A hair brush is a hair brush, right? Wrong. Turns out, the brush you use makes a big difference to your desired outcome. When shopping for the best hair brush, it all comes down to your hair type and what you need to use the brush for (think: detangling or blow drying).
There is a lot to choose from—and we mean a lot. So we’ve done the hard work for you by rounding up the best hair brushes out there; detailing exactly why they’re great. From paddle brushes and round brushes to loop brushes and wet brushes, we’ve got something for all hair types. Plus, we’ve called in a little professional help from hair stylist and trend expert Tom Smith to answer our most-asked hair brush questions.
What is the best hair brush to use?
With so many options available, the first thing to consider when choosing the best hair brush is your hair type. “Fine hair is more fragile than coarser hair and therefore will benefit from specifically designed brushes that work in a more delicate way,” explains Smith. “In the case of curly hair, longer bristles can aid the detangling or brushing process, but one should avoid brushing curly hair when it is dry to minimise frizz.”
The materials that a hair brush is made from can also make an enormous difference to their performance. “My kit contains ceramic and mixed bristle blow-drying brushes which are very versatile, as well as some more luxury ergonomic brushes which are designed to be gentle-yet-stimulating on the scalp and very kind to the hair,” says Smith. As for specific brands? Smith rates both Evo and Altesse Studio as having some of the best hair brushes on the market.
Looking after your hair brush
Before diving into the best hair brushes, a note on hair brush hygiene. Yes, you need to wash your hair brush. All of that product build-up (including hairspray and other styling products) needs to go somewhere and it’s likely to get caught in the bristles. This means you’re brushing dirt back into that freshly washed hair, potentially risking greasy hair again. “After picking out any loose or tangled strands of hair, use a gentle shampoo or cleanser to remove any residue,” advises Smith. Give it a gentle scrub but avoid submerging it in water for any significant length of time. “After, leave the brush bristles down on a paper towel to air dry before using it again,” says Smith.
We also like the Mason Pearson Hair Cleanser as an easy way to spritz, scrub and go. Although washing it every few weeks is optimal, a cleanse every few months will do because… let’s get real.
Read on to shop all of the best hair brushes out there.
1. Hershesons The Everyday Essentials Brush
This is the best brush to get if you want a bit of everything. As the name suggests, it’s designed to be a bit of a does-it-all, from detangling to smoothing. Made from a mix of nylon and boar bristles, this brush detangles effectively, is gentle on the scalp and the boar bristles help lift dirt from the hair to keep it feeling clearer and fresher for longer.
2. ghd All-Rounder Paddle Brush
If rough drying or blow drying straight, a paddle brush is ideal because it’s firm, easy to use (especially with this ghd no-slip handle) and gets large areas of hair done quickly. It smooths hair and helps to give it a straightened look without snagging at those precious strands.
3. Viola Loop Brush
This is one of the smartest brushes in the list, made specifically for hair extensions. The brush features loop bristles, designed to prevent snagging and pulling of the bonds of the extensions. Repeated snagging of extensions not only causes the bonds to be compromised, but also may damage the strands of hair.
4. Christophe Robin Detangling Hairbrush with Natural Boar-Bristle
If your hair is thin, thinning or you’re trying to minimise as much damage as possible, opt for a 100% boar bristle brush. This is one of the gentlest you can get and avoids tugging and pulling. Made in France, not only is this a great hair brush, it’s also a beautiful addition to your beauty vanity if you’re looking for a luxe option.
5. Mason Pearson Junior Bristle & Nylon Hairbrush BN2
No one does hair brushes like Mason Pearson does so this isn’t just the best luxury hair brush, it’s one of the best brushes money can buy. Although the price seems steep, the craftsmanship is next level. There are plenty to choose from but you can’t go wrong with the junior bristle and nylon mixed brush, which works to detangle whilst caring for your lengths. Best for those with medium to long hair, medium textured hair and fine textured hair with high density (which means the number of hairs you have). Look after this tool and it’ll look after your hair for years and years to come.
6. Briogio Vegan Boar Bristle brush
The mixed bristles and ballpoint tips make this brush glide through thick hair with ease and make painful detangling sessions much easier. This is also a fantastic vegan option as it contains boar-like bristles without the need of fibres from animals. The only downside to this brush is that it’s not as long lasting as others, especially for thicker hair types getting your money’s worth.
7. Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush
This Moroccanoil brush delivers the next best thing to an in-salon blowout. It’s got sturdy bristles for a beautiful blow dry and rubber handle for ease of grip. It also gives an even heat distribution throughout to make sure each strand dries and gets that volume. The bristles can be a little sharp though so use with care when it comes to brushing nearer the roots.
8. Imbue Detangling Comb
This is an ideal comb for detangling and working conditioner through lengths in the shower. It’s a great multi-tasker and works for many hair types, but was specifically made for curls and coils in mind. Since it's a wide tooth comb, it makes light work of even the knottiest sections, gently detangling.
9. Wet Brush Go Green Mini Detangler
As the name suggests, the Wet Brush is designed to use when the hair is wet to cause as little damage as possible. This makes it a great option if you like to brush your hair brush straight out of the shower after applying detangling serum. What's more, this brush is made from materials that biodegrade after five years once you're finished with it.
10. Altesse Studio Beaute Repair & Shine Hairbrush
Caring for sensitive or uncomfortable scalps can be challenging, and hair brushing can become a rather unpleasant chore if you aren’t armed with the right tools. Thankfully, this luxurious hairbrush from Altesse Studio has been specially designed to detangle and smooth hair without pulling, while massaging and stimulating the scalp with the soft boar bristles. Smith rates this brand for home use, describing the hair brushes as being “impeccably designed to last a lifetime or longer”, and they really are a premium experience complete with a beautiful case to store it in.
