The 12 Best Boar Bristle Brushes For Healthier Hair

Got fine or thin hair that could use a dose of shine? This 100% boar bristle oval cushion brush is perfect because it evenly distributes your scalp's oils and makes hair smooth and less frizzy, according to reviewers. Unlike a plastic bristle brush, it won't damage delicate fine hair. Reviewers suggest using a comb or a detangling brush to get tough tangles out first, then separating hair into small sections to brush it with this tool. Hair will be shinier and more manageable — but those with thicker hair may have a hard time getting this brush through the length of their hair. If this brush isn’t quite right for you, it also comes with a mix of nylon and boar bristles, or as part of a three-piece brush set.

According to one reviewer: “I have pretty thick hair and it gets through it pretty well after a few strokes in each section. I do use a wide tooth comb before hand to eliminate the majority of knots. Instantly I could feel how much softer and smoother my hair was. And shiny! I seriously recommend this brush for anyone!”

Bristle material: 100% boar bristle (also comes in a boar/nylon blend)

A mix of boar and nylon bristles work best for thick hair, and this eco-friendly boar bristle brush with bamboo is the perfect tool to help de-frizz and smooth hair while preventing breakage. The long nylon pins detangle thick hair, while the boar bristles work their magic redistributing scalp oil. Reviewers say the scalp massage this brush delivers is beyond amazing, that it's very gentle, and they've even noticed less hair shedding. Only use it on dry hair — it can cause damage if you use it to detangle wet hair. Choose from a pack of one or two brushes.

According to one reviewer: “I dug around the blogsphere and came to the conclusion that a boars hair + nylon bristle brush would work best for me. I like the look (and price) on this brush and decided to give it a try. It’s a winner so far — I use it to brush my dry hair in the evening before bed or to freshen up a blow out. It has helped moisturize my dry, brittle ends by way of moving sebum down the hair strands, and has brought my dandruff under control.”

Bristle material: boar and nylon

Few brushes can create a shiny, super-sleek and straight style like a boar bristle paddle brush. If you've got dry or damaged hair, make it a priority to use this brush daily. Reviewers suggest that the distribution of scalp oil throughout your strands will make your hair look and feel well-conditioned and can extend the time between shampoos. This brush works best on fine or normal hair, as the short bristles won't be as beneficial to thick or curly/coarse hair.

According to one reviewer: “It's a great brush. Really gets through my hair to my scalp. I'm in my 70's and my hair had gotten dull and lifeless, used to always be soft and shiny. I read that using a boar bristle brush would help distribute the oils from my scalp through my hair to bring back some of the shine. I'm using it daily and it does seem to make a difference. And my scalp feels more alive, too.”

Bristle material: 100% boar bristle

Most boar bristle brushes are great for brushing hair, but aren't your go-to brushes for styling with a hairdryer. That's why this vented boar bristle brush is amazing — it detangles thick, curly hair and can be used while styling hair with heat. This nylon and boar bristle brush is safe for all hair types, but reviewers with long, thick, curly hair rave the most about how gentle this is on their hair and how it takes every knot out quickly and without pain.

According to one reviewer: “My hair loss is down to a few strands now, and my frizz is almost gone! I have also noticed a huge change in the feel of my hair and its ability to hold a style now. The only thing I changed was using this brush. Who knew that after 5 years of trying almost every frizz/dry hair product on the market all I really needed was this brush.”

Bristle material: boar and nylon

This large, round boar bristle brush is big enough to create frizz-free curls while styling hair, but small enough to be used by those of us who have shorter hair. It boasts an ergonomic polished wood handle, has both nylon and boar bristles, and is anti-static. Plus, it comes with a brush cleaner to keep it free of stray hair and styling residue. Reviewers say this brush adds great volume and shine while smoothing stubborn strands.

According to one reviewer: “This brush was an answer to prayer! It gives me lift that lasts for two days after blow drying. And it feels so nice when simply brushing my hair - like a massage of my scalp. Which, of course, releases the sebum that may actually keep my hair follicles vital and productive.”

Bristle material: boar and nylon

Get all of the benefits of a boar bristle brush (including intense shine and conditioning — and no frizz) with the flexibility of this double-sided boar brush. This brush is made with 100% medium boar bristles on one side and finer boar bristles on the other side. It's also gentle on scalps and has the backing of over 14,000 Amazon reviewers.

According to one reviewer: “The brush is sturdy and I love that is has a soft and hard side. I use the softer side for maintaining my protective styles. I use the harder side for when I’m getting my hair put in the protective style. The brush fits nicely in my hand. The bristles have held up and I have thick and coily hair so that’s a plus.”

