Don’t know what hairbrush to get? Did you know hair brushes come in different sizes and shapes and that there is probably one that will suit your hair needs, but most likely, you haven’t discovered it just yet?

Have you noticed your friend’s hairbrush is different from yours, or perhaps during that hair salon appointment, you have probably wondered why stylists need/have so many types of hairbrushes?

There are unique specs about hair brushes that you should know because brushing your hair, like taking a shower every day, is an essential aspect of your self-care routine. Ultimately, it says a lot about leading a healthy lifestyle.
With our ultimate guide to hairbrushes, you’ll be able to find out which type of hairbrush will target your specific hair care needs.
Hair Brushes Reviewed In This Guide
Best Wit Strong Grip: Revlon Soft Touch Nylon Pin Cushion Hair Brush
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest On Amazon: The Original Detangling Hairbrush
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest For All Hair Types: Original Hair Brush Detangler
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest For 3C to 4C Hair : Detangling Brush
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Rectangular Shape: H. Goodman Mixed Bristle Purse Brush
⇣ Jump to ReviewWhat Hair brush Is the Best For Your Hair?
First things first, don’t be confused about hair brushing and hair combing. While you may think it is the same, one uses a brush and a comb.
While combs have teeth, brushes have bristles, and both grooming tools can damage the hair.
Why do you ask? Because when your strands become trapped around bristles, resistance occurs, and our first instinct is to pull the brush through, a massive mistake for hair health.
While you may think that yanking the brush through is an effective method to unknot the hair, you are only literally only ripping the tangled hairs from the scalp. If you want to get all the knots sorted out, quick brushing can work best. That said, a minor breakage will still happen.
Experts recommend using a comb to get rid of tangles followed by a brush to create your desired style.
This is why it becomes essential to wisely choose your brush hair because inaccurate brushing and implementing the wrong type of brush can result in adverse effects on your scalp and mane.
So what hairbrush is best for your hair? Since you can choose between different types, learn below about them to make an intelligent decision. Just know that the perfect hairbrush is waiting for you.
How Do I Choose a Hairbrush?
To choose your dream hairbrush, there are some specifications you may want to consider first.
You probably don’t want a hairbrush that promises to be gentle on your hair, only to find out later that it takes you double the time to brush every day. Or a standard brush that proves to be no match for your unruly mane or one that broke off, leaving you with half the handle in your hand and the other half stuck in your scalp.
When on the lookout for the perfect hairbrush, you should think about things like the material is made of, its shape and size, as well as its features. We will cover that and more below.
Do Hair Brushes Make A Difference?
The right hair brush can make a huge difference; it will primarily ensure your hair does not suffer further damage but also and equally as necessary, the correct hairbrush can make your life easier when it comes to styling your locks!
Whether for daily grooming and overall personal appearance or that special event, your hairbrush will become an indispensable tool to control, manage, and give your hair the proper upkeep.
Hair Brushes Guide

You must know that not all brushes are created the same.
Materials
Different materials are used to fabricate a hair brush’s bristles, making it perhaps its most important spec.
Bristles’ main job is to be sturdy enough to detangle and distribute natural oils but gentle enough not to damage hair.
As you may conclude, thinner hair requires softer bristles than thicker, more difficult-to-control hair.
So, finding suitable bristles in your hairbrush can make or break your hair.
Boar Hair

Boar hair is known as the most natural and common choice for bristles in hairbrushes. It is strong enough to distribute oils but does not carry any severe chemicals or plastics that may incur breakage or other damage. Due to their soft and flexible characteristics, these are recommended for fine and medium hair types.
These also help damaged hair attain a healthier status, adding shine to most hair types. However, the prolonged use of wet hair is not a good idea.
Synthetic Nylon

This type of bristle works best with thicker hair; due to its stiffer nature, these are perfectly able to penetrate thick hair, giving you more control.
It is also recommended if you have dry, frizzier hair. It will ensure you get rid of flyaways, frizz, and ugly poufy hair.
Metal Hair Brush

