Top 20 Hairbrushes Designed for All Hair Types

Top Brushes for Thin or Fine Hair

Fine hair tends to be delicate, so Quinones and Dueñas recommend opting for a brush with soft bristles to prevent damage. Gibson highlights the need for a gentle approach, explaining that lifting the cuticle slightly can create the illusion of fuller hair: “For fine hair, slightly raising the cuticle allows for more volume, as it gives the hair a thicker appearance.” He suggests boar bristle brushes for thin hair, as their gentle nature smooths strands while boosting volume.

Dueñas suggests the Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush, known for its soothing, massage-like effect that’s easy on the scalp. Its bristles are designed to detangle without causing breakage, and the square paddle shape is perfect for those with longer hair, offering ample coverage. Another popular choice is the Tangle Teezer Detangling Hair Brush, which features dual-tiered bristles—shorter ones for smoothing and longer ones for effortless detangling.

Top Brushes for Thick Hair

Quinones explains that paddle brushes are particularly effective for detangling and smoothing thick hair. A good rule to follow is: the bigger the paddle, the more hair it can manage in one go. Longer bristles are also a great choice for thick hair, as they can reach the scalp and provide stimulation. This is why the Tek Paddle Brush stands out—its extra-long, widely spaced bristles not only deliver a refreshing scalp massage but also enhance blood circulation, encouraging hair growth.

Gibson advises those with thick hair to opt for a combination brush, blending boar and nylon bristles to smooth and detangle at the same time. The Urtheone Boar Bristle Brush excels in this regard, with nylon bristles for detangling and scalp massage, and softer boar bristles for smoothing and distributing natural oils. While tightly packed bristles are great for smoothing, wider teeth work wonders for detangling. Dueñas favors the Brushzoo Wide Tooth Comb for thick curls, as it gently smooths and detangles without causing breakage.

Top Brushes for Coarse or Curly Hair

Curls fall into a diverse and unique category, and maintaining their definition can often be tricky. When it comes to caring for your curls, experts emphasize the importance of flexible bristles that work in harmony with the hair rather than against it. Wide-tooth combs or brushes with adaptable bristles are ideal for curly hair, as Quinones notes they help reduce frizz and preserve curl structure.

Gibson highly recommends the Denman D4 Original Styler 9 Row Brush, which offers the perfect blend of tension and smoothness. Its nine rows of closely spaced nylon pins, each slightly angled, help define tight curls. Another excellent choice is the Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Shower Brush, available in both mini and standard sizes, making it convenient for travel or to carry in your work bag.

For those looking for a brush that works well with blow drying, the YS Park G-Series Curl Shine Styler Round Brush is a top pick. Its slim handle includes aerated holes that promote airflow, minimizing heat damage. These holes not only speed up drying but also make the brush lightweight, ensuring easy handling without causing fatigue.

Top Styling Brushes

The era of flat, lifeless hair is over—volume is now in vogue. Unlike traditional brushes that focus on detangling, styling brushes excel at preserving your hair’s natural texture while delivering professional-quality results. Experts agree that round brushes are the go-to option. Quinones states: “Round brushes are ideal for adding volume and smoothness during blowouts. Opt for brushes with ceramic or tourmaline elements to ensure even heat distribution and minimize damage.”

No matter your desired look, the Revlon One-Step Hot Dryer and Volumizer is an essential tool. This dual-purpose device combines a brush and blow dryer, cutting your styling time significantly. It’s incredibly versatile, capable of adding volume, straightening, or curling hair. Gibson highlights that barrel size matters based on hair length, and the Osensia Ceramic Ionic Infused Blowout Brush offers six sizes, from 0.75 inches to 2.5 inches, to suit all needs.

For those seeking a flawless at-home blowout, Dueñas suggests vented brushes, which promote even airflow for consistent drying. He particularly favors the Olivia Garden Ceramic Brush for thin or fine hair, as its vents retain heat and enhance airflow. Quinones also stresses the importance of using heat-protectant products to reduce damage and prevent overexposure to heat.

Top Detangling Brushes

No matter your hair type, dealing with knots is never pleasant. Yanking through tangles can be uncomfortable, making it essential to find a brush designed specifically for detangling. When choosing the right brush, focus on two key features: bristles and handle.

Nylon bristles, being more durable than boar bristles, are better equipped to handle tangles, as Gibson points out. The ideal detangling brushes feature widely spaced bristles that gently separate knots without causing damage. Additionally, an ergonomic, easy-to-hold handle is a must for extended brushing sessions. Dueñas recommends the L'Ange Siena Wide Curved Vented Hair Brush, which excels with its widely spaced, nylon-tipped bristles that effortlessly glide through tangles without snagging.

The iconic Wet Brush Original Detangler is a crowd favorite thanks to its efficiency, affordability, and widespread availability. Its “IntelliFlex” ballpoint bristles detangle hair painlessly and prevent breakage. While marketed as a wet brush, it works equally well on dry hair.

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Hairbrush

Bristles

“Your top priority should be the bristles,” advises Dueñas. “Different bristles serve different hair needs and goals.” The primary bristle types to consider are nylon and boar.

Boar brushes are known for their gentle touch, thanks to their softer bristles. Their smooth texture makes them ideal for smoothing rather than detangling. Gibson particularly recommends boar bristles for individuals with fine hair, as they help smooth strands while adding a touch of volume.

