11 Best Brushes for Curly Hair Types That Detangle With Ease
By Daniel Kim
While having a unique charm and appearance, curly hair can easily become unruly and frizzy, if not managed well — which to be honest, is no child’s play! I could discover some of the best brushes for curly hair that make this easier, only after splurging on and testing an array of hair products while seeking feedback from other users.
I found them in various kinds, some equipped with a variety of bristles to suit your grooming needs and necessities. These handy detangling tools are indeed the holy grail in bringing the best out of curly hair. These products don’t try to forcefully flatten, fan out, or change the shape of your curly hair, but instead help enhance its natural texture.
What I like the most about them is their varied bristle types and densities that cater to different hair patterns and types. Additionally, they also aid in building a desirable volume during blowouts and heat styling. Here I will walk you through my curated selection of the best hair brushes for curly hair, each meticulously chosen for their construction, bristle density and type, and of course, the results they offer. Scroll away to learn more!
Our top picks
11 Best Brushes for Curly Hair
I look no further than Tangle Teezer’s Ultimate Detangler Hairbrush whenever I want to detangle and style my hair quickly. Honestly, this shower brush has transformed my everyday hair care routine dramatically. Its innovative construction and 325 flexible teeth work wonders on my curls, leaving them frizz-free and lustrous. Drawing from my experience, this is one of the best hair brushes for curly hair as it minimizes hair breakage and treats vulnerable hair strands in and out shower. What’s more? It’s prowess in evenly distributing moisturizing products and masques to my hair strands.
Bristle Material: Nylon
Curl Type: Wavy, curly, very curly
Pros
- Slim handle
- Offers frizz-free natural shine
- Perfect brush for post-shower
- Available in 2 more sizes
- Pocket-friendly
- Desirable grip
Cons
- Little difficult to clean
2
Editor’s Pick
Bestool Detangling Brush
As someone who loves loose and luscious curls, Bestool’s Detangling Brush has been among my go-to's and obviously, among my top favorites. What makes it stand apart from the rest is its unparalleled flexibility and effortless detangling. Not to forget, its seamless styling prowess goes a long way in sprucing your hair! Having said that, this detangling brush for curly hair suits a 3/4 ABC tight texture. The quality of the brush and ergonomic design is also outstanding facilitating 80% less hair damage. The most impressive aspect — it features a scalp-curved brush head for a firm yet flexible hair-detangling session.
Bristle Material: Plastic
Curl Type: Curly, coily, and kinky
Pros
- Sturdy rubberized handle
- Commendable grip
- Can be used on wet and dry hair
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Bristles might hurt a little
3
Most Cost-effective
Paul Mitchell Pro Tools 407 Styling Brush
I remember the first time I used a styling brush introduced by Paul Mitchell and dude, the brush glided as smooth as silk through my locks. It easily tackles tangles in two to three passes, which saves time and delivers incredible results. What left me stoked was its ability to define my curls and help me style them to perfection while blowing out. Owing to its rounded head and ergonomic handle design, this hairbrush for curly hair fits into my hands comfortably and is always gentle on my scalp.
Bristle Material: Nylon
Curl Type: Curly, coily, and kinky
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy construction
- Inexpensive
- Durable
Cons
- Stiff bristles
4
Most Flexible Bristles
Drybar Super Lemon Drop Detangling Brush
I use Drybar’s Super Lemon Drop detangling brush every day, and let me tell you, it glides off my hair like a breeze, whether my hair is wet or completely dry. All due credit goes to its flexible and soft bristles that dedicatedly work towards detangling my hair without tugging or pulling it. I also noticed that this is an excellent styling brush for curly hair and thus, I call it my favorite blowout partner. Another reason why I love it is that this brush can also be used on hair extensions!
Bristle Material: Nylon
Curl Type: Great for all types of curls
Pros
- Soft-touch finish
- Slip-free
- Not harsh on the scalp
- Tames stubborn locks
5
Best for Beginners
Brushzoo Detangling Hair Brush Set
Brushzoo’s detangling hair brush set is a one-stop solution for frizzy hair woes, comprising a hair spray bottle, a classic 9-row brush, a detangling brush, and a wide-tooth comb brush. To be honest, this set has redefined my hair care routine as it helps in teasing and smoothing my hair shaft. Coming straight to the hero of this set — my all-time favorite detangler brush next to the hair spray. Where shall I begin? This is the best detangler brush for curly hair that not only leaves my locks tangle-free but also ensures that there is no hair breakage during the process. All in all, this is a versatile brush that promises exceptional results.
