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The 13 Best Hair Brushes Experts Love

From in-shower detanglers to pro-level edge tools

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There are subtle differences in hairbrushes that can make a huge impact in your hair's overall look and health. And whether you have fine, thick, or coily hair—when it comes to nailing down the perfect routine—you need the right brush that matches your hair and your goals.

But where to start? You just need to consider a few things. "A good-quality hair brush can help you achieve the look you want or address a specific concern," Anna Kimble, director of events and education at Drybar, tells Bazaar. “For example, to achieve a bouncy blowout, look for a round brush with a ceramic barrel, and for detangling, a brush with flexible yet sturdy nylon bristles that can easily glide through hair is usually best.”

Shop The Best Hair Brushes

  • Flat Brush

    Best Flat Brush

    Oribe Flat Brush

    $100 at Sephora
    Read more
  • Floral Garden Detangle & Style Kit

    Best All-Around Hair Brush

    Wet Brush Floral Garden Detangle & Style Kit

    Read more
  • Boar Bristle Hair Brush

    Best Boar Bristle Hair Brush

    Beauty by Earth Boar Bristle Hair Brush

    Read more
  • Bristle and Nylon Brush

    Most Popular Hair Brush

    Mason Pearson Bristle and Nylon Brush

    Read more
  • Smooth Paddle Brush

    Best Detangling Paddle Brush

    T3 Micro Smooth Paddle Brush

    Read more

Ahead, the ultimate guide to hairbrushes—including expert tips from pros on choosing the right one for your hair.


Best Flat Brush

Oribe Flat Brush

Flat Brush
Best Flat Brush

Oribe Flat Brush

$100 at Sephora
Credit: Oribe
Pros
  • Features a mix of boar and nylon bristles
Cons

    If you already count yourself a fan of Oribe's shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, then this ergonomic flat brush made from European beechwood might become your new favorite hair care essential.

    What the Reviewers Are Saying: "Why do I have to love a $100+ brush? Its mixture of bristles is perfect for detangling and smoothing. Smaller than expected, but still a good size!" — Mckays15

    BristlesBoar, Nylon
    Hair TypeAll
    Best All-Around Hair Brush

    Wet Brush Floral Garden Detangle & Style Kit

    Floral Garden Detangle & Style Kit
    Best All-Around Hair Brush

    Wet Brush Floral Garden Detangle & Style Kit

    Credit: Wet Brush
    Pros
    • Ideal for wet or dry hair
    • Ergonomic design
    Cons

      A favorite of stylists, editors, and hair obsessives everywhere, Wet Brush's detangler is gentle on wet and dry hair, no matter the texture (including wigs and extensions). And as an added bonus, you'll also receive a handy scrunchie to keep hair out of your face.

      What the Reviewers Are Saying: "Super cute brushes and high quality! Love love love!" — Sara

      BristlesNylon, Ball-Tipped
      Hair TypeAll
      Best Boar Bristle Hair Brush

      Beauty by Earth Boar Bristle Hair Brush

      On Sale
      Boar Bristle Hair Brush
      Best Boar Bristle Hair Brush

      Beauty by Earth Boar Bristle Hair Brush

      Credit: Beauty by Earth
      Pros
      • Eco-friendly
      Cons

        "I always recommend a natural bristle brush for straight hair types," celebrity hairstylist Rocco adds. "The Boar Bristle Hair Brush seamlessly detangles most hair types, and its bristles help evenly distribute the scalp's natural oils through the length of your hair."

        What the Reviewers Are Saying: "This brush is great!!! It smells great. It literally detangles your hair for easy styling. Leaves your hair silky & shiny." — Barbara

        BristlesBoar, Nylon, Ball-Tipped
        Hair TypeAll
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        Most Popular Hair Brush

        Mason Pearson Bristle and Nylon Brush

        Bristle and Nylon Brush
        Most Popular Hair Brush

        Mason Pearson Bristle and Nylon Brush

        Credit: Mason Pearson
        Pros
        • Has cushioning that conforms to scalp contours
        Cons
        • Pricey

        This culty brush is on the pricey side, but it's still a frequent pick for hairstylists because of its patented cushioning—which conforms to the contours of the scalp—and combination nylon and boar bristles.

        "If you're willing to splurge a little on a hair brush, I'd say get one from Mason Pearson," Candace Witherspoon, stylist and owner of Candace Witherspoon Salon in New York City, says."It's a favorite among many professionals, myself included." Celebrity stylist Gabrielle Corney agrees, adding, "The best luxe hair brushes available are made by Mason Pearson, hands down."

