I Gave the TikTok-Famous UNbrush a Try, and If You Have Curly Hair, You Need to Hear This Because It Really Surprised Me

Okay, internet friends, I finally gave in. After months of watching countless videos, I was swayed and decided to buy the TikTok-famous UNbrush.

With over 23,000 tagged videos showcasing this brush, it's highly likely you've spotted at least one person using it to detangle their hair on your For You page. Detangling can be the most time-consuming part of wash day as you tackle knots and tangles while trying to avoid breakage. That's why I was intrigued when I saw so many positive reviews — especially for curly hair.

I’ve really enjoyed seeing videos of the brush being used on all kinds of hair, from straight to coily. Several Black creators in the natural hair community have been raving about the UNbrush, and I’m always on the lookout for new tools that work well with Type 4 curls and coils.

I'm no rookie when it comes to testing detangling brushes. A few months ago, I tried and rated eight viral brushes and discovered some new favorites. But if the UNbrush makes detangling even smoother, as the TikTok crowd has been saying, I knew I had to give it a try.

My first impressions: The UNbrush features a surprisingly minimalist, "backless" design. It boasts a mix of long and short bristles that are flexible, with vented holes on the back. Its lightweight feel made me question its durability.

For this test, I’ll compare how the UNbrush stacks up against my go-to detangling comb, which I use nearly every wash day: the KAZMALEJE KurlsPlus Paddle Hair Comb (the winner of my detangling brushes review). Their designs are vastly different, with the flexible bristles of the UNbrush versus the firm, plastic teeth of the paddle comb.

Let’s dive in! On wash days, I typically detangle my hair with a deep conditioner. After shampooing, I parted my hair into two sections: one half for the UNbrush and the other for the KAZMALEJE comb.

First, I tackled the UNbrush section: I applied my deep conditioner and began detangling from the ends to the roots. And I must admit: I was genuinely surprised.

Even though my curls were completely tangled before using the UNbrush, it effortlessly slid through each section without any pulling. My hair didn't feel as though it was being damaged, and I was able to detangle larger sections at once. In the end, I had completely detangled hair that I could easily run my fingers through.

Next, I moved on to the KAZMALEJE section: I applied the same deep conditioner and started from the tips to the roots. I usually appreciate how easily the paddle comb detangles my hair, but with the UNbrush, I found myself needing to be much more gentle and deliberate to avoid pulling my hair.

Here's the interesting part: I encountered a large knot here that the comb couldn't get through. Normally, I would stop, finger-detangle the knot, and then continue using the comb.

However, out of curiosity, I decided to see if the UNbrush could tackle that knot without any finger-detangling. To my surprise, it slid right through the section effortlessly, without hesitation.

The rest of the detangling process went effortlessly with the paddle comb — here are the results! The section was completely free of tangles.

At this stage, I had a clear favorite when it came to detanglers. 👀

First, let’s take a look at how my hair turned out after using the UNbrush versus the KAZMALEJE paddle comb. I was pleased with both outcomes — each detangled my hair thoroughly!

Finally, here’s the amount of shed hair after using each brush. It was pretty comparable, and neither brush led to excessive breakage.

I was impressed with how both brushes performed, though one did stand out above the rest... and it was the UNbrush. Here's why: The flexible bristles made detangling a breeze, speeding up the process significantly without any snags. I’ve never had such an effortless detangling session on wash day. The brush is light but incredibly durable.

After washing my hair, I used the UNbrush while styling my curls. I was amazed at how effortlessly it worked with thicker creams and gels. The vented holes made it super easy to clean, and I was blown away by how much smoother my entire routine went. It’s definitely a brush that could replace all the others I have.

Funny story: I wasn’t sure about its durability, but after wash day, I accidentally tossed the UNbrush into the washer with some towels... and it survived an entire wash cycle??? It looks exactly the same.

So there you have it. For me, the hype is absolutely justified. I was initially doubtful, but now I’m genuinely impressed with the UNbrush. I can see how it would work well for different hair types, and so far, I haven’t found anything I dislike about it. I would definitely recommend it!