Rebellious, seriously tangled hair is tamed through metal bristles. These are also a better option for those with texturized hair.
Word to the wise, be careful not to use metal bristles with heat as bristles may become too hot and cause harm to your scalp and hair.
Wood Hair Brush

Wooden bristles are the best option for dry and curly hair because they are gentle enough not to mess with its style.
Brushes also come with a mix of natural and synthetic bristles. Some people may notice that this combination helps detangle hairs and reach through its depths to offer smooth, shiny, and healthy locks.
Shape and Size
The different shapes and sizes of hairbrushes aim to offer more functionality during the styling process. That said, shape and dimensions don’t make a huge difference when choosing your brush; the choice still falls on what the bristle is made of because the critical point is to find one that can manage your hair.
You may want to consider the length and surface you want to cover, from small brushes to large paddle brushes and curved brushes, to make your best choice. Some shapes, like the curved hairbrush, can help better distribute natural oils.
Others can even help to give the illusion of volume or reduce frizz or are especially good for faster drying, while others are designed to fit the palm of your hand.
Hair Brushes For Styling
Paddle Brushes

Boar paddle bristles are the right option for long, thinner hair, resulting in smooth hair; nylon paddle bristles are always better for thicker hair types. If you want to detangle any hair length, a paddle brush is a good option, and it can also be utilized in blow-drying.
Smoothing and Detangling Brushes

This is a standard type of brush designed to detangle, smooth, add shine, and stimulate your scalp. Experts recommend a boar-bristle smoothing brush.
Detangling brushes focus on knotted hair, perfect as a pain-free practice of smoothing wet or dry hair without causing breakage. Some detangling brushes are specifically made to tackle particularly stubborn hair and can be used in the shower.
Round Brushes

Round brushes are widely used as the go-to choice for styling. They work simultaneously to tame thick hair and can be found in wood and metal. Wood options with boar bristles promote smoothing and volume, while metal options work well on wet hair.
Sculpting and Cushion Brushes

These are the best choice when working on wet hair. These will help you reduce static and make your hair softer. This type of brush is also recommended to detangle short hair.
Wooden-bristle Brush

This type of brush is specially designed for curly hair needs. Since curly hair shouldn’t be brushed for long, these widely-spaced wooden bristles keep curls in their natural shape.
Thermal Brushes

You’ll likely see this type of brush lying around a salon. Thermal brushes are all-in-one brushes for a blowout.
These are great choices if you’d like to do a blowout by yourself. Get a rounded barrel for volume and stylish wavy blowouts. Thermal brushes work well on most hair types.
Teasing Brushes

These focus on giving you a boost of volume thanks to is different levels of staggered boar bristles. Teasing brushes are meant for dry hair only.
Edge Brushes

It may seem like a toothbrush, but these types of brushes are designed to tame especially hard-to-get baby hairs. Another great use is to help settle the details of an updo or keep flyaways in place.
Finishing Brushes

You could use this brush to detangle, but its primary purpose is to provide perfect shine to styled hair. Finishing brushes are enhancers, making luster and smoothness pop.
Features
Set

Sets are incredible because they will ensure you have all the types of brushes you need without having to look individually. Plus, combining the different types of your set will provide that the perfect look you are trying to achieve.
Make sure your set comes with a round brush, a vented brush, and a paddle brush; with these three, you’ll be able to look your best at all times.
Protected Bristles

Protected bristles are a matter of personal preference; some may think it’s essential to like, say, people with sensitive scalps, others may not even think about them. However, if you are worried about hair tangles, these tiny balls of plastic on the tips, then you may want to consider getting a brush that has protected bristles.
Ergonomic

