Where We Stand

Overall, our favorite detangling brush is the FHI HEAT UNbrush Wet & Dry Vented Detangling Hair Brush because of its low price and vented shape that won’t stretch or break hair. Instead, it will massage the scalp, detangle knots, and soften the hair. Plus, it can be used on all hair types as well as wet or dry hair. It can’t be beat! We also love Tangle Teezer Original Detangling Brush because it’s even more of a budget-friendly pick that’s easy to use on both wet and dry hair.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We tested several options for days at a time and then collaborated with three expert hairstylists to ensure we made the best picks for all hair types and needs.

Attributes we evaluated each detangling brush on:

• The size and make of each brush
• The flexibility of each brush’s bristles
• What purpose each brush serves
• Whether or not each brush was gentle on hair
• If a brush worked on wet or dry hair, or both
• Product value and price
• Customer reviews
• Brand promises
• Overall results

What To Look For In a Detangling Brush

• Bristles: When it comes to the bristles in a detangling brush, you want to make sure you’re choosing an option that has lots of flexibility, otherwise, you risk damaging and pulling on your hair. Something Dueñas specifically looks for is the absence of “balls” on the end of bristles, “I do not like detangling brushes that have balls on the end of the bristles as these tend to grasp onto the hair after a bit and tangle the hair and cause breakage,” says Dueñas. “I like a smooth bristle that glides through the hair, but it needs to be very flexible.” With the absence of balls and flexible bristles, FHI HEAT UNbrush Wet & Dry Vented Detangling Hair Brush earned the spot of best overall. If you have straight, fine, or even wavy hair, instead, we suggest looking for a thinner silhouette in regards to the bristle shape. “Thinner bristles go through the hair gently and, in turn, you’ll have less tugging which means less broken hair,” Kayganich adds.
• Shape: Shape isn’t the most important factor, however, it can make the process a whole lot better. If you have long and/or thick hair that you want to get through quickly, go for a bigger brush, like a paddle brush. “The size of the brush allows you to cover more area hence speeding up your detangling process,” says Kayganich. For those with medium lengths and shorter hair in the straight or wavy realm, Kayganich recommends using an oval brush like Wet Brush Original Detangler. And finally, if you have curly or coily hair, a rectangular-shaped detangling brush will be your best bet. “Opt for the rectangular-shaped brushes that have rows on the brush that are separated, as they have the ability to fan out while you’re detangling, which is more gentle on the hair,” Kayganich shares. Our pick for curly hair, the Bestool Detangling Brush, has an adjuster bar that lets you fan out the brush just for that reason.
• Material: If you plan to use your brush when your hair is wet, go for nylon or plastic bristles. It’ll still help detangle all of your stubborn knots, but you don’t have to worry about ruining the brush in the process. If you want something that looks more luxe, Dueñas suggests turning to a wooden brush, like Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush. Wooden brushes is that they require more upkeep and shouldn’t be left in wet places like the shower. And if that doesn’t sound like something you want to worry about Kayganich says, “You can leave plastic brushes in the shower and they will enable a little more flexibility than a wooden brush will.”

Why Trust Byrdie

Taylor Augustin is a freelance beauty and fashion writer based in Newport Beach, California. She interviewed experts and tested detangling brushes herself for this story. She’s currently in the process of getting her hair bride-worthy for her wedding in 2024, and her hair’s health is of the utmost importance to her.

For this story, Taylor interviewed three experts to gather more insights about what to keep in mind when buying a detangling brush. Those experts include:

• April Kayganich, a curly hair expert and Hairstory network stylist
• Michael Dueñas, a celebrity hairstylist and grooming expert who’s worked on people like Jenna Elfman, Dermot Mulroney, and more
• Jenna Spino, a veteran hairstylist at Maxine Salon