With a show of hands, how many of us have picked up a cheap hairbrush at the drugstore because we thought it didn’t matter much? (*Slowly, meekly raises hand.*) But the brush you pick is a lot more important than you might think. “The best detangling brush helps smooth, separate, and define hair, especially curls and waves,” says Mia Santiago, a celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist. A good hairbrush also prevents breakage and damage and promotes shiny, strong hair.
Santiago recommends finding a brush with flexible bristles to avoid tugging and breaking the hair. And as much as you want to impatiently tug through those knots, be sure to take your time, and use a detangling spray if you need a little more help. Go ahead and turn it into a mindfulness routine. She also says that brushing wet hair is ideal for getting tangles out. You can even use a shower detangling brush after you apply your deep conditioner or hair mask for a nourishing scalp massage.
Keep reading to find the best detangling brush for you. We found 10 options for different hair types and textures, from pin-straight, thin hair to tight coils. You’ll see brands you know and love, like Denman and Wet Brush, plus newer ones from Rizos Curls and Act+Acre.
1. Wet Brush Original Detangler Hair Brush
Santiago recommends using a detangling brush when your hair is still wet. This brand is ultra-popular and designed for use on wet hair (though you can use it on dry hair, too). It’s gentle and a good, cost-effective option for all hair types.
2. Boao EZ Detangler Brush (2-Pack)
If you’ve got 4C coils, you know you need a brush that’s designed specifically for you. This one is flexible with a grippy base for control. Reviewers note that it seamlessly untangles without pulling out hair or adding frizz.
3. Rizos Curls Detangling Flexi Brush
Here’s another vented brush to allow your curls to air-dry quickly. The rows are flexible to move with your hair, not against it, thus reducing breakage and frizz. It helps to separate curls, too, for a bouncier look.
4. Denman Free Flow Wide-Spaced Hair Styling Brush
We love Denman brushes for curly hair, but they’re great for all hair types. This top-rated option has more than 71,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It features a slimmer profile for easy stashing in travel and work bags. The pins are staggered for working through thick, full hair, and it’s great for styling, too.
5. Tangle Teezer The Original Detangling Brush
Santiago recommends this cult-favorite brush from Tangle Teezer for giving you plenty of control—and a scalp massage while you’re at it. She has thick curls and finds that it’s gentle and easy to grip. If you need more convincing, see the 73,000 five-star reviews.
6. Olivia Garden Fingerbrush with Ionic Bristles
This anti-frizz, anti-static brush from Olivia Garden gets a nod of approval from our beauty editor, who has thick waves. The curved shape hugs the scalp for easy detangling, and it has a vented design to help wet hair dry faster.
7. Crown Affair The Brush No. 003
Crown Affair’s brushes are as beautiful as they are functional. This is the third brush in the collection, and it’s ideal for anyone with thin or fine hair. The boar bristles separate hairs and add volume while distributing healthy oils from root to tip. Reviewers note that it works through fragile, breakage-prone hair without further damage.
8. Pattern Shower Detangling Brush
Our beauty editor recommends this brush from Tracee Ellis Ross’s Pattern Beauty. Keep it in your shower for working through your favorite deep conditioner and detangling post-shampoo. It was created for anyone with curls, coils, and tight textures to add definition and glide through tangles without breaking the hair.
9. Act+Acre Detangling Hair Brush
This newly launched brush from scalp care brand Act + Acre accentuates waves without creating frizz, and adds volume to dry hair. You’ll appreciate the double-length bristles that work through tangles without pulling or tugging. We also love that it’s made from recycled materials and has a cool, vented appearance.
10. Ouidad Thick Hair Paddle Detangler
If you’re looking for a detangling paddle brush, Ouidad’s will get the job done efficiently. It’s great for thick hair, thanks to its long, crimped bristles and staggered bristle pattern. The surface area of the paddle brush is also larger than standard brushes, so you’ll be able to brush your hair out more quickly.