Bristle Material: Soft Nylon Bristle
Curl Type: Curly
Pros
- Best for beginners
- Ergonomic design
- Cost-effective combo
- Anti-slip construction
- Tames frizz
Cons
- Not very long-lasting
6
Most Durable
Mason Pearson Brush
I am in love with this boar bristle brush for curly hair crafted by Mason Pearson for all the right reasons! I mean, look at its flawless construction and splendid bristle density, just wow! It doesn’t matter whether you possess long, medium, or coarse hair, this brush will cater to all of your needs, just like mine. The nylon handle provides excellent control and grip making my hair styling session a breeze. No pulling, no tugging — what else a girl can ask for?
Bristle Material: Boar bristles
Curl Type: Curly and wavy
Pros
- Suitable for textured and thicker hair
- Gentle on the scalp
- Durable
- Great packaging
Cons
- Very expensive
7
Best to be Used on Wet Hair
Pattern Beauty Shower Brush
Words fall short when it comes to this best wet brush for curly hair introduced by Pattern Beauty. To start off, this brush is my reliable choice whenever I want to clump my curls and lend them some extra definition right while taking a shower. Secondly, its pro-quality construction, premium features, and sleek yet comfortable handle design make it the winner of all time. Another thing that left me stoked is that it is compatible not just with wavy hair but also with curls, coils, and tight textured hair!
Bristle Material: Nylon
Curl Type: 3A to 4C coily hair
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Award-winning product
- Recyclable packaging
- Available in small size
- Lightweight
Cons
- Might hurt sensitive scalp
8
Best for All Hair Types
Briogeo Boar Bristle Hair Brush
I highly adore how Briogeo’s Boar Bristle Hair Brush is perfectly constructed! If you look closely, this brush features flexible bristles with soft ball tips that massage gently. Yes, that’s exactly what makes it stand out from the rest. They are gentle on my scalp and also effective for massaging my scalp. In addition, the bristles are smoother on my hair strands and do a great job when it comes to detangling and styling. Hence, it has now become an indispensable part of my daily hair care tools.
Bristle Material: Boar bristles
Curl Type: Suits all hair types
Pros
- Durable handle
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Ergonomic multi-layered bristles
- Ideal for all hair textures
- Great for long as well as short hair
Cons
- Might pull out your hair if used harshly
9
Best for Hair Styling
Verb Detangling Hair Brush
While using this brush for the very first time I found out that this one is a really good brush for curly hair and everyday styling. The brand, Verb, has crafted it meticulously keeping in mind the needs of women who are more inclined towards styling their hair while blowing out. And clearly, I am one of them! I appreciate how it detangles with ease and smoothens my wet, dry, and damp hair. A feature that I really appreciate — while it’s a great pick for curls and coils, it also works incredibly well for other hair types, like my straight-to-wavy hair!
Bristle Material: Nylon
Curl Type: Wavy, curly, very curly, coily
Pros
- Doesn’t cause hair breakage
- Cruelty-free
- Painless detangling
- Great for both fine and thick hair
- Works well on long and short hair
- Detangles toughest snarls
Cons
- Bristles might come off suddenly
10
Most Lightweight
CURLS Styling Tools Ultimate Detangler Brush
Based on my first-hand experience, this is the best brush for curls, whether you possess soft loose curls or are blessed with the most natural ones that are thick or coarse. Personally, I really like its rectangular shape and customizable bristles. It features 9 fine bristle rows for fine hair and 9 thick bristle rows for coarse hair. All you need to do is mix the bristles to meet your styling needs. Snap the ones you want in — and the ones you don’t want out. I prefer keeping both of them. Additionally, what I adore the most is the fact that it smoothens and leaves my hair completely tangle-free.
Bristle Material: Nylon
Curl Type: Wavy, curly, very curly, coily
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Travel-friendly
- High quality
Cons
- Very stiff
11
TGIN Define and Style Detangling Brush
I am utterly impressed by TGIN’s Define and Style Detangling Brush as it helps me achieve brilliant bouncy curls and adds much-needed definition to them. Secondly, the flexible and widely spaced bristles glide smoothly on my hair eliminating pesky knots and tangles. I love how it brushes my hair right from the roots to the tips while gently massaging my scalp. Hence, whether getting ready for a special day or just preening your everyday hairstyle, this styling brush for curly hair is unlikely to disappoint!
Bristle Material: Nylon
Curl Type: Curly, very curly, wavy
Pros
- Suitable for men and women
- Budget-friendly
- Distributes natural oils to the hair and scalp
- Doesn’t pull your hair
- Can be used on wet and dry hair
Cons
- Not very durable
- The handle lacks a grip
That was my comprehensive list of the best brushes for curly hair. Now, let me run you through a detailed buying guide.
How to Select the Best Brush for Curly Hair?
Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best brush for curly hair -
Hair Type: The very first thing I do is, analyze my hair type while paying more attention to its texture and natural curl pattern. This helps me figure out what type of brush will be highly suitable for delivering the expected results. There are varied types of brushes for curly and coiled hair, available on the market, hence, I feel that the hair type is one of the most crucial aspects to consider. Personally, my curly hair tangles a lot, hence, I prefer using The Ultimate Detangler Hairbrush by Tangle Teezer which features nylon bristles and reduces hair breakage.
Bristle Material And Their Density: Bristles and their density are yet another vital aspect that I always consider before splurging on the best brush for thick curly hair. The more densely packed bristles a brush has, the stronger it will be. This type of brush is usually recommended for those who have thick coarse hair and the ones who prefer blow drying their hair. Based on my extensive research, boar bristles tend to be softer and gentler whereas flexible nylon bristles do the detangling job really well. If you ask me, I love Briogeo Boar Bristle Hair Brush that smoothens my hair and maintains enough tension.
Size: The size of the brush matters to me because I find large-size brushes difficult to handle and a little uncomfortable. But your case will be different than mine. If you possess short, less curly hair — more on the wavy side — then a large-size brush will work wonders for you. Likewise, smaller-sized brushes are ideal for those who have tight, thick, and coarse hair. Keep in mind that brushes with a narrow design like Bestool Detangling Brush are perfect for anyone who has really coily and kinky hair.
Grip: Next, let’s talk about grip. And when I say grip the handle of the brush comes into the picture. Let me tell you, brushes with sleek and slim handles are easy to hold and maneuver. On the other hand, the ones with powdered matte coatings provide exceptional grip even when you shower just like the Verb Detangling Hair Brush.
Construction And Design: Till now you must have gotten a little idea of how the overall construction and design of all hair brush types for curly hair should be. To revise, they pick brushes that are slim, sleek, light in weight, comfortable, and non-flimsy. Secondly, they should be easy to clean and durable.
Now, let me take you through a few tips for using the best curly hair detangler brush appropriately.
Tips to Use a Curly Hair Brush:
Below are a few ways to brush your curly hair with ease -
1. You can use your brush in conjunction with a conditioner to detangle your hair easily.
2. For enhanced definition, twist the brush in line with your curl pattern.
3. For a long-lasting hold, use the brush to evenly distribute your favorite hair styling products throughout the hair.
4. Divide your hair into sections to prevent hair breakage.
5. Start brushing from the ends to the top of your hair to brush out your curls.
Conclusion
After meticulous research and testing various options, I can confidently say that the best brushes for curly hair available on the market are the ones that can take you a step closer to achieving the curls of your dreams. These brushes for naturally curly hair, coily, kinky, and textured hair have truly surpassed my expectations in terms of construction, bristle material, density, and overall features. First, Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler Hairbrush bowled me over with its astounding flexibility and grip. It is my all-time favorite and I carry it along wherever I go. My next favorite is Drybar Super Lemon Drop Detangling Brush which helps make my blowout sessions a breeze. That too without any tugs or pulls. It is excellent from all angles and I cannot complete my everyday hair styling without it! Last but not least, my Mr. Boar — Briogeo Boar Bristle Hair Brush left me spellbound with its incredible results, flexible and soft ball tips bristles and so much more! So, to all those curly hair beauties across the world, if you are on the quest to find the finest smoothing brush for curly hair, look no further than my list of top picks. I bet you won’t be disappointed! Happy shopping!
FAQ's
What is the difference between a wide-toothed comb and a Denman brush for curly hair?
A wide-toothed comb is meant to be used on wet curly hair as it detangles curls without snagging and pulling. On the other hand, the Denman brush amplifies curls, ringlets, and spirals and increases definition.
Why is a paddle brush with flexible bristles recommended for curly hair?
A paddle brush with flexible bristles is recommended for curly hair because it moves gently through wet strands and causes minimal hair breakage and shedding.
How often should I clean my brush for curly hair, and how do I do it?
The ones with curly hair should clean their brush once a week with the help of shampoo or plain water.
Can I use the same brush for wet and dry curly hair?
Yes, you use the same brush for wet and dry curly hair.
Are there specific techniques for using brushes on curly hair?
When it comes to curly hair, it is advisable to brush it only when the hair is slightly damp. The hair is more pliable at this stage, and this helps maintain the integrity of your curls.
What are the types of brushes for curly hair?
Paddle brushes, nylon bristle, and boar bristle brushes are the 3 types of brushes for curly hair.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Our certified hair expert, Alvira, reviewed the best brushes for curly hair as she is always on the lookout for high-grade hair care tools and products. She believes that the right type of hair brush makes a significant difference in hairstyle, curl type, and definition. She glanced through customer reviews, ratings, product features, performance, material, etc, before getting her hands on the best of the best curly hair brush. Personally, she is obsessed with Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler Hairbrush for its explicit construction, bristle density, and design. You can glance through her picks and invest in the finest as per your individual needs
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More
