As soon as once more, it’s wash day. With an excellent cleaning conditioner and the very best detangling brush for curly hair in hand, you lastly really feel assured sufficient to face your hair after taking down a protecting fashion or letting a wash-and-go stretch well beyond its prime. As an alternative of bracing your self for the pulling, limitless shedding, and ache in your arms from attempting to tear via all of it, the appropriate brush can change every thing. The truth is, it makes the method the quicker, gentler, and manner much less traumatic—for each you and your hair.
And as Maryland-based hairstylist Ardajah Jones factors out, discovering the finest hair brush isn’t nearly detangling quicker; it’s about defending your hair’s well being. “The primary factor I see purchasers do is rip via their hair with the comb,” Jones says. That sort injury typically comes right down to method and power mismatch. “Brushing with stubby enamel or brief bristles that require a number of passes can result in mechanical breakage,” says Angel Bradley, a curl specialist based mostly in Raleigh, NC. “Tight curls particularly want considerate device choice.”
That can assist you detangle with out injury and discover the very best brush to your hair texture, we consulted with just a few hairstylists to share their prime brush picks {and professional} suggestions. Forward, you’ll discover the very best detangling brushes for curly hair that deal with even probably the most cussed knots.
Our High Picks
Regularly Requested Questions
Finest General: Cécred Vented Paddle Brush
Why we adore it: Cécred Vented Paddle Brush really does all of it. Designed with broadly spaced, sturdy bristles, it flexes gently via knots to attenuate breakage and ache, making it very best for detangling each moist and dry hair. The signature honeycomb design boosts airflow for quicker, extra environment friendly blow-drying whereas stopping water buildup. Crafted from sturdy, high-quality supplies for on a regular basis use, it’s constructed to final, with easy-to-clean bristles and a steel ring for handy hanging storage. Whether or not you’re smoothing a silk press, detangling curls, or gathering hair right into a modern updo, this brush makes wash day or hair refreshes a breeze.
Bradley recommends the Cécred Vented Paddle Brush for dense, fragile, or transitioning hair that wants managed detangling. She notes that the “vented design permits for quicker drying and delicate detangling,” and the “agency but cushioned bristles present stability, making it efficient for managing dense or coarse curls with out inflicting breakage.” It’s additionally very best for product distribution, particularly when working with thicker lotions or leave-ins, because it doesn’t entice product deep within the bristles. For curl setting, the comb’s pure pressure can create tighter coils; for extra elongation, she suggests utilizing it to detangle first, then stretching curls manually.
Materials: plastic
Use on: moist or dry hair
Finest for: all curl varieties
Finest for Use With a Dryer: FHI Warmth UNbrush Detangling Brush
Why we adore it: The variety of occasions I’ve almost fried my hair through the use of the flawed brush with my blow-dryer is actually too embarrassing to depend. That stated, one which performs good with warmth instruments like FHI Warmth’s UNbrush Detangling Brush. This ultra-light, vented paddle brush accelerates drying time whereas protecting tangles and breakage in test, because of its versatile, anti-static bristles. Designed for each moist and dry use, it passes via cussed knots with out pulling, making it a must have for every thing from post-shower detangling to heat-styling preparation. Plus, it’s accessible in over 20 colours, so you may match your brush to your vainness’s vibe.
The FHI Warmth UNbrush Detangling Brush stands out for its flexibility and ultra-gentle contact. Licensed hairstylist Ardajah Jones explains that it’s “a really versatile brush with vents, serving to to cross via the hair easily with out inflicting ache.” She says it’s certainly one of her go-to instruments for younger purchasers, sharing, “I actually like utilizing the Unbrush on children as a result of it’s light and light-weight.” Past its efficiency, Jones additionally appreciates its sensible design, noting that “the comb can also be tremendous straightforward to scrub as a result of it’s overtly vented,” which is a significant plus when working with a number of purchasers all through the day.
