According to Miko Branch, co-founder and CEO of Miss Jessie’s, curly-haired shoppers can get a lot out of “a brush or comb that is rubber, wide tooth, and flexible.” However, with so many options to choose from, finding the best one that caters to your specific hair type and budget can be a tad daunting.
To help streamline your search—so you can spend less time shopping, and more time enjoying your curls—check out the best options worth adding to your cart. Once you find the right brush, it’s important to use it correctly. Villa recommends holding your brush vertically and begin at the ends of the hair before moving up the strand. He says: “Holding the brush vertically lines up the bristle rows, versus holding it horizontally with an irregular pattern making which provides more tension.”
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Best for All Curl Types
Denman Classic Styling Brush
Best for All Curl Types
Denman Classic Styling Brush
Pros
- Very versatile
- Nine rows of pin-like brushes make it easy to detangle
Cons
- Not great on dry hair
Nothing separates, defines, and detangles curls like the classic Denman brush. Of course, there’s a reason it’s a household name for those with 2C-4C curls. “Its unique nylon bristles are ideal for defining and shaping curls without causing frizz,” explains says Anna Peterson of Salon Route.
The nine rows of nylon bristles might be its main draw, but the curved rubber handle will offer an excellent grip. (Pro tip: This brush does its best styling work on hair that is still wet.)
One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve been using this brush for close to three decades now. I have thick, coarse, wavy hair and it’s my favorite brush ever. I simply couldn’t live without it. Its’s really the only brush that can smooth, straighten and style my hair consistently every time. Seriously!!!” — Nic R.
Best for Looser Curl Patterns
Crown Affair The Brush No. 002
Best for Looser Curl Patterns
Crown Affair The Brush No. 002
Pros
- Beneficial to scalp health
- Good for dry styling
Cons
- Expensive
- Though this might be great for wavy hair, it’s not ideal for tighter coils
The classic wooden pins on Crown Affair’s Brush No. 002 glide seamlessly through wavier hair textures to both gently detangle and give the scalp a little massage. Speaking of which, it also has a pneumatic pad with a small air hole so it adapts to your scalp’s curve.
One satisfied customer writes: “I have stayed away from brushes since I was a child because most make my thick, coarse hair super frizzy, but this one actually adds smoothness and it feels good on the scalp. I do a deep brushing on my hair and scalp before washing and a light one to help smooth hair down before heading out the door.” —Theresa G.
Best Shower Brush
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Shower Detangling Brush
Best Shower Brush
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Shower Detangling Brush
Pros
- Defines curls
- Affordable
- Comes in a mini size, which is great for traveling
Cons
- Some reviewers have noted the bristles are painful and break easily
If you’re looking for a brush to make your curls pop, this one is worth checking out. Decked out with rows of flexible nylon bristles, this detangling brush loosens up knots and helps curl snap back together. And, since it’s billed as a shower brush, this brush is best used on wet hair.
One satisfied customer writes: “I’ve struggled to find a good brush to detangle my hair in the shower and found this one is perfect! It’s strong and detangles well!” —Alexisgi08
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Best Customizable Option
Ouidad Made for Curls Customizable Detangler
Best Customizable Option
Ouidad Made for Curls Customizable Detangler
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Detangles on wet and dry Hair
Cons
- Stiff bristles
- Adding and removing bristles can require a learning curve
You don’t need to spend a small fortune to have hair brush that was made for you. Enter Ouidad’s Made for Curls Customizable Detangler, which is that happy medium between a brush or comb. This option makes it possible to add or remove rows of bristles to cater to your unique hair pattern; however, the versatility doesn’t stop there. Whether you use this brush on wet or dry hair—yes, it can do both—this pick can evenly distribute product for even, radiant curls.
One satisfied customer writes: “This product was new to me and I am finding it really helpful as I am learning to embrace my curls and be gentle in my hair.“—Sandy B.
Best Palm Detangler
Tangle Teezer The Original Detangling Hairbrush
Best Palm Detangler
Tangle Teezer The Original Detangling Hairbrush
Now 55% Off
Pros
- Palm-friendly size
- Two-tiered bristles to combat tangles and frizz
- Compatible with wet or dry hair
Cons
- Slightly rough on the scalp
If your curls keep getting entwined, look for a brush that puts detangling front and center. Critics and customers agree: The Tangle Teezer Detangling Hairbrush lives up to the hype. “This brush gently untangles curls, minimizing breakage and pain, especially when hair is wet,” Peterson adds. The beauty of this brush lies in its two-tiered teeth: The longer ones help to detangle and minimize breakage, while the shorter ones keep the frizz at bay.
One satisfied customer writes: “My daughter has curly frizzy hair and this brush work amazingly for her. Less hair loss and breakage after brushing, works great in wet or dry hair, and easy to hold for any size hands. This will be our new brush brand from now on!”—Jacqueline H.
Best Coily Detangler
EZ Detangler Brush The EZ Detangler Brush
Best Coily Detangler
EZ Detangler Brush The EZ Detangler Brush
Now 41% Off
Pros
- Lightweight, non-slip grip
- Great for wet, coiled hair
Cons
- Not suited for wavy hair
Great for 3A to 4C hair types, this option uses nylon bristles to reduce static and tangles—all without tugging at your hair, no less. Meanwhile, the lightweight, non-slip grip makes brushing your hair a comfortable, more enjoyable experience. (Bonus points: the bristles come in contact with your scalp to offer slight-yet-soothing massage.)
One satisfied customer writes: “I like how the detangle brush, detangle the hair very fast and effectively without any pulling on the scalp.”—Karlene
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Best for Fine Curls
Curl Keeper Flexy Hair Brush
Best for Fine Curls
Curl Keeper Flexy Hair Brush
Now 18% Off
Pros
- Sturdy bristles
Cons
- Better on wet hair than dry
This paddle brush covers a lot of surface area, making it a great choice for fine curly hair—especially if it’s on the longer side. The silicone bristles also don’t have beads at the end and, therefore, are less likely to snag your hair. And while these bristles are sturdy, they’re also pliable and cut your detangling time in half. Though the bristle make this a must for curly-haired shoppers, the paddle brush’s open cushion is easy to clean and can keep product buildup to a minimum.
One satisfied customer writes: “For years, I’ve dismissed these specialized brushes as just a money grab. I’ve stubbornly stuck with my handy dandy pick and fingers. Now, here I am writing a review for a brush because I’m so impressed and I can’t believe I waited so long. I have 3B/3C curly mixed girl hair. I was expecting a huge chore to get the snarls out and lots of hair loss. This brush made it pain-free, hassle-free.” —P. Ferdinand
Best for Shine
Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Brush
Best for Shine
Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Brush
Pros
- Suitable for a range of hair types and textures
- Vegan boar bristles help distribute product and add shine
Cons
- The bristles can be a little rough on the scalp
Ready to get your shine on? Briogeo has you covered. The vegan boar bristles help to add shine and distribute the hair’s natural oils throughout the scalp to condition. (Bonus points: The multilayered bristles make it possible to brush every strand.) As the perfect finishing touch, the ballpoint tips will massage the scalp while helping to detangle knots. This lightweight brush actually works well on many hair textures and types—including curly and coily—so it’s a great, lustrous addition to your haircare routine.
One satisfied customer writes: ” “In all honesty, I personally think that this is the best brush that I’ve used to detangle my 3B/3C curly hair! It works great to detangle, and leaves my hair soft and manageable. I’ve tried many other brushes and they did not perform as well as this one! Definitely give it a try!”—Alegna
Best for Thick Hair
Sam Villa Signature Series Paddle Brush
Best for Thick Hair
Sam Villa Signature Series Paddle Brush
Pros
- Bamboo paddle makes it an eco-friendly find
- Tourmaline infused nylon fibers create negative ions to protect heat from heat and damage
Cons
- Not the best for coils
With the wrong brush, one false move or tug can result in some serious breakage. (Yes, even if you have thick hair.) But fear not: Sam Villa’s Signature Series Paddle Brush was designed with healthy, curly hair in mind. “The ionic nylon bristles are designed to smooth the cuticle, while the flexible brush head reduces tension while detangling, preventing unwanted breakage,” Villa shares. “The bonus of wider rows allows the hair to fall into natural looking curl clusters.” The result: Smooth curls that still have plenty of volume.
One satisfied customer writes: “This brush’s shape fits my hand well to use to dry or wrap hair. It’s not flimsy, firm to handle thick hair. Bristles do the job well for thick hair without a damaging pull on hair.” —Terri E.
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Great for Coarse Hair
Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly Detangling Brush
Great for Coarse Hair
Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly Detangling Brush
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- May not work for looser hair types
- Some reviewers say it’s hard to clean hair out of this brush
If you follow the curl pattern chart, this brush was made to help those with 3C to 4C curl patterns. It features long-but-firm teeth to cut down on detangling time without snagging or causing breakage. (These bristles might be tough enough to glide through hair covered in product, they’re still flexible enough to work with your curls.) You can even use it in the shower if that’s when you prefer to detangle.
One satisfied customer writes: “I swear I don’t ever do reviews but I have to give it to Tangle Teezer: They made this brush with intent. I love how it detangles and defines curls. I cut my hair a while ago and I’ve got to say, it’s truly making me excited about reviving my curls. Also, the hair is so easy to take out from the brush!” —Emma
Best for All Types and Textures
Curls Ultimate Detangler Brush
Best for All Types and Textures
Curls Ultimate Detangler Brush
Pros
- Customizable
- Goes through curls smoothly
Cons
- Finding the right combination may take some trial and error
- Some reviewers say that the brush can pull out hair
Having multiple curl patterns is totally normal, and this brush aims to work with them all. Curls’s Ultimate Detangler Brush comes with a total of 18 bristle rows—nine thin ones for fine hair, plus nine thicker ones for coarser coils—so you can easily mix and match them to suit your unique curl and texture. Simply push the top cap away from the bristles and slide out your cushion to add your unique combination of bristles. Once you’ve found the perfect mix, slide your cushion back in and get brushing.
One satisfied customer writes: “My hair goes through like a knife through butter for the most part. I am so happy from this purchase that I am thinking of buying more products from this company! It’s time to treat my curls with respect.” —Ashley W.
Great for Looser Curl Types
Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush
Great for Looser Curl Types
Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush
Pros
- Great for styling
- Designed to reduce bacteria growth
Cons
- Not the best for tight curls
- Some reviewers noted the brush’s cushion breaks easily
This wooden paddle brush is super lightweight and, thanks to its extended bristles, a pro at detangling without breaking hair. You might notice that this brush comes with one bristle missing, but don’t worry: That’s an intentional move to improve ventilation, help with drainage after washing, and keep bacteria growth to a minimum. But this brush really shines during styling and is a great addition when blow-drying, too.
One satisfied customer writes: “I can’t live without this brush and this is the third time I’ve purchased it since 2002 or so. I’ve purchased for my best friend (thick and curly hair) and it’s her favorite brush too. It doesn’t pull your hair out and gets through all the layers of your hair.” —KMcSmith
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How to Find the Right Hairbrush
The best brushes for curly hair isn’t a one-type-fits-all situation. To help, here’s a quick and easy guide to understanding what’s best for you:
Sensitive Scalp
If your scalp is on the sensitive side, you don’t want a brush with teeth or bristles that are too rough.. Go for a brush like the one in slide 12 with teeth that gently detangle hair without irritating the scalp.
Thicker Hair
When detangling or styling hair that is thicker or coarser, sometimes it’s easier to work slowly in sections. This is when a smaller brush with a comfortable handle or palm-like grip can come in handy.
Fine Hair or Loose Curls
For fine hair, a larger paddle-style brush will typically do the trick and can cover a larger surface area, which in turn can cut down on styling or detangling time. Just be gentle when brushing, as fine hair can be more prone to breakage.
How Often Should You Brush Your Hair?
The right brush can help detangle your curls without damaging your hair, but it should be used in moderation. “I don’t recommend brushing curly hair every day because it’s too damaging,” explains Branch. “Finger combing while the hair is still wet is best, but any kind of combing or brushing will compromise the curl strength and cause frizz.”
So, how often should you brush your hair? Those with looser waves can break out the brush two to three times a week, anyone with tighter textures like 4A, 4B, or 4C hair should only do so once a week.
Meet the Experts
- Sam Villa is the co-founder and chief creative officer of Sam Villa and global artistic ambassador for Redken.
- Miko Branch is the co-founder and CEO of Miss Jessie’s.
- Anna Peterson is the owner of Salon Route, which offer insights into salons pricing and services nationwide.
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Why trust Harpers Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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