Mica Ricketts
A hair brush is a hair brush, right? Wrong. Turns out, the brush you use makes a big difference to your desired outcome. When shopping for the best hair brush, it all comes down to your hair type and what you need to use the brush for (think: detangling or blow drying).
I had been mindlessly buying whichever brush took my fancy for years, not really thinking much more about it. But in a bid to tackle my unrelenting frizziness, I did some research into how I could keep it at bay, and one thing became very clear: the type of hairbrush I was turning to day after day was doing me no favours. And yes, investing in a high-quality brush suited to my hair type has made all the difference.
There are a lot to choose from—and I mean a lot. So the Marie Claire UK team have done the hard work for you by rounding up the best hair brushes out there; detailing exactly why they’re great. From paddle brushes and round brushes to loop brushes and wet brushes, we’ve got something for all hair types. Plus, we’ve called in a little professional help from hair stylist and trend expert Tom Smith to answer our most-asked hair brush questions.
What is the best hair brush to use?
With so many options available, the first thing to consider when choosing the best hair brush is your hair type. “Fine hair is more fragile than coarser hair and therefore will benefit from specifically designed brushes that work in a more delicate way,” explains Smith. “In the case of curly hair, longer bristles can aid the detangling or brushing process, but one should avoid brushing curly hair when it is dry to minimise frizz.”
The materials that a hair brush is made from can also make an enormous difference to their performance. “My kit contains ceramic and mixed bristle blow-drying brushes which are very versatile, as well as some more luxury ergonomic brushes which are designed to be gentle-yet-stimulating on the scalp and very kind to the hair,” says Smith. As for specific brands? Smith rates both Evo and Altesse Studio as having some of the best hair brushes on the market.
Looking after your hair brush
Before diving into the best hair brushes, a note on hair brush hygiene. Yes, you need to wash your hair brush. All of that product build-up (including hairspray and other styling products) needs to go somewhere and it’s likely to get caught in the bristles. This means you’re brushing dirt back into that freshly washed hair, potentially risking greasy hair again. “After picking out any loose or tangled strands of hair, use a gentle shampoo or cleanser to remove any residue,” advises Smith. Give it a gentle scrub but avoid submerging it in water for any significant length of time. “After, leave the brush bristles down on a paper towel to air dry before using it again,” says Smith.
We also like the Mason Pearson Hair Cleanser as an easy way to spritz, scrub and go. Although washing it every few weeks is optimal, a cleanse every few months will do because… let’s get real.
Read on to shop all of the best hair brushes out there.
1. Hershesons The Everyday Essentials Brush
This is the best brush to get if you want a bit of everything. As the name suggests, it’s designed to be a bit of a does-it-all, from detangling to smoothing. Made from a mix of nylon and boar bristles, this brush detangles effectively, is gentle on the scalp and the boar bristles help lift dirt from the hair to keep it feeling clearer and fresher for longer.
2. ghd All-Rounder Paddle Brush
If rough drying or blow drying straight, a paddle brush is ideal because it’s firm, easy to use (especially with this ghd no-slip handle) and gets large areas of hair done quickly. It smooths hair and helps to give it a straightened look without snagging at those precious strands.
3. Viola Loop Brush
This is one of the smartest brushes in the list, made specifically for hair extensions. The brush features loop bristles, designed to prevent snagging and pulling of the bonds of the extensions. Repeated snagging of extensions not only causes the bonds to be compromised, but also may damage the strands of hair.
4. Christophe Robin Detangling Hairbrush with Natural Boar-Bristle
If your hair is thin, thinning or you’re trying to minimise as much damage as possible, opt for a 100% boar bristle brush. This is one of the gentlest you can get and avoids tugging and pulling. Made in France, not only is this a great hair brush, it’s also a beautiful addition to your beauty vanity if you’re looking for a luxe option.
5. Mason Pearson Junior Bristle & Nylon Hairbrush BN2
No one does hair brushes like Mason Pearson does so this isn’t just the best luxury hair brush, it’s one of the best brushes money can buy. Although the price seems steep, the craftsmanship is next level. There are plenty to choose from but you can’t go wrong with the junior bristle and nylon mixed brush, which works to detangle whilst caring for your lengths. Best for those with medium to long hair, medium textured hair and fine textured hair with high density (which means the number of hairs you have). Look after this tool and it’ll look after your hair for years and years to come.
6. La Bonne Brosse N.02 The Care and Detangling
"I love La Bonne Brosse brushes as they have several designs tailored to different hair types. You can take the hair quiz online to find out which model will best suit your needs, which means there's no going wrong when shopping. I have the No. 02 for my thick, frizzy, wavy hair, and it works wonders at detangling without pulling, and the boar bristles offer moisturising care thanks to the keratin content. This leaves my hair softer and shinier—just what it needs.
"There are several different hairbrushes to choose from, targeting detangling, scalp care, gloss-boosting and more. Yes, it's on the pricier side, but it looks and feels truly luxurious. Plus, the results speak for themselves." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
7. Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush
This Moroccanoil brush delivers the next best thing to an in-salon blowout. It’s got sturdy bristles for a beautiful blow dry and rubber handle for ease of grip. It also gives an even heat distribution throughout to make sure each strand dries and gets that volume. The bristles can be a little sharp though so use with care when it comes to brushing nearer the roots.
8. Imbue Detangling Comb
This is an ideal comb for detangling and working conditioner through lengths in the shower. It’s a great multi-tasker and works for many hair types, but was specifically made for curls and coils in mind. Since it's a wide tooth comb, it makes light work of even the knottiest sections, gently detangling.
9. Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler Extra Gentle
"My hair gets knotty within five minutes of brushing it, so detangling brushes are in almost every bag I own. This Tangle Teezer is by far one of the most gentle brushes I have used on my long hair, and the spaced teeth mean there's no tugging here. I use it on both wet and dry hair and have noticed minimal fallout, which is a huge plus. And yes, it really does get every knot." - Amelia Yeomans, Junior Shopping Editor
10. Altesse Studio Beaute Repair & Shine Hairbrush
Caring for sensitive or uncomfortable scalps can be challenging, and hair brushing can become a rather unpleasant chore if you aren’t armed with the right tools. Thankfully, this luxurious hairbrush from Altesse Studio has been specially designed to detangle and smooth hair without pulling, while massaging and stimulating the scalp with the soft boar bristles. Smith rates this brand for home use, describing the hair brushes as being “impeccably designed to last a lifetime or longer”, and they really are a premium experience complete with a beautiful case to store it in.