioning treatments
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
Minimizes tugging
Easy to grip
Easy to clean
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.
Best for Blow-Drying
Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Thermal Hairbrush
Ceramic barrel with aerated holes
Easy to grip
Eight sizes
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
Works as edge brush and for grooming brows and lashes
Lightweight
Compact size
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
Well-made and luxurious
Easy to maneuver
Comfortable
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
Great for fine or thinning hair
Glides through hair without tugging or breaking
Volumizes as it brushes
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
Lightweight and easy to hold
Scalp-stimulating bristles
Natural design and aesthetic
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
Speeds drying time
Helps smooth flyaways
Prevents heat damage
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.
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.