11 best brushes for curly hair to define and detangle without damage
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Curly, coily, and wavy hair was once overlooked when it came to quality styling tools. Today, however, the best brushes for curly hair make it easier than ever to care for and showcase natural curls. I’ve personally found that using a brush made specifically for textured hair helps with detangling, definition, and completely transforming the final look.
“A good brush when conditioning will not only save you time but help prevent breakage,” says Sophie Gutterman, a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles. “The key is looking for one with flexible bristles that you can easily clean if you’re using it with conditioner, curl creams or other curly-hair products.”
After extensive testing, I found the best overall to be the Denman D3 Original 7 Row Styler because it does it all — defining curls, and adding bounce and volume. We also found standout options for everything from detangling to volumising and even heat styling. Regardless of which you choose, our whittled down edit of the best brushes for curly hair will make every day a good hair day.
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Best Overall: Denman D3 Original 7-Row Styler
- What we like: Versatility for detangling, smoothing, and defining curls.
- What to consider: Bristles are very close together so might be hard to clean.
The Denman D3 Original 7-Row Styler is our top overall pick because it’s a versatile and classic choice that serves multiple purposes. This brush is made with a solid rubber base and sturdy nylon bristles, making it great for creating tension along the shaft when defining curls, smoothing, and heat styling. I’ve used it for both.
On dry hair, I’ve used this with my blow-dryer to get my hair shafts as smooth as possible before using my hair straightner, and I loved how it stretched out my curl before that step. The rubber base grips the hair nicely so it’s great for smoothing in small sections. I particularly like to use it for detangling and styling my curls. Most days I use this in the shower and style my hair with gel; it detangles and defines my curls, which always end up super bouncy and spiralled once they’re dry.
I recommend using this on wet or damp coils with your favourite curl cream or conditioner for slip, and working in small sections to define your hair. As you brush you’ll notice your curls clump together in a defined pattern. Once your hair dries, you’ll notice a lot more definition, bounce, and shiny. If you’re using this on wet hair in the shower, you can remove the bristle pad to clean and thoroughly dry your brush to avoid bacteria buildup.
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Best Detangling Brush: Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Curly Hair Brush
- What we like: Firm bristles; lightweight feel; easy detangling when wet.
- What to consider: Plastic material and firm teeth may be too harsh for use outside the shower.
Tangle Teezer is known for its original detangling brush, but the brand has since expanded its offerings, featuring a wide range of tools for all hair types, including curls. This one’s excellent for detangling on wet hair, and its firm yet flexible teeth make it easy to rake through curls without snagging or pulling at them in the process. I love that this is also lightweight and has a handle (compared to the palm-size original one), so I can quickly detangle my curls in the shower. I’ve even used this to detangle the curls in my boho knotless braids (which get really knotted) and found that this worked really well to revive them.
Best Massaging Brush: La Bonne Brosse N.04 The Small Massaging Detangling HairBrush
- What we like: It gently detangles dry or damp hair while providing a soothing scalp massage.
- What to consider: It comes at a premium price point.
No hair brush round-up would be complete without a mention of the most aesthetically pleasing brushes on the market from La Bonne Brosse. When it comes to curly hair, I’m always wary of anything too aggressive that could cause unnecessary breakage, so a brush that detangles while respecting the hair’s natural fragility is key. The La Bonne Brosse No.04 does exactly that, using ultra-gentle nylon bristles that glide through the lengths without snagging, while delivering the kind of soothing scalp massage that feels as luxurious as it is beneficial (hello, circulation boost). I found it not only detangled with ease, but also helped polish my hair by distributing natural oils from root to tip, leaving it noticeably smoother and shinier. Yes, it’s an investment, but if you’re after an elevated everyday hairbrush that adds a little joy to your routine, this one earns its place.
Best Anti-Static Brush: Oribe Italian Resin Flat Brush
- What we like: Premium Italian resin brush with boar bristles and nylon pins for smooth, shiny hair and comfortable grip.
- What to consider: High-end price and may be too firm or less suitable for very fine, fragile hair.
As someone with a sensitive scalp, I have always been wary of boar bristle brushes, but the Oribe Italian Resin Flat Brush has completely transformed my routine. It feels deliciously weighty in the hand, crafted from luxe Italian resin that somehow makes the everyday act of brushing feel like a backstage beauty ritual. I use it to smooth my roots before styling or to gently coax my curls into a softer shape on second day hair, and it glides through without snagging or disrupting my natural pattern. It might feel too firm or harsh for very fine, delicate hair, but for my thick lengths it works perfectly and my scalp has stayed completely comfortable.
Best Wet Brush: OC x Denman D3 Original Styler 7 Row
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- What we like: Affordable, detangles with ease, and delivers long-lasting shape.
- What to consider: Might not be suitable for very thick, coarse, or tightly textured hair.
We’ve waxed lyrical about Only Curls' silk pillowcases, hair bonnets, and scrunchies here at Glamour so it only made sense to try out the OC x Denman hair brush, and it did not disappoint. The seven-row brush glides through wet or damp hair, gently detangling and defining without tugging or disrupting your natural curl. It left my curls soft, defined, and completely frizz-free, while more importantly, making detangling completely painless. A solid 10/10 from me.
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Best Paddle Brush: SISLEY Hair Rituel hairbrush
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- What we like: Delivers gentle yet effective detangling while stimulating the scalp.
- What to consider: Paddle and handle design may feel slightly bulky for some preferences.
Crafted with wild boar bristles, this hairbrush gently glides through curls without tearing or disrupting the natural pattern, helping to distribute your scalp’s natural oils for added shine and softness. For curls, I've found that the key is in the technique. Starting at the ends and slowly working up to the roots prevents breakage and minimises frizz, while brushing with your head down encourages curl definition and volume. There’s no denying it’s an investment, but a quick scroll through the five-star reviews will have you convinced it’s worth every penny.
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Best Flexible Brush: Wet Brush Go Green Curly Detangling Hair Brush
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- What we like: Unique design allows for flexible control and airflow, great for in-shower use.
- What to consider: Some find the bristles bend or break over time
Beyond being one of the most affordable options on our list, this one rakes through curls fast, and it’s one I return to frequently. On my worst days, when my curls are tangled and matted, this brush, plus some water and a heaping dollop of conditioner, breathes new life into my hair, and I don’t have to stand in the shower forever either. The ball tips on the bristles feel like a scalp massage, and I love that it’s gentle enough to use on my toddler’s curls too.
Best Brush for Styling: Bouncecurl Define EdgeLift Brush
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- What we like: Three-edged sides define and volumise curls for more bounce.
- What to consider: Curved edges may require a learning curve
This brush has been all over my TikTok feed and for good reason: It’s one of the most versatile styling brushes on the market. The patented design has three different edges that create separation, volume, and definition depending on the side used. The base is also thick and holds boar bristles, creating tension that defines and detangles curls simultaneously. When I am looking to perfect my wash-and-go for a ’fro full of bouncy coils, this brush paired with a flexible-hold gel is the perfect combination.
Best Brush for Coarse Curls: Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Shower Detangling Brush
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- What we like: Sturdy base and handle, paired with dense bristles are ideal for thick hair and stimulating blood flow at the scalp.
- What to consider: The base isn’t removable for cleaning.
Expect to feel like you’re getting the best scalp itch of your life when you use this one. The bristles on the brush are sturdy but not too firm or sharp, making this ideal to work through thick hair textures and even larger sections. Beyond that, it works best on wet curls coated in conditioner or the curl-friendly hair product of your choice, but it could work on dry hair if needed. Pattern’s founder, Tracee Ellis Ross, understands the importance of a good brush for curls firsthand, and designed this one with a ring so you can hang it in your shower for easy access.
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Best Paddle Brush: Mane Ready or Knot Detangling Paddle Hair Brush
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- What we like: Firm metal bristles detangle wet and dry hair gently; sturdy balled tips feel like a professional scalp massage.
- What to consider: Metal bristles may overheat when used with a hair dryer.
This brush was designed to work on all hair types (including curls and extensions) to detangle and smooth, and it’s probably my favourite paddle brush ever. I use this on damp hair to rake through my curls before applying product (specifically leave-in conditioner sprays), but I really love it for smoothing out my curls when blow-drying. I’ve been getting braids all summer long, and this, plus my hair dryer, has been my go-to combo for getting my hair smooth and frizz-free before installing my braids.
Best Brush for Heat Styling: Mason Pearson Popular Mixture Hair Brush
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- What we like: Bristles ideal for separation, tension, and smoothing during heat styling.
- What to consider: Pricey.
It’s almost impossible to attend a Fashion Week backstage show and not spot one of these brushes on the table of a professional hairstylist (IYKYK). It’s a classic for a reason: It detangles, smooths, grips, and massages the scalp with every pass, and it works on a variety of hair textures, including curls. On curly hair, while heat styling, this is best used to help smooth and separate the hair. So, if you’re in the last steps of a silk press or want to comb out curls to create bouncy waves, this would be the ideal brush to use. Additionally, once your hair is smooth, this is a great one to use daily to keep your hair detangled and frizz-free, and to stimulate blood flow regularly.
Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz uses it on her fine, curly hair and has noticed less breakage. “Since I started to use it to straighten my curls, my hair has never looked shinier. Of course you don’t have to splurge on what’s known as the Birkin of brushes to find quality, but I’ve been blown away (pun intended) by how well those luxurious boar bristles get the job done.”
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for a hairbrush for curly hair?
The first thing to consider when looking for a hairbrush for curly hair is how you plan on using the tool. Once you know the purpose the brush will serve, then you can narrow down your options.
Metal and boar bristles work great for smoothing and stretching, which is ideal for heat styling. Plastic and nylon bristles are suitable for detangling coily hair and distributing styling products. “For detangling curls, look for a brush that has flexible bristles so that it moves through curls without tugging,” Gutterman says. “I also recommend looking for one that is vented and doesn’t have areas where bacteria can harbour, especially if you’re using it in and out of the shower.”
How do I brush my hair without ruining my curls?
According to Gutterman, the best way to brush curly hair is when it’s wet (maybe even in the shower) with conditioning hair products in it. “Depending on the bristles, this can help with exfoliation and blood flow to the scalp,” she says. “But it will also help prevent breakage along the shaft versus brushing curls when they’re dry.”
What kinds of brushes should you not use on curly hair?
While you can technically use any brush on curly hair, you should be selective and use one specifically designed for curls. Gutterman recommends finding a good detangling brush with flexible bristles and incorporating it into your routine. The most important thing to note is that when using a hairbrush to detangle curls or distribute product, work in small sections, starting by brushing the ends and moving gradually up to brush from the roots to avoid knots.
How we tested
When testing, we considered the bristle brush and materials used to help meet these hair-styling goals. We looked at different bristle options like nylon pins (for detangling through all curl types), metal tips (for safely brushing through thicker textures or smoothing), and vegan boar bristles (also best for detangling and smoothing) to determine which ones perform best through curls (wet or dry). The best ones were easy to use and helped define curls, boost volume, and smooth when heat styling.
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