If You Have Curly Hair, Your Brush Could Be Making It Frizzy
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If You Have Curly Hair, Your Brush Could Be Making It Frizzy
Finding the perfect hair brush may sound like a simple task, but in reality, it can be quite challenging—particularly if you have curly hair. With different types, textures, and patterns, it’s often hard to know exactly which products—even those specifically designed for curls—are right for you, and it’s even harder to know which brush will keep them healthy and strong.
“If you use the wrong brush on curly hair, such as a brush that creates tension, it can cause a lot of breakage,” explains New York-based hairstylist T. Cooper. “So, with curly hair, you always want to look for a brush that is gentle and doesn’t snag the hair.”
Meet Our Experts: T. Cooper, New York City-based hairstylist, Merian Mismmo, founder of Bounce Curl
Read on to discover the best brushes for your curly hair, whether you’re looking for a straightforward detangler or need a round brush for styling.
Christine Giordano - 2/12
Travel Detangler Brush
Felicia Leatherwood
amazon.com
$11.99
“I love the Felicia Leatherwood brush for detangling,” says Cooper. “The brush is very flexible, gentle, and can get through the thickest head of curly hair quickly and with ease.” The stylist likes to use this brush on damp, conditioned hair then spray Eva NYC’s Bounce Back Curl Reviving Mist to refresh the curls.
Amazon - 3/12
The Original FLEXY BRUSH
Curly Hair Solutions
amazon.com
$21.00
“I always prefer a brush that is flexible, and it should state that on the packaging,” Mismmo notes. “This will help reduce hair breakage, which curly hair is extra prone to.” Great for detangling in the shower, the Flexy Brush doubles as a scalp massager, so it will not only offer a painless brushing experience, but it will also help exfoliate the scalp and boost circulation.
Amazon - 4/12
