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The Best Detangling Brushes for Hair

Woman brushing her long brown hair in a robe in her bedroom
gpointstudio/Shutterstock

Much like the name states, detangling brushes are made to get tough tangles and knots out of hair. They work great on kid hair, adult hair, and even pet hair when it comes to tricky knots. Detangling brushes will work on just about any type of hair, from thick to fine, from extra curly to stick straight, and everything in between. Most work on both wet and dry hair, so you can always use your detangling brush to help smooth and create a little extra shine in your hair. Here are some detangling brushes we recommend.

Purchasing a Detangling Brush

Detangling brushes are great, but how do you know you’re getting the best one for you? It will come down to your personal preference and hair type, but there are a few additional points to consider before you make a purchase:

  • Hair Type: Make sure you buy the right detangling brush for your hair type, pet, or kid. Some will be better for thick, coarse, curly hair; others will be better for thinner, straighter hair.
  • Bristles: Most detangling brush bristles have soft tips to exfoliate the scalp while brushing, help minimize split ends, and promote hair growth while getting out those pesky tangles. Others will focus on smoothing hair. Make sure the bristle type suits your hair and needs, from boar bristles (arguably the best to smooth hair) to nylon (extra soft and durable) to plastic (hard plastic can help with tougher tangles) to metal (great for the toughest of tangles on the thickest of hair).
  • Brush Size: Some brushes can be held in the palm of your hand; others will have longer handles, some short handles—choose one that feels comfortable for you and gives you the results you’re looking for.

Top Choice: Sabado Detangling Brush

green detangling brush displayed to show bristles against white background

This brush is ideal for long and curly hair that is afro-textured (but it can be used on any hair type) and will work well on both dry or wet hair. There are two height card slots to easily adjust the firmness and height to match your hair type and flexible end-rounded nylon bristles specially designed to glide through hair and detangle it without pulling. The handle is a nonslip matte finish with a small case that can be used to store small rubber bands and bobby pins. The body of the brush is curved and hollow to evenly pass through hair, further eliminating any damage.

Best for Thick Hair: Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush

mint green with black bristles detangling brush displayed brand against box

This brush can promote healthier hair and detangle those tough knots without fear or tears. Suitable for adults and children with thick hair, it is made with soft and flexible beadless bristles to carefully slide through knots sideways instead of the typical pulling and tugging. This means minimized damage and split ends. The brush will work on both wet and dry hair of all types (although it is great for thick hair), and the ergonomic shape makes it easy to use: you can hold it just like your old brush but without any of the breakage and pain!

Best for Thick Hair

Best for Kids: FridaBaby Thick or Curly Hair Detangling Kids Brush

green and white detangling brush displayed with and without bristle cover

This brush is available in two options: for thick to curly hair and for fine or straight hair. Designed with little ones in mind, this brush will make it easier to skip the tears and fears of getting their hair pulled during brushing with a wide-toothed and soft-bristled comb that will glide through tough knots and tangles without pulling or breaking. It can be used on both wet or dry hair, and the bristles are flexible for extra help relieving tangles without pulling. Each brush comes with a slide-in case to protect those bristles and a stand for easier storage.

Best for Kids

Best Boar Bristle: BESTOOL Hair Brush

wooden-handled brush with black bristles on white background

With two options to choose from (an oval or paddle design), this brush is ready to help you relieve tough tangles without damaging your hair. Their specially designed bristles distribute scalp oil evenly while helping reduce hair loss, frizz, and even split ends for healthier hair. Nylon pins on the ends of the bristles give them enhanced detangling ability while gently massaging the scalp to help you achieve shinier hair that is all-around healthier and free of tangles. Crafted with a real bamboo handle, this brush can be used daily to enhance hair and scalp health with an ergonomic and lightweight design that makes it comfortable to use while ensuring a good grip. The bristles are fastened in a flexible rubber cushion for added comfort that won’t pull your hair during brushing.

Best Boar Bristle

BESTOOL Hair Brushes for Women men Kid, Boar & Nylon Bristle Brush for Wet/Dry Hair Smoothing Massaging Detangling, Everyday Brush Enhance Shine & Health

With a soft rubber cushion beneath the bristles and rounded tips, this brush will give you healthier and shinier hair while helping to easily detangle.

Best Kit: DKAF Detangling Brush Set

displayed pink and black detangling and styling hair set

With three colors to choose from, this brush styling set can be customized to meet your style while helping you create your own style. It’s made of high-quality ABS resin that is skin-friendly, comfortable, safe, durable, and long-lasting. They are lighter than rubber and allow you to brush with less force, meaning less damage to your hair. The brush works on all hair types (especially thick and curtly) and can be used on both wet or dry hair while helping to neutralize static for smooth hair. The brush also has good elasticity to fit your scalp with every brush, minimizing tangles even further without harsh pulling or yanking and promoting better blood circulation. Each set includes one nine-row style brush, one detangling brush, one sharp steel tail comb, one wide-toothed comb, two double-sided edge combs, and five crocodile clips.

Best for Pets: Hertzko Soft Pet Brush

purple and gray pet detangling brush with grippy handle

Ideal for both dogs and cats, this brush will gently remove loose hair from your pet while eliminating tangles, dander, and trapped dirt for healthier pet hair and skin. The bristles are made from soft and gentle plastic with rounded ends, so there are no scratches or damage to sensitive areas such as the face and paws. It will work on all pet hair types and help your pet achieve a healthier-looking coat that is shiny and soft with improved blood circulation. This brush will make your pet love being brushed!

Best for Pets
Alesha Billie Alesha Billie
Alesha Billie is a momma to three kiddos (unless we count the furry ones) who has been writing and researching for over 15 years. After a start as a romance ghostwriter, she's written countless full-length novels in addition to articles, blog posts, advertorials, memoirs, and eBooks. Read Full Bio »
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