        What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I decided to splurge and treated myself to a Mason Pearson brush. I have been using my brush daily and love it. It really does enhance the shine of my hair and helps eliminate frizziness. I have straight, long fine hair, but lots of it. I purchased the Handy Mixture Boar Bristle and Nylon Hairbrush and it works perfect for my hair type. Well I didn't enjoy the price (lol) I can tell this is a quality brush that I will have for life." — HappyMum

        BristlesBoar, Nylon
        Hair TypeAll
        Best Detangling Paddle Brush

        T3 Micro Smooth Paddle Brush

        On Sale
        Smooth Paddle Brush
        Best Detangling Paddle Brush

        T3 Micro Smooth Paddle Brush

        Now 25% Off
        Credit: T3
        Pros
        • Features a broad, flat base
        Cons

          T3 is well-known for their bevy of salon-quality hot tools, which can be used with this smooth paddle brush that contains heat-resistant bristles for seamless styling.

          What the Reviewers Are Saying: "If you have thick or course hair, this is your drying brush. Dry in sections and it is much easier to flat iron. Learned this from my stylist and the T3 paddle brush is light-weight and easy." —1feedback

          BristlesNylon, Ball-Tipped
          Hair TypeAll
          Great for Curls

          Denman Original Styler 7-Row Brush

          On Sale
          Original Styler 7-Row Brush
          Great for Curls

          Denman Original Styler 7-Row Brush

          Credit: Denman
          Pros
          • Anti-static
          Cons

            The Denman brush is another essential for many professional hairstylists, and this one contains seven rows of round-ended pins that are helpful for separating wet hair or defining curls. "My personal go-to is usually a Denman seven-row brush," Corney says. "Denman brushes are among the best detangling brushes for a majority of hair types and textures. They have many styles and sizes to choose from to suit just about anyone's needs."

            What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I swear you will NOT regret buying this brush! It’s so easy to use, and makes the curl clumps form really really fast. I use curl cream, then tension brush through my hair in sections. Lock it all in with a gel, and TADA!!! Best curls you’ve seen in your LIFE! I have type 3a/2c hair and thought this wouldn’t work for me. But CLEARLY I was wrong. Add to cart ASAP." — Kari

            BristlesNylon
            Hair TypeNaturally Curly
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            Best Value Hair Brush

            Diane 9-Row Professional Styling Brush

            9-Row Professional Styling Brush
            Best Value Hair Brush

            Diane 9-Row Professional Styling Brush

            Credit: Diane
            Pros
            • On sale
            • Under $10
            Cons

              For a more affordable brush option, Corney counts Diane by Fromm's nine-row hair brush as one of her most consistent go-tos to use on clients.

              What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I love this brush, it's so affordable and works really well to detangle my 3A hair. I wouldn't bother spending an arm and leg on the brand name tools when this works just as well. It's also easy to clean and of really great quality, in my opinion." —Naila

              BristlesNylon
              Hair TypeCurly Hair
              Best Hair Brush for Edge Control

              Pattern Beauty Edge Tool

              Edge Tool
              Best Hair Brush for Edge Control

              Pattern Beauty Edge Tool

              Credit: Pattern Beauty
              Pros
              • Features a dual-brush design
              • Popular at Ulta
              Cons

                This slender, dual-sided tool from Pattern features a comb and stiff-bristle brush to help sculpt your baby hair. "The Edge Tool by Pattern Beauty is amazing," Witherspoon says. "It's an excellent two-in-one tool: great for slicking down edges and baby hair with its brush end, but its rattail comb side also comes in handy when executing a clean part."

                What the Reviewers Are Saying: "Defined my edges in both natural and protective styles. I also love that I can use this tool to lay down stray hairs that may stick out from my protective braid styles. Def recommend buying!" — Dani

                BristlesNylon
                Hair TyleCoily Texture and Tight Curls
                Best Hair Brush for Looser Curls

                Rizos Curls Rizos Curls Pink Detangling Flexi Brush

                Rizos Curls Pink Detangling Flexi Brush
                Best Hair Brush for Looser Curls

                Rizos Curls Rizos Curls Pink Detangling Flexi Brush

                Credit: Rizos Curls
                Pros
                • Flexible
                Cons
                • Best used in the shower exclusively

                This flexible detangling brush from Rizos Curls is made to glide through wet or damp curls without pulling, and best used in the shower while deep conditioning.

                What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I'm really impressed! This brush gets though curls so easily and gently. Game changer." —Shelby S.

                BristlesNylon
                Hair TypeWavy and Naturally Curly Hair
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                Best Travel Hair Brush

                Emi Jay Mini Boar Bristle Brush

                Mini Boar Bristle Brush
                Best Travel Hair Brush

                Emi Jay Mini Boar Bristle Brush

                Credit: Emi Jay
                Pros
                • Stylish
                Cons

                  Here's a glittery and handbag-ready boar bristle brush from Emi Jay. It's ideal for midday hair touch-ups, and nicely made with organic bamboo. Go ahead and buy more than one, so you can easily toss them in your favorite bags.

