The mestiza muse

be beautiful. be natural. be you.

Hello There!

I'm Verna,
Your Curly-Haired Friend.

Curly hair is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. It could be super-defined one day and a frizzy concoction the next day – and it's never exactly the same from one head to another. Our mission is to equip you with the necessary tools for restoring and maintaining healthy locks and celebrating the hair you were born with! 

We only work with and promote products from companies that we trust and feel are good for our consumers to use. We are reader-supported. If you decide to make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

follow @themestizamuse
troubleshooting
Curl care

I am highly experienced in the beauty industry and specialize in writing for brands and websites that focus on curly hair care. Moreover, I actually have curly hair and have curly-haired children with varying hair textures. I am also surrounded by curly-haired friends, including curly hairstylists and curly-haired family members. You get the point :) I’m well-versed in the language and nuances of curly hair care, styling tips, and product recommendations.

Furthermore, I collaborate with my friend who has a Ph.D. in organic and inorganic chemistry and works as an R&D Chemist to help us navigate through the misinformation around curly hair care. He advises us on Hair Care Science to ensure we are well-informed.

Hi,I'm Verna

product reviews
Textures

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure and make sure to pack these essential items to take with you on your journey.

Great hair goes beyond using shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. Shop my favorite must-haves.

After years of requests, I'm finally sharing my go-to skincare products.

Give your space a quick refresh with these ultimate home decor ideas.

My
Favorite

Things

Last Updated on April 9, 2023 by Verna Meachum

If you’re like most people with curly hair, you’ve probably been told at some point in your life that you should never brush it.

But the truth is, you just need to make sure you’re using the right brush for the job.

Since there are so many different types of brushes available to buy online, it can be hard to know where to start. 

I’ve tried many types of brushes for curly hair over the years, and I’ll share my top picks, so you can determine which one is ideal for your needs.

Types of Curls

There are three main types of curly hair: wavy, curly, and coily. 

When it comes to brushing curly hair, the general rule is to start from the bottom and work your way up. This will help prevent breakage and damage to your hair shafts. 

Start by gently detangling your hair with a wide-tooth comb while it’s still wet. Then, use a paddle brush or denman brush (or whatever preferred brush) to smooth out the curls.

Finally, use a styling curly hair brush to shape and define your coils.

The benefits of using a curly hair brush include:

  • Reduced frizz and better definition of curls.
  • Increased shine and reduced split ends.
  • Less time spent on hair care routines.

Now that we’ve covered curl types and benefits of curly hair brushes, here are a few final tips on how to use them:

Tips on how to use a curly hair brush

🔶 Always start at the bottom of your hair and work your way up. This will help prevent tangles and knots.

🔶 Use a light touch when brushing. Brushing too hard can cause breakage and damage to the hair.

🔶 Be patient! It may take a little longer to brush through curly hair, but it’s worth the effort.

🔶 When in doubt, consult your stylist. They can help you choose the right hair brush for your curly hair type and give you tips on how to use it.

If you’re looking for the best brush for curly hair on the market today, check out these top options.

Best Types of Brushes for Curly Hair

The Wet Brush Original Detangler

This is an excellent choice for those with wavy or curly hair as it helps detangle without causing breakage. It’s also great for kids! This is a flexible paddle brush with soft bristles that is perfect for dry or wet detangling.

Best brush for curly hair - Wet Detangling bursh

Tangle Teezer (The Original)

This is an ergonomic palm-shaped brush. It has a unique two-tiered system that has long teeth to detangle and short teeth to smooth the hair cuticle. No need to worry about breakage or damage with this brush!

Curly hair brush by Tangle Teezer the original

The Tangle Teezer

Here’s another good hair brush for curly hair. This brush is designed for 3c – 4c curls in mind. It glides through tangles without pulling or snagging.

The bristles are of varied lengths, while the semi-flexible material moves thoroughly curls gently.

It’s a wonderful option for fine hair.

Curly hair brush by Tangle Teezer

Ouidad Vented Brush

This brush is designed specifically for curly hair, and has a vented design that helps to detangle curls without breaking them. It’s also great for styling your hair.

Curly hair brush by Ouidad

The Denman Classic Brush

This is a must-have hair brush for curly hair. It helps to detangle, smooth, and define curls. The optimum performance of this brush is on wet hair. It can be used in conjunction with conditioning treatments and to define and shape curls.

Curly hair brush by Denman classic

Denman D83 Paddle Brush

This brush was created for thick textures in mind.The extra-wide paddle brush can effortlessly navigate through even the thickest hair.

The smooth, rounded tips help prevent damage to the hair during brushing.

Paddle Curly hair brush by Denban

Paul Mitchell Wide Tooth Comb

I know this is technically not a “brush”, but it is definitely a must have for curly hair. Wide-tooth combs are ideal for curly hair as they help to detangle without causing breakage. This one from Paul Mitchell is made of high-quality plastic and has teeth that are evenly spaced for snag-free combing.

Comb for curly hair

Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush

This detangling brush was made with tighter textures in mind. It’s excellent for curly and coily hair, and it can be used on wet or dry hair.

The wide-spaced, flexible bristles prevent breakage and fallout by allowing the curls to move at a slower pace. Because it doesn’t pull too hard on the hair, tighter curl patterns are preserved as well.

Curly hair brush by Felicia leatherwood

Wet Brush Shower Flex Hair Brush

This is a great curly hair brush to use in the shower. It’s designed to work well with all types of curly hair, and it has flexible bristles that won’t cause breakage.

The small hook makes it easy to keep in the shower and it’s also great for travel.

