We're past the pin straight flat iron-obsessed days of the early 2000s, and curly hair is finally getting the recognition it deserves. People are rocking their volume and coils the way nature intended it, but it's not always as easy as it sounds. The best detangling brushes for curly hair are an absolute must, because your average plastic comb is not even remotely worthy.
One with exceptionally curly hair does not merely "run a brush through it" while getting ready. In fact, just looking at the wrong one can result in pain, frizz, and said brush potentially hanging from your strands while you search for the scissors. Because it's harder for your scalp's natural oils to work their way down textured follicles, curly hair needs careful treatment. It's often drier and more prone to breakage and frizz, so brushing it with the wrong tool can cause loads of damage.
That being said, it does tangle easily, so skipping the brushing altogether isn't really an option. But, the right features make a world of difference. Things like flexible bristles, gentle materials, and a curved body are ideal when shopping for your detangling brush. If you're not sure where to start, these are eight of the highest rated options available for curly hair.
1This Flexible Brush Specifically Designed For Thick & Curly Hair
Tangle Teezer Thick And Curly, $17, Amazon
The Tangle Teezer is widely considered the holy grail of detangling brushes, and this version of the Tangle Teezer is specifically made for thick and curly hair. It uses a unique two-tiered system and memory flex bristles that banish knots without causing breakage. It can be used wet or dry, and fans say, "Once you start using this brush, there's no going back to any other brush! I have one in every bag! I love it!"
2IntelliFlex Bristles That Are Gentle Enough For Wet Hair Or Extensions
While it can also be used on dry hair, the Wet Brush is awesome for those who brush their hair in or right out of the shower. It's got special IntelliFlex bristles that glide through hair without tugging, and it can be used on those with hair loss as well as extensions and wigs. One reviewer says: "At 55 now I noticed losing more hair during the comb out when wet. This brush left my hair on my head and not in the brush!"
3Vibrating Bristles Gently Loosen Knots & Tangles
Remington Electric Detangling Brush, $20, Amazon
"I'm speechless," says one reviewer about the Remington Electric Detangling Brush, while another says, "This brush has cut our morning hair routine from 20+ minutes to 5." The teeth rock back and forth to gently loosen knots and tangles from even the curliest hair. Because it runs on batteries, it's totally cordless, and it can be used wet or dry.
4A Mix Of Boar & Nylon Bristles Distribute Your Scalp's Oils While They Detangle
Kaiercat Boar Bristle Detangling Brush, $12, Amazon
Experts say that curly hair needs more moisture than any other type, because it's harder for your scalp's natural oils to travel down the strands. This Kaiercat brush has boar bristles to distribute natural oils and nylon teeth to detangle. It's also curved and oversized to comfortably tackle lots of hair at once, which means it's great for thick, long hair.
5Recommended For Fragile Or Chemically Treated Hair
Macadamia Natural Oil Brush, $13, Amazon
If your hair has endured a bit of processing, the Macadamia Natural Oil Brush is a good option. It's enhanced with oil and extra soft brushes to smooth the cuticles instead of causing more damage. One makeup artist even says, "My hair is thicker, more volumized, way less greasy, weightless, shiny, smooth, and manageable after using this little miracle for about a month."
6These Cone-Shaped Bristles Glide Through Hair To Reduce Pain
Crave Detangling Brush, $11, Amazon
If detangling is a particularly painful process for you, try the Crave Detangling Brush. It uses soft but durable cone-shaped bristles that separate hair sideways instead of down, reducing pulling, ripping, and breakage. "I always skeptical of products that claim to 'glide through', but this brush actually works!" says one reviewer with thick, curly hair. "This brush passes through my hair easily both wet and dry."
7Need More Moisture? Try This Argan-Infused Brush
NuWay 4 Double C Hair Brush, $23, Amazon
The NuWay 4 hair brush is heat-resistant, double-curved to conform to your scalp, and treated to reduce static — but the real draw is the double-dipped argan-infused bristles to promote soft hair with less frizz. "It feels like a scalp massage every time I brush my hair," says one reviewer. "I have very thick and long Hawaiian hair...It not only detangles hair without ripping it out but it also makes blow drying my hair super simple!"
8This Fun Travel-Friendly Option With A Mirror
SH&SH Rainbow Detangling Brush With Mirror, $11, Amazon
The SH&SH is basically the unicorn of detangling brushes. Not only are its bristles multicolored and wonky, but they're rounded to smooth strands and flexible to prevent pain. It's great for travel because it's tiny and features a mirror on the other side. One reviewer says, "It really does a wonderful job of brushing through tangled hair without creating too much pain," plus it "fits easily into a backpack, purse, or diaper bag."
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