                  BristlesBoar, Cellulose Acetate
                  Hair TypeAll
                  Best In-Shower Hair Brush

                  Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly Detangling Brush

                  Naturally Curly Detangling Brush
                  Best In-Shower Hair Brush

                  Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly Detangling Brush

                  Credit: Tangle Teezer
                  Pros
                  • Gentle on wet hair
                  Cons
                  • Best for 3C to 4C hair types

                  To help smooth her curls in the shower, hairstylist and Ouidad brand ambassador Irinel de León personally uses this Tangle Teezer hair brush, since, she says, it's soft enough to detangle them without compromising the hair's integrity or contributing to breakage.

                  Pro-tip: don't overdo it. Brushing too much can cause more harm than good. "Brushing your hair offers great stimulation for your scalp, which leads to more hair growth," De León explains. "However, over-brushing can cause damage as it can lift the cuticle and eventually cause dullness in the hair's appearance. Only brush enough so your hair is untangled and smooth."

                  What the Reviewers Are Saying: "This brush is the best one that I've ever owned since going completely natural! It's helped detangle my hair when it's wet and because it's so good at detangling, I've noticed a huge difference in the quality of my hair! I have thick and coarse hair (about 4b), and it's been easy to use." — Astrid

                  BristlesNylon
                  Hair TypeCurls and Coils
                  Best Vented Round Brush

                  Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Thermal Hair Brush

                  Ceramic + Ion Thermal Hair Brush
                  Best Vented Round Brush

                  Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Thermal Hair Brush

                  Credit: Olivia Garden
                  Pros
                  • Ergonomic
                  Cons

                    When creating straight styles with heat, Rocco suggests using a round ceramic ion or tourmaline ion option like this ventilated Ulta shopper favorite, which is available in eight size options.

                    What the Reviewers Are Saying: "This brush glided through my wet hair like butter, and gave me the fastest, softest self blow dry ever. Completely helped tame my frizz; it looked like it had almost been flat ironed. I'm actually looking forward to using my blow dryer now." —Lisa

                    BristlesNylon Soft Tip
                    Hair TypeAll
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                    Best Everyday Round Brush

                    Conair Professional Medium Round Hair Brush

                    Professional Medium Round Hair Brush
                    Best Everyday Round Brush

                    Conair Professional Medium Round Hair Brush

                    Credit: Conair
                    Pros
                    • Adds body and fullness to hair
                    Cons

                      Here's a three-pack of best-selling brushes from Conair (one of Rocco's preferred hair brush brands) that feature ball-tipped bristles that won't snag as you work it through. As an added bonus, you can snag a these coveted brushes on for under $10.

                      What the Reviewers Are Saying: "I’ve been having a hard time finding a hair brush that doesn’t dig into my scalp and hurt me. This one is perfect! No scalp pain and no tangled hair. Very happy with it." —M.R. M.

                      BristlesNylon Ball-Tipped
                      Hair TypeAll

                      What should I look for when choosing a hair brush?

                      best hair brushes in 2022

                      When choosing a hair brush, look for one that meets the needs of your hair type, like detangling, shine-boosting, or volume-enhancing. Brushes should be durable and easy to clean , so you don't have to replace them often.

                      What are some of the most popular kinds of hair brushes, and how are they used when styling?

                      best hair brushes 2023
                      • Round brushes: Typically used with a blow dryer to volumize and lift hair at the roots.
                      • Paddle brushes: Ideal for smoothing through fine to medium, straight, or straightened hair with minimal snags.
                      • Detail brushes: Often used to smooth edges and shape baby hair.
                      • Detangling brushes: Made of flexible material that's ideal for smoothing knots and tangles in and out of the shower.
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                      What are some benefits of brushing your hair daily?

                      best hair brushes 2023

                      In addition to keeping tangles at bay, daily hair brushing evenly distributes oil from the scalp to the length of your hair for increased hydration and shine. The process is also a great way to keep your scalp healthy and your hair follicles stimulated.

                      Meet the Experts

                      best hair brushes 2023
                      • Anna Kimble is the director of events and education at Drybar.
                      • Irinel de León is a professional stylist and Ouidad ambassador.
                      • Leonardo Rocco is a professional stylist and owner of Rocco Donna Salon in Miami Beach, Florida.
                      • Candace Witherspoon is a professional stylist and owner of the Candace Witherspoon Salon in New York City.
                      • Gabrielle Corney is a celebrity stylist based in New York City.

                      Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

                      best hair brushes 2023

                      For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

                      Lettermark
                      Tiffany Dodson
                      Associate Beauty Commerce Editor

                      Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.

                      Headshot of Audrey Noble
                      Audrey Noble
                      Beauty Contributor
                      Audrey Noble is a freelance writer and reporter. She writes celebrity profiles and does deep-dive features about the ways race, gender, sexuality, and other forms of identity impact society via the beauty industry. Her previous work experience includes editorial positions at Vanity Fair, Refinery29, and Allure. Her writing can also be seen in Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Bustle, HelloGiggles, and more. You can keep up with her on Twitter.
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