Bristle material: 100% boar bristle on one side, nylon-reinforced boar bristles on the other

The hybrid design of boar bristle and nylon pins make this brush ideal for detangling normal to thick hair and redistributing oils for smooth, shiny hair. This pick has a wooden paddle handle and works on all hair types, plus it’s achieving Amazon cult classic status with a 4.7-star rating and more than 15,000 reviews. It even comes with an extra wide-tooth tail comb for more detangling and backcombing.

According to one reviewer: “The combination boar bristles and nylon pins help smooth any frizz I have while stimulating the scalp. I have 30 inch long hair that is pretty thick, and this brush went through it with no problems. This brush also has a beautiful butterfly detail which makes it unique.”

Bristle material: boar and nylon

It's one of the most recognizable names in the beauty world — and for good reason. The Mason Pearson boar bristle brush for sensitive scalps and thin hair is considered the gold standard of brushes because it's made with premium-grade boar bristle that's extremely gentle and won't tug or tear at hair. The long bristles provide the perfect amount of stimulation to the scalp, according to reviewers. Some call this the "greatest brush ever made," and others swear it's worth every penny, especially if you're concerned about thinning or shedding hair.

According to one reviewer: “I have very fine, thinning hair, a little above shoulder length. The Mason Pearson sensitive brush is so gentle, yet so efficient, that it allows me to brush my hair 100 times at night and keep it shiny even though my hair is so fragile. These brushes last forever if you follow the care instructions. The price seems ridiculously high, but the brushes are worth it!”

Bristle material: 100% boar bristle

This boar bristle straightener clamp is a gentle tool for anyone who has dry hair but yearns for straight, silky strands. It doesn’t use heat that can damage hair — instead, it clamps sections of your hair down between double-sided wild boar bristles that spread oil from your scalp to make hair feel and look smoother. This unique brush has a smooth wooden handle, a 4.4-star rating, and with no cords to think about or electrical outlets needed, it’s the perfect travel-friendly straightening tool.

According to one reviewer: “I have stubborn, hard to straighten hair, makes the process much faster and the result is a much smoother look. Love it. Does pinch my finger sometimes which my straightener does too, but it's worth it!”

Bristle material: 100% boar bristle

This boar bristle brush set comes with a large paddle brush and mini oval brush, both with wooden handles and a mix of boar and nylon pins for detangling and brushing hair, as well as a comb. Not only will the three-piece set for the family save you money, but it’s one of Amazon’s top sellers, with a high 4.7-star rating and more than 5,800 ratings. The brushes are designed with 70% boar and 30% nylon and work on all hair types.

According to one reviewer: “I was amazed at how easy it was to brush my 2 year old daughter's hair with this brush. She usually cries and whines the whole time I'm brushing her hair because it's so tangled up, but with this brush it was as if she didn't even realize I was brushing her hair. She kept playing and singing and didn't cry or whine AT ALL.”

Bristle material: boar and nylon

Your search for an elegant boar bristle brush from a brand with roots that stem back to the 18th century is over — this satinwood brush is stylish and effective. Made by the English brand Kent, this rectangular brush features 100% boar bristles and a beechwood base. The brush is suggested for all hair types, though the brand especially recommends it for those with fine or thinning hair. Many reviewers confirm that it is worth every penny because of its heavy, solid handle and stiff bristles that add shine to thick and thin hair (and every type in between).

According to one reviewer: “My hair feels fuller, scalp is a lot less sensitive and the dandruff is all but gone. I'm still using a dandruff shampoo but considering stopping it once I use it all up. I'm using the brush twice a day (after morning shower and at bedtime). I use it about a minute going in all directions trying to simulate my entire scalp and the hair follicles.”

Bristle material: 100% boar bristle

Section your hair into perfect portions, backcomb to achieve ultra-voluminous looks, and smooth out strands using this one perfect boar bristle teasing brush that styles and distributes oils from your scalp throughout your hair. The brush works best on fine hair (though plenty of reviewers with thick, long hair report major success with it). It features a wooden handle, and one reviewer confirmed that it’s more gentle on her hair than a comb.

According to one reviewer: “This is the perfect teasing brush. It does not break or damage my hair so my hair stylist will be happy with me. I was using a teasing comb and I had to work really hard at getting the height I wanted without damaging my hair. This teasing brush is like magic... easy, gentle and does not take as much effort as a comb to get the results I want.”

Bristle material: 100% boar bristle