Curly hair brush by Wet

Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Hair Brush

This is a high-quality vegan and cruelty-free boar bristle paddle brush. The bristles are gentle and help to distribute product evenly throughout the hair. It can also be used on wet or dry hair.

Curly hair brush by Briogeo

Curl Keeper The Original Flexy Brush

This brush has a unique design with an open cushion concept that allows the user to clean the brush and prevent product build up while in the shower.

The flexible bristles help to exfoliate the scalp while the shorter bristles help to detangle hair.

A great option for all textures and curl types.

Curly hair brush by Curl Keeper

Pattern Shower Brush

This brush is designed for the shower, however, it can be used on dry hair as well to eliminate frizz and add volume.

The detachable pad makes it simple to clean build up from products, while the flexible bristles prevent tangles and snagging.

Curly hair brush by Pattern Beauty

FridaBaby

This brush was designed for curly haired little ones in mind. It has a wide-tooth comb and bristle combo that’s designed to remove tangles without hurting their sensitive scalp.

It’s also great on wet or dry hair and can be used as a styling brush.

Curly hair brush for kids

Shash Boar Bristle Brush

If you’ve heard of the Mason Pearson, then you’ll love this brush, and it’s way more affordable!

This brush is made in Germany with eco-sourced beech wood. There are several layers of sheer lacquer which make them strong and long-lasting, while the ergonomic handles ensure they’re easy to use. It’s quality you won’t find anywhere else.

It gently detangles hair without pulling, exfoliates the scalp and naturally smooths and conditions hair.

Yes, this is great for curly hair textures as well.

Shash brush for curly hair

How to Choose the Right Curly Hair Brush for You

Not all curly hair brushes are created equal. So, how do you know which one is right for you?

Here are a few things to consider:

  1. Your hair type. Not all curly hair brushes are designed for all types of curls. Choose a brush that is specifically designed for your curl type to get the best results.Y
  2. Your hair care routine. If you have a lot of time to spend on your hair, then you may want to consider a brush that is multi-functional. If you’re looking for something simple, then a basic brush may be best for you.
  3. Your budget. Curly hair brushes can range in price from $15 to $50+. Choose the one that fits your budget and needs.

No matter what type of curly hair brush you choose, make sure to read the instructions and the reviews carefully before using.

And, always test a small section of hair first to make sure the bristles are not causing breakage or scalp irritation.

What to Look for in a Brush for Curly Hair

When looking for a curly hair brush, you’ll want to consider the following:

Bristles. The bristles should be soft and flexible. They should also be of varied lengths to help detangle all types of curls. The density of a brush’s bristles or teeth is also important- you don’t want them to be too close together or they may cause breakage. Make sure it’s suits your hair type.

✓ Design. The design of the brush should allow for maximum control and grip. You’ll want a brush that is easy to hold and maneuver in the shower or while styling your hair. The more weight a brush has, the more energy it takes to use. So, keep that in mind if you have a lot of hair.

Material. The material of the brush should be gentle on curly hair and scalp. It should also be able to withstand daily use without breaking or snagging the hair.

✓Price point. Curly hair brushes can range in price from $15 to $50+. Choose the one that best fits your budget and needs

✓ Size. A smaller-sized brush is often easier to handle and can be great for travel. But, if you have a lot of hair, you may want to consider a larger brush.

However, as always, experiment with a few brushes and see which one works best for your hair, and always let you hair be your guide!

Takeaway

A curly hair brush is a must-have for anyone with curly hair. It’s important to find the right one for you, and with so many options available, it’s easy to find the perfect brush for your needs.

Try out one of these brushes today and see the difference they make in your curls!

FAQs

How do you clean brushes for curly hair?

Curly hair brushes can be cleaned with a mild shampoo or soap. I personally like to use a clean toothbrush to get in between the nooks and crannies. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly and let them air dry.

How often should you replace curly hair brushes?

They should be replaced every few months, or as needed. If the bristles are damaged or if the brush is no longer effective, it’s time for a new one.

Now that you know all about curly hair brushes, go out and get one for yourself! Your curls will thank you.

Do you have curly hair? What type of curly hair brush do you use?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NEXT →

I had to listen to what my hair needed...my curls are finally ready to take in some moisture again!!!

Testimonials

- renee, Stylist Liaison

- renee, Stylist Liaison

“I truly couldn't have gotten through this without her knowledge, advice and support...after suffering from Hygral Fatigue and getting tons of advice @themestizamuse.”

“@themestizamuse: for ESSENTIAL information you will NEED TO KNOW in order to see results.”

See how easy the topics are to find on her page (a few posts screenshot)? There is no topic Verna hasn't covered.

- dominique P, wavy hair enthusiast

NEXT →

- dominique P, wavy hair enthusiast

“I have learned a whole heap of knowledge from @themestizamuse.”

Inspiring hair tutor, grateful for what she offers the Curly Community in authenticity, passion, and knowledge.

- zoe F, Producer & Host of The Curl Squad

NEXT →

- zoe F, Producer & Host of The Curl Squad

“I was so excited to embrace my curls and take better care of them. As I started to dive in, I immediately became overwhelmed with the information.”

I read books and tried doing things because "that's what I'm supposed to do," but it didn't always work and I didn't understand why. I'm so grateful for Verna and her blog. Her info. actually helped me understand more of the science of why some methods helped and what products or ingredients to use and why. Anyone that compliments my hair and wants to start a curly journey, I tell them to start here. My hair is so much healthier and I'm so happy with it.

- stephanie, Curly hair enthusiast

NEXT →

- stephanie, Curly hair enthusiast

Our Manifesto

“One day you will wake up and there won't be any more time to do the things you've always wanted. Do it now”

- Paulo coelho

Skip to content