These brushes also absorb some of the hair’s natural oils, eliminating excess and evenly spreading it across the hair. However, their softer bristles are more prone to collecting debris from your hair.

Nylon bristles are firmer, making them better suited for detangling thicker hair. Their sturdier nature also provides a massaging effect on the scalp. Many nylon bristles feature ballpoint tips to ensure they’re gentle on the scalp.

Gibson prefers mixed-bristle brushes, which combine nylon and boar bristles. “With a combination brush, the nylon detangles while the boar smooths, offering the best of both worlds,” Gibson explains. He advises against styling brushes with metal bristles, as they can generate excessive heat and damage the hair.

Shape

Most hairbrushes fall into two main categories: round or paddle. If you’ve ever had a salon blowout, chances are a round brush was used. These brushes are perfect for adding volume and body, especially to fine hair. Many round styling brushes, such as the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Original Blow Dry Brush, are heated, combining the functions of a blow dryer and brush.

“I’m a big advocate for round brushes; they can transform your look, especially with the trend leaning toward fuller hair,” Gibson says. “Round brushes, hot rollers, and similar tools are making a comeback to give hair bounce and movement.”

While round brushes are great for adding volume, paddle brushes are better suited for detangling, straightening, and smoothing. Misusing a round brush can lead to more knots and tangles. “It’s hard to remove knots when your hair is wrapped around the brush,” Stephens explains. Paddle brushes are more user-friendly, making them ideal for those less experienced with styling. Round brushes can deliver salon-quality results but often require more skill to use effectively.

Size

Choosing the right brush size depends on your hair length and desired style. As a general guideline, longer hair pairs well with larger barrel sizes.

Gibson advises that individuals with shorter, styled hair should consider a smaller round brush. “A brush with a diameter of about a quarter inch is ideal, as it creates movement right from the scalp,” he explains.

For mid-length hair that ranges from chin to shoulder length, Gibson suggests a medium-sized barrel brush, as it provides lift from both the roots and the lengths. For longer hair, a larger barrel is recommended. The same principle applies to paddle brushes—larger surfaces are better for managing longer hair.

Handle

Hairbrushes are made from various materials, with wood, plastic, and rubber being the most common. Gibson notes that wooden handles offer a more comfortable grip compared to plastic, which is especially helpful for extended styling sessions. Wooden brushes are also more eco-friendly than plastic ones, though they tend to be pricier.

Questions You Might Ask

Should You Brush Your Hair When It’s Dry or Wet?

While experts generally discourage brushing wet hair, they agree that certain tools can reduce damage. Since hair is most fragile when wet, brushes with widely spaced bristles are less likely to cause harm. If you choose to brush your hair in the shower, Quinones recommends using brushes designed for wet hair.

“Brushing wet hair demands extra caution to avoid breakage, so select brushes made specifically for wet hair,” she explains. “These brushes usually feature flexible bristles and gentle detangling properties.” Dueñas highlights the L’Ange Hair Siena Wide Curved Vented Hair Brush, one of our top detangling picks, as particularly effective for wet hair.

Gibson strongly advises using a wide-tooth comb instead of a regular hairbrush on wet hair. “Wet hair is more elastic, so it can stretch and break easily,” he says. He cautions that this is especially risky for color-treated or lightened hair, which is more fragile when wet.

For textured or curly hair, Stephens suggests that brushing in the shower, especially with conditioner, can be beneficial. “Water is the ultimate moisturizer, and combining it with conditioner helps ease the detangling process.” She adds that dry brushing may cause more harm for those with textured or curly hair.

For optimal results when brushing your hair in the shower, Stephens recommends starting at the ends and gradually moving upward toward the scalp.

Is It Worth Investing in an Expensive Brush?

When determining how much to spend on a hairbrush, take into account your preferences and budget. “While higher-end brushes often feature superior materials and craftsmanship, there are many budget-friendly options that deliver comparable results,” Quinones explains. “Assess your hair’s unique requirements and how much you’re willing to allocate to your hair care regimen.”

How Frequently Should You Replace Your Hairbrush?

Hairbrushes aren’t designed to last indefinitely, and their lifespan depends on usage and maintenance. For instance, a hairstylist performing multiple blowouts daily will need to replace their brush more frequently than someone using it for routine detangling.

“As a general rule, it’s wise to replace your brush every six to 12 months, or earlier if you observe signs of damage like broken bristles or a bent handle,” Quinones advises.

Gibson emphasizes that proper maintenance is key to extending your brush’s lifespan. “Regularly cleaning your brush is essential,” he says. “This includes removing trapped hair, washing it with shampoo, and thoroughly rinsing it.”

Trust Our Expertise

This article was authored by Jamie Fischer, a contributor to Mytour. To curate this list of top hairbrushes, she evaluated products from leading brands, focusing on their design, materials, suitability for different hair types, and performance on wet or dry hair. For expert insights, Jamie consulted four hair professionals: Ted Gibson, a renowned stylist, influencer, and salon owner; Michael Dueñas, a celebrity hairstylist and groomer; Syrenthia Quinones, head of education at Mane Addicts; and Janell Stephens, founder and CEO of Camille Rose Naturals.