How to Find the Best Hair Brush For Your Hair and Curl Type, According to Experts

Many things go into curating a healthy haircare routine. For starters, you need to use products that are actually formulated for your hair type (if you've ever used something that's meant for another hair type, you know not to make that mistake again). Then, you have to factor in the use of hot tools– if used incorrectly, you run the risk of causing serious damage. And of course one of the most important factors: using the right kind of brush for your hair type.

You've likely noticed that there are lots of different types of hair brushes on the market, and that's by design. Someone with straight and thin hair doesn't have the same needs as someone with thick 4C curls. As such, they should use hair brushes that suit each of their specific needs. "All hair has different breakpoints and different amounts of elasticity," begins celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas. "A brush with too strong of bristles will break your hair, and a brush with ones that are too weak won't work as intended. Just like a mechanic, you need the right tool for the job."

Unlike many types of hair products, though, hair brushes tend not to come with the same type of labeling that would indicate which one would be best for you. So, we tapped two celebrity hairstylists to help break down what each hair type and curl pattern should look for when shopping for hair brushes. From boar bristle options to paddle brushes with synthetic bristles, keep scrolling to meet your perfect hair brush match.

Best Hair Brush for Fine to Medium Hair

Denman D82M The Finisher Medium Boar Bristle Brush $51.00

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Fine-to-medium hair may be easy to maintain and style with any old brush, but pure boar bristle brushes are really the gold standard for creating polished strands. "The bristles of a pure boar bristle brush have a similar structure to human hair, which allows them to distribute the natural oils produced by the scalp throughout the hair," explains hairstylist and curl expert, Ona Diaz-Santin. Options like Denman's D82M The Finisher ($51) actually lifts away dirt, dust, and debris, while redistributing the scalp’s natural oils from root to tip. Consider this gentle, effective grooming tool the final ingredient in the recipe for a perfect hair day. 

Best Hair Brush for Thinning, Delicate, or Damaged Hair

Bass Brushes Semi Oval Hairbrush with Soft Natural Bristles $19.00

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Boar bristle brushes are great for those with delicate hair as well, but make sure you choose one with extra-soft bristles to avoid inducing unnecessary tension. Bass Brush's Semi Oval Hairbrush with Soft Natural Bristles ($19) is meant to stimulate the scalp, increasing circulation to the hair follicle, which is ideal for hair that’s in need of a little TLC. All-natural bristle hairbrushes are gentle, but if your hair is thinning or especially fragile, look for a softer cut of bristle. 

Best Hair Brush for Medium to Thick Hair

Yves Durif Vented Brush $95.00

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Dueñas recommends the above Yves Durif Vented Brush ($95) for people with thick hair, saying it's great for blowdrying and smoothing out both static and frizz. Furthermore, it's great for detangling knots and can be used on either wet or dry hair.

Best Hair Brush for Very Thick or Coarse Hair

PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Paddle Brush $20.00

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Flexible boar bristles won't always tame a thick mane as they should. So, to penetrate hair that’s particularly thick, you’ll want to use a nylon brush. Nylon bristles function similarly to their all-natural sisters, but they’re stiffer and offer more control. Furthermore, Diaz-Santin says nylon bristles are heat-resistant, making them suitable for use with hot tools such as a hair dryer. "They can withstand the heat without melting or warping, allowing for efficient styling and smoothing of the hair," she says.

Best Hair Brush for Curly Hair

Kent Woodyhog Wood Bristle Narrow Detangling Hair Brush $28.50

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It’s time to abandon the notion that curly hair can’t be brushed. Curls do present their own unique challenges, but with the right tools, you can tackle them all. Diaz-Santin says wooden bristles are effective at reducing static electricity, frizz, and flyaways. To keep coils in tip-top shape, look for a hairbrush with widely spaced wooden pins.

Best Hair Brush for Bangs

Spornette de Ville  Rounder Boar Bristle Hair Brush 1.5” $20.00

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To smooth short hair and bangs, choose a small round brush with boar bristles. Boar bristles are great for creating tension; they catch every hair, making a boar bristle brush a dream for styling short strands. Whether the end goal is smooth and sleek or you want a boost of volume, then this little wonder will get you there. But almost more important than the bristles, is the material of the brush itself, says Diaz-Santin. "Focus on the wood or ceramic— never metal," she emphasizes, as the metal will heat up in tandem with your hair brush's air temperature.

Best Hair Brush for Edges

Dosso Beauty Foldable Edge Brush $6.00

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This is the pick Dueñas swears by as it's easy to use and designed to take on the road. It offers a dual-ended brush that features soft boar bristles on one side and a comb on the other. With that combo, you can style your edges to your liking with ease.