Materials: rubber deal with, plastic bristles
Use on: moist or dry hair
Finest for: all curl varieties
Finest Ergonomic Design: Olivia Backyard CurlyHair Extensive Bristle Vented Brush
Why we adore it: For those who’ve ever wanted to take a break mid-styling as a result of your hand or wrist was cramping up, you’ll recognize simply how thoughtfully designed the Olivia Backyard CurlyHair Extensive Bristle Vented Brush actually is. Constructed particularly for curly to coily textures, it encompasses a concave, scalp-hugging form and grip-friendly deal with that eases pressure throughout use. The cone-shaped bristles slide via tighter curl patterns with ease, because of their one-piece design that forestalls snagging and catching. There’s even a retractable sectioning decide tucked into the deal with for clear parting and sectioning.
Bradley says this light-weight brush presents “extra-wide bristle spacing and a vented construction [allowing for] fast detangling and [better] airflow.” She notes that the “versatile bristles are light on moist, susceptible strands,” making it nice for upkeep between washes. “It has sufficient give to maneuver with the hair and keep away from extreme pulling, however not a lot that it offers you a ‘pretend constructive,’” she explains. The lengthy bristles scale back the necessity for repeated passes, minimizing put on. Whereas it may be used to set curls, “you’ll get much less clumping and extra spacing between curls in comparison with a tension-based brushes.”
Materials: plastic
Use on: moist or dry hair
Finest for: Sort 3B to 4C curls
Finest for Moist Hair: Tangle Teezer Final Detangler Brush
Why we adore it: Detangling isn’t anybody’s concept of an excellent time, however the Tangle Teezer Final Detangler Brush makes it way more pleasant. Designed with two-tiered enamel, it gently strikes via moist hair to take away knots whereas smoothing strands with out tugging or pulling. The longer enamel deal with cussed tangles, whereas the shorter ones {smooth} the cuticle for shinier, frizz-free outcomes. The versatile enamel additionally assist decrease breakage by bending with the hair as an alternative of towards it, making it safer for fragile strands. Moreover, the light-weight and grippy wrist-saving design makes it straightforward to make use of within the bathe with out slipping out of your fingers.
“The comb is agency however versatile bristles separate my many knots—significantly, so many—with out the necessity to pull or rip via them aggressively like I admittedly are inclined to do generally,” says Nicola Dall’Asen, Attract’s senior information editor. Bonus: the colourful lavender shade provides a pop of coloration to your vainness.
Materials: plastic
Use on: moist or dry hair
Finest for: all curl varieties, however particularly Sort 3C to 4C curls
Finest Price range-Pleasant Brush: Evolve Extensive Move-Through Detangler
Why we adore it: Nobody likes battling a stiff, inflexible brush. The Evolve Extensive Move-Through Detangler solves that with a versatile, open-frame design that strikes along with your hair, not towards it. Its flow-through physique and versatile nylon bristles glide simply via knots and tangles, minimizing breakage and slicing down detangling time. The detachable spacer helps you to modify the stress for both structured brushing or gentler detangling, and it tucks neatly right into a hidden compartment on the base when not in use. The ventilated form permits water and conditioner to rinse proper via, making it an ideal match for wash day routines. And at simply $7, this versatile brush proves you don’t must lay our a fortune to improve your haircare lineup.
Jones reaches for the Evolve Through Detangler due to its “movable silicone bristles that are very best [for getting] via coarse curly hair,” making it a powerful selection for purchasers who want a gentler but efficient detangling device for kinkier textures. I share Jones’ sentiment, as my expertise with the comb earlier than loc’ing my hair was very comparable. Initially, I used to be skeptical that the versatile design would not be capable to catch these knots, but it surely truly moved with my hair slightly than towards it, minimizing friction and breakage. For sections that required a bit extra management, it was straightforward to insert the spacer for added stability.
Materials: plastic deal with, nylon bristles
Use on: moist or dry hair
Finest for: all curl varieties
Finest for Styling: Bounce Curl Outline EdgeLift Brush
Why we adore it: Completely styled curls hardly ever occur accidentally, which is strictly why the BounceCurl Outline EdgeLift Brush deserves a spot in your routine. This versatile five-in-one brush smooths, separates, defines, and sections hair with its pointed deal with. Crafted with vegan boar bristles and versatile spherical suggestions, it sweeps via strands fluidly to scale back breakage and frizz whereas boosting definition. The sting design fastidiously shapes and defines curls, whereas a single airflow vent reduces drying time, protecting the comb clear and prepared for its subsequent use.
