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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?