Ergonomic hair brushes are great if you are going to be hair brushing for long periods. These are made to have a comfortable grip so your hand/wrist won’t hurt even if you use it for hours.
Other Perks
Other perks, including brush handles, are also made from different materials, keeping in mind the user’s comfort or environmental impact. Handle’s variety includes plastic, ceramic, and bamboo.
Best Sellers Hair Brushes On A Budget
Hairbrushes can cost up to a couple hundred dollars or more, but we have you covered if you are on a budget.
Here are the best hairbrushes to shop for on a budget; you can find these for $20 or under.
1. Revlon Soft Touch Nylon Pin Cushion Hair Brush
According to its website: Nylon Pin Cushion Brush for all hair types – even thick hair! The cushion of the brush provides a scalp massage effect, that is very soothing and healthy for your hair and detangles as it volumizes.
2. The Original Detangling Hairbrush

The Tangle Teaser is the best option for curly hair.
3. Original Hair Brush Detangler

The wet brush is the best hairbrush for preventing breakage.
4. Detangling Brush
This Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler is considered the best hairbrush for detangling. You can find it in 4 formats with varied teeth flex for Fine & Fragile, Straight to Wavy, Thick & Curly, and Tight Curls & Coils.
5. The Goody Styling Essentials Hair Brush

The Goody is the best hairbrush for frizz.
The Goody Styling Essentials Hair Brush features rows of dense nylon bristles to help tame your frizz and flyaways for a super-sleek look. Includes 1 styler brush.
Soft boar-style nylon bristles fight frizz and flyaways for an effortlessly smooth mane.
Long woodgrain handle sculpted for optimal comfort for a luxurious styling experience.
What are the benefits of Hair Brushes?
It is important to use a hair brush when you have long hair. A hair brush helps to distribute the natural oils from your scalp down the length of your hair. This will make your hair healthy and shiny.
A hair brush also helps to detangle your hair and remove any knots. This will make your hair easier to style and prevent damage.
There are different types of hair brushes available. The most popular type is the paddle brush. This type of brush is wide and has a flat surface. It is great for detangling hair and for smoothing out the hair cuticle.
Another popular type of hair brush is the round brush. This type of brush is perfect for creating volume and curls. It can also help to detangle hair.
When choosing a hairbrush, it is important to consider the type of hair you have. If you have fine hair, you will want to choose a brush that has soft bristles. If you have thick hair, you will want to choose a brush that has firm bristles.
You should also consider the length of your hair. If you have short hair, you will want to choose a brush that is smaller in size. If you have long hair, you will want to choose a brush that is larger in size.
It is also important to consider the shape of your head when choosing a hairbrush. If you have a round face, you will want to choose a brush that is oval in shape. If you have an oval face, you will want to choose a brush that is round in shape. If you have a square face, you will want to choose a brush that is rectangular in shape.
How to Choose the Best Hair Brushes
A hair brush is an important tool for any woman’s beauty arsenal. However, with so many different types of hair brushes on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best hair brush for your needs:
- Consider what type of hair you have. If you have very fine hair, then a brush with natural bristles is a good choice. If you have thick or curly hair, then a brush with synthetic bristles might be a better option.
- Think about the size of the brush. If you have long hair, then you’ll need a larger brush to accommodate all of your hair. If you have short hair, then a smaller brush might be all you need.
- Finally, consider the shape of the brush. Round brushes are great for creating smooth, sleek styles. Paddle brushes are ideal for detangling hair. And vented brushes are perfect for blow-drying hair.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to find the best hair brush for your needs. Happy brushing!
Features To Look in Hair Brushes
When looking for a hair brush, it is important to consider the features that are most important to you. Some of the features to look for include:
- Bristles – Look for bristles that are soft, if you have fine hair, or firm if you have thick or curly hair.
- Shape – Consider the shape of the brush. Round brushes are great for creating smooth, sleek styles. Paddle brushes are ideal for detangling hair. And vented brushes are perfect for blow-drying hair.
- Size – Think about the size of the brush. If you have long hair, then you’ll need a larger brush to accommodate all of your hair. If you have short hair, then a smaller brush might be all you need.
- Material – The material of the brush can also be important. Natural bristles are ideal for fine hair, while synthetic bristles might be better for thick or curly hair.