“For those who’re seeking to maximize curl definition, elevate roots, or {smooth} edges with out heavy gels,” the BounceCurl Outline EdgeLift Brush is the one to succeed in for, in keeping with Bradley. Whereas not a conventional detangling brush, it is very best for the rake-and-smooth methodology. “Often when individuals rake manually, they by accident clump curls which might be nonetheless tangled, resulting in extra matting and fewer elongation,” she explains. “This brush solves that by combining raking on the periphery and smoothing with the inside bristles, so that you don’t have to change methods mid-styling.” It is particularly efficient when paired with slip-enhancing merchandise. “Even when your texture is cottony, this brush helps silk out the floor for extra outlined outcomes.”
Materials: vegan boar bristles, PLA base and deal with
Use on: damp hair
Finest for: all curl varieties
Finest Splurge: La Bonne Brosse N.04 The Massaging Detangling Hair Brush
Why we adore it: Deal with your self to heirloom high quality with this luxurious hairbrush, which detangles hair whereas massaging and exfoliating your scalp—excellent for enhancing blood circulation and selling wholesome hair progress. The La Bonne Brosse N.04 The Massaging Detangling Hair Brush encompasses a twisted, sculptural deal with impressed by Japanese shiatsu brushes, making it very best for all hair varieties, from wonderful to curly and coily. Gentle, ball-tipped vegan nylon bristles slip via knots, stimulating the scalp for stronger, more healthy hair. Set on a versatile rubber base, the fibers gently detangle even cussed strands with out breakage. Apply it to moist or dry hair to distribute leave-in therapies or take pleasure in a soothing scalp therapeutic massage throughout your routine.
La Bonne Brosse N.04 Massaging Detangling Hair Brush “is produced from smooth nylon fibers that glide via hair effortlessly, so that you don’t have to fret about breakage or frizz,” says Temur Hamilton, a hairstylist and salon proprietor in NYC.
Materials: nylon bristles, cellulose acetate, rubber cushion
Use on: moist or dry hair
Finest for: all curl varieties
Finest for Definition: Denman D3 The Unique Curl Definer & Styler
Why we adore it: When it first dropped, the Denman D3 The Unique Curl Definer & Styler virtually broke the web, and whereas the viral hype has cooled, it’s nonetheless a non-negotiable for juicy, bouncy curls. Whether or not you are within the bathe or styling post-wash, the seven rows of completely {smooth}, round-ended pins glide simply via moist or damp hair, creating pressure to outline curls whereas minimizing snagging or breakage. A half-round brush head sculpts curls with precision, whereas the staggered pin sample presents optimum grip and management for styling. It’s particularly beloved for attaining spiraled curl definition when used with a slight wrist twist.
I bear in mind when the Denman brush first hit the scene. Movies had been popping up all over the place of women brushing via post-shower hair, their curls snapping into excellent spirals after only one cross. Whereas I’ve locs now, I nonetheless cherish my time with the defining brush. My curls used to spiral in a manner I assumed solely a flexi-rod set may obtain. It slipped via my hair like butter, with no snagging, and saved frizz at bay.
Materials: nylon bristles, plastic deal with
Use on: moist hair
Finest for: all curl varieties, particularly medium-thick hair
Finest for Thick Hair: Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush
Why we adore it: The Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush is a staple for thick, wavy, or curly hair. Designed with broadly spaced, versatile bristles, it strikes via knots effortlessly, stopping undesirable breakage and snags whereas detangling. It’s your reply for reinforcing the results of your favourite conditioning therapies, decreasing shedding, and bettering slip. With a sturdy, vast deal with for an ergonomic grip, it’s excellent for each professionals and novices alike, adapting seamlessly to curly, kinky, and even artificial hair varieties.
Materials: plastic
Use on: moist hair
Finest for: all curl varieties
Regularly Requested Questions
Must you brush curly hair when it is moist or dry?
“It is best to positively brush curly hair when it’s moist to keep away from any pointless breakage,” says hairstylist Ardajah Jones, noting that “your hair is probably the most elastic when it’s moist and simpler to detangle.”
Temur Hamilton agrees, recommending a slip-enhancing product like conditioner to scale back friction. “Work with it, not towards it,” he says. “That minimizes friction and helps the comb glide easily with out tugging or snapping strands.” Curl specialist Angel Bradley provides that the extent of moisture ought to match your styling step. “If the hair is absolutely saturated with principally water, I want the Olivia Backyard brush,” she says. “If it’s coated in leave-in, a firmer brush just like the Cécred presents higher pressure.” Her backside line? “The device you utilize ought to modify based mostly on how a lot moisture or product is current.”
How do you utilize a detangling brush on curly hair?
“I at all times begin detangling with fully saturated hair, ranging from the ends to the foundation,” says hairstylist Ardajah Jones. “I usually part into 4 components, ensuring I additionally use a leave-in conditioner for optimum slip.” Your method ought to evolve relying in your wash course of and hair situation. “I truly train my purchasers to begin utilizing detangling instruments through the shampoo course of when the hair is closely coated with a moisturizing cleanser,” says Bradley. “This helps forestall matting throughout washing and reduces the necessity for extreme conditioner later.”
She additionally emphasizes adjusting your strategy based mostly on tangles. “Generally, relying on the hair’s well being and curl sample, you would possibly want to begin brushing above the tangle and work your manner down first, slightly than at all times beginning on the ends.” Her rule of thumb? “The principle aim is to make use of a mixture of method and the correct quantity of pressure to attenuate put on and tear on the hair.”
How do you sweep curly hair with out dropping curl definition?
To take care of curl definition whereas brushing, “you wish to just be sure you’re utilizing a large sufficient, bristled brush to keep up the definition of your curls,” says Jones. “Incorporating your curl merchandise whereas brushing via your hair may even assist with curl definition.”
Bradley agrees, emphasizing that success is all about timing, device selection, and motion. “Brushing curly hair with out dropping definition is all about brushing when the hair has the correct quantity of slip and being intentional about your movement,” she says. “You wish to {smooth} and clump the curls collectively, brushing downward in a manner that encourages pure curl grouping.”
She provides that “longer, appropriately spaced bristles can transfer via sections with out a number of passes,” and “the extra pressure a brush creates, the tighter the curls will set. In order for you looser curls, you must detangle with pressure however manipulate manually afterward to create elongation.”
Meet the specialists
How we take a look at and assessment merchandise
We at all times enlist a spread of testers for our make-up vertical, however hair-care merchandise and instruments are one other story. Whereas there are actually merchandise that can be utilized throughout totally different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colours (pure and unnatural), and wishes, hair merchandise are sometimes created with particular customers in thoughts. Many are created with the intention to deal with a priority (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most successfully for a selected hair sort (4C curls, wavy hair, grey hair). You wouldn’t wish to decide up a purple shampoo that’s solely been reviewed by somebody with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s by no means been examined by anybody with curls—proper?
For our assessment of the very best curly hair brushes, we enlisted the assistance of a number of editors, writers, contributors, and hair specialists—a lot of whom need shinier, healthier-looking hair. Testers thought of efficiency throughout 4 main classes: efficacy, texture and expertise, perfume, and packaging. For extra on what’s concerned in our reporting, take a look at our full critiques course of and methodology web page.
Our employees and testers
A magnificence product is a private buy. You is likely to be trying to find a face cream to deal with persistent dryness or a brand new nail product so as to add to your Sunday self-care routine; chances are you’ll merely be looking round for the most recent launches to hit the hair market. It doesn’t matter what you search or your particular person wants and considerations, Attract needs to make sure that you’re keen on something we suggest in our tales. We imagine that having a various group of writers and editors—along with the big selection of outdoor testers and trade specialists we recurrently name upon—is crucial to reaching that aim.
In any case, can we actually say a skin-care product is the “finest” for individuals over 50 if the one testers we have solicited opinions from people who’ve but to hit 30? Can we actually deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned money if it is by no means been examined on curls? We’re proud that our employees spans a variety of ages, pores and skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which implies that we’re in a position to pretty assess any magnificence product that comes into the wonder closet.
Extra Attract editor-approved picks for curly hair:
