You always hear or read advice that curly hair should never ever be brushed because it messes up your curls, causing breakage, frizz, and hair fall.
But the truth is that curly hair can be brushed; you simply need the right hairbrush and the right tools. So, we’ll discuss the 14 best curly hair brushes for all curly types.
| Our Top Picks | Jump to Review |
|---|---|
| 1. The Wet Brush Original Detangler | Go to Review ↓ |
| 2. Tangle Teezer (The Original) | Go to Review ↓ |
| 3. The Tangle Teezer | Go to Review ↓ |
| 4. Ouidad Customizable Detangler | Go to Review ↓ |
| 5. The Denman Classic Brush | Go to Review ↓ |
| 6. Denman D83 Paddle Brush | Go to Review ↓ |
| 7. Paul Mitchell Wide Tooth Comb | Go to Review ↓ |
| 8. Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush | Go to Review ↓ |
| 9. Wet Brush Shower Flex Hair Brush | Go to Review ↓ |
| 10. Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Hair Brush | Go to Review ↓ |
| 11. Curl Keeper the Original Flexy Brush | Go to Review ↓ |
| 12. Pattern Shower Brush | Go to Review ↓ |
| 13. FridaBaby | Go to Review ↓ |
| 14. Shash Boar Bristle Brush | Go to Review ↓ |
Should You Brush Curly Hair?
The three main curly hair types are wavy, curly, and coily. And contrary to popular belief, you should actually brush your hair.
Brushing your curls allows you to get rid of tangles, prevent breakage, and reduce frizz, ultimately saving you detangling time. Plus, it helps products distribute more evenly through your strands.
Hair brushing also stimulates the scalp, improving blood flow to the follicles, which promotes healthy hair growth and repair.
A good quality curly hairbrush designed specifically to help curls can help with curl definition, reduce split ends, improve shine, and reduce hair fall.
The 14 Best Curly Hair Brushes
There are multiple hairbrushes for curly hair available on the market. It can be confusing to know which one to get.
But you can start by reviewing the following list and determining which is best for you. Remember, you can try another if one doesn’t work for your curls.
Here is a list of suggestions:
1. The Wet Brush Original Detangler
This is an excellent choice for those with wavy hair or curly hair as it helps detangle without causing breakage. It’s also great for kids with curls. This flexible type of brush with soft bristles is perfect for dry or wet detangling.
2. Tangle Teezer (The Original)
This is an ergonomic palm-shaped brush designed for use on damp hair or wet hair. It features a unique two-tiered system with long teeth to detangle and short teeth to smooth the hair cuticle.
There is no need to worry about breakage or damage with this brush, making it an excellent choice for maintaining looser curls.
3. The Tangle Teezer
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 and curls gently. And it is a wonderful option if you have fine hair.
4. Ouidad Customizable Detangler
This brush is designed specifically for curly hair and has a vented design that helps detangle wet or dry curls. It is customizable, meaning you can remove any bristle row to create the tension needed for your curls.
5. The Denman Classic Brush
This is a must-have hairbrush for curly hair. The Denman brushes are known for their rows of bristles, which makes for easy detangling, smoothing, and defining curls a breeze. The optimum performance of this brush is on wet hair. It can be used with conditioning treatments to define and shape curls.
6. Denman D 83 Paddle Brush
This Denman D brush was created with 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 brushes like this one are known for their ability to handle dense hair with ease.
For more information and suggestions on Denman brushes, check out my blog post titled “Comprehensive Guide to the Denman Brush for Curly Hair.”
7. Paul Mitchell Wide Tooth Comb
I know this is technically not a “brush,” but it is a must-have for curly hair. Wide-tooth combs are ideal for curly hair, especially on wash day, as they help to detangle without causing breakage. This one by Paul Mitchell is made of high-quality plastic and has teeth that are evenly spaced for snag-free combing.
8. Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush
This detangling brush was made with tighter textures and natural hair in mind. It’s excellent for curly and coily hair and can be used on wet or dry hair.
The wide-spaced, flexible bristles prevent breakage and fallout by moving the curls slowly. It also preserves tighter curl patterns.
9. Wet Brush Shower Flex Hair Brush
This is a great curly hairbrush to keep and use in the shower. It’s designed to work well with all curly hair types and has flexible bristles that won’t cause breakage.
The small hook makes it easy to keep in the shower, and it’s also an excellent option for travel.
10. 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.
11. 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 buildup. The flexible bristles help to exfoliate the scalp, while the shorter bristles help to detangle hair. This brush is also great for clumping curls to achieve definition. It is an excellent option for all textures and curl types.
12. Pattern Shower Brush
This brush is designed for the shower. However, it can also be used on dry hair 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.
13. FridaBaby Kids Detangling Brush
This brush was designed with curly-haired little ones in mind. It has a wide-tooth comb and bristle combo designed to remove tangles without hurting kids’ sensitive scalps. It’s also great on wet or dry hair and can be used as a styling brush.
14. Shash Boar Bristle Brush
If you’ve heard of the Mason Pearson, you’ll love this brush, and it’s way more affordable! It is made in Germany with eco-sourced beech wood. It has several layers of sheer lacquer, which makes the brush strong and long-lasting. The ergonomic handles ensure it is easy to use.
The quality of this brush is something you won’t find anywhere else. It can also gently detangle your hair without pulling. And it exfoliates the scalp and naturally smooths and conditions hair. It is fantastic for curly hair textures.
What to Look for in a Hairbrush for Curly Hair
When looking for a curly hairbrush for your hair care routine, you’ll want to consider the following:
Bristles
The bristles should be soft and flexible but firm enough to not break easily. They should also be of varied lengths to help detangle all curl types and curl pattern.
The density of a brush’s bristles is also important. They shouldn’t be too close together, or they may cause breakage.
Design
The design of the brush should allow for maximum control and grip. You’ll want a lightweight 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. 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 withstand daily use without breaking or snagging the hair.
Price point
Curly hairbrushes can range in price from $15 to $50+. Choose the one that best fits your budget and needs. A high priced brush is not necessarily better. The best type is one that works best for you.
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 to get through all your strands without struggling.
Tips on Hair Brushing Curly Hair
These are some helpful tips to use when brushing curly hair:
- 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. Brushing through curly hair may take longer, but it’s worth the effort.
- When in doubt, consult your stylist. They can help you choose the right brush for your curly hair type and give you tips.
FAQs
How do you clean brushes for curly hair?
Hairbrushes for curly hair can be cleaned with a mild shampoo or soap. I personally like to use a designated 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 hairbrushes with curly hair?
They should be replaced every few months or as needed. If the bristles are damaged, or the brush is no longer effective, it’s time for a new one.
Conclusion
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 one of the brushes suggested above and see the difference in your curls!