With these features in mind, you should be able to find the best hair brush for your needs.
Common Questions About Hair Brushes
What are the most highly recommended hair brushes?
There are many different types of hair brushes on the market, but the most popular type is the paddle brush. This type of brush is wide and has a flat surface. It is great for detangling hair and for smoothing out the hair cuticle. Another popular type of hair brush is the round brush. This type of brush is perfect for creating smooth, sleek styles.
What is the best material for a hair brush?
The best material for a hairbrush depends on the type of hair you have. If you have fine hair, then a natural bristle brush is a good choice. If you have thick or curly hair, then a synthetic bristle brush might be a better option.
What is the best way to clean a hair brush?
The best way to clean a hairbrush is to remove the bristles and wash them in warm water with shampoo. Once the bristles are clean, allow them to air dry. You can also disinfect the brush by soaking it in a mixture of 1 part water and 1 part vinegar for 30 minutes. Rinse the brush well and allow it to air dry.
How do I choose a hairbrush?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best hairbrush for you will depend on your individual hair type. However, in general, you should look for a hairbrush that has natural bristles rather than synthetic bristles, as synthetic bristles can damage your hair. You should also consider the shape of the hairbrush, as some hairbrushes are better suited to certain hair types than others.
For example, if you have curly hair, you may want to use a round brush, while if you have straight hair, you may want to use a paddle brush. Ultimately, it is important to experiment with different hairbrushes until you find one that works best for you.
What different hair brushes are for?
There are many different types of hairbrushes, each designed for a specific use. Some common types are:
- Bristle brush: A natural or synthetic brush made with bristles that are firm enough to distribute oils through the hair and scalp. They are best used on short to medium-length hair.
- Boar bristle brush: A natural brush made with stiff bristles from the boar, a pig-like mammal. These brushes are good for distributing oils and can be used on all hair types.
- Paddle brush: A wide, flat brush with synthetic bristles that is good for detangling and smoothing out frizzy hair.
- Round brush: A brush with bristles that are arranged in a circular pattern around a metal or plastic barrel. This type of brush is good for creating curls and waves.
- Vented brush: A brush with holes or vents in the bristles or barrel that allow air to flow through, making it easier to blow dry hair.
- Wet brush: A brush designed for use on wet hair. The bristles are usually softer and more flexible than other types of brushes to avoid damaging wet hair.
What different hair brushes are for?
There are many different types of hair brushes, each with its own specific purpose. Some common types of hair brushes include the paddle brush, the round brush, the vent brush, and the bristle brush.
Each type of hairbrush is designed for a different use, such as detangling hair, adding volume to hair, or smoothing hair.
Paddle brushes have a flat, wide surface and are ideal for detangling hair. Round brushes have a cylindrical shape and are often used to add volume to hair.
Vent brushes have holes in the brush head that help to increase airflow, making them ideal for blow-drying hair. Bristle brushes have stiff bristles that can help to smooth hair.
Which type of brush is best for stimulating the scalp?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best type of brush for stimulating the scalp will vary depending on the person’s individual hair and scalp type.
That said, some general considerations include using a brush that is soft enough not to scratch the scalp, but also firm enough to stimulate the follicles.
Additionally, it is important to choose a brush with the right bristles. For example, those with fine hair may find that nylon bristles work well, while those with thicker hair may prefer boar bristle brushes.
Ultimately, it is best to experiment with different types of brushes to see what works best for you.
Is it better to comb or brush wet hair?
In general, it is better to brush wet hair because the bristles will help remove any tangles or knots. However, if you have a lot of hair products in your hair, it may be better to start with a comb to detangle the hair before brushing.
Disclosure: The Hair Products recommended in this article are our top favorites because they have a great combination of quality, features, and affordability. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through the links as a way to support this site. If you buy a qualifying product, you’re not charged anything extra, but I’ll get a small commission to help pay for my expenses. I hope you find our advice helpful and discover the Best Hair Products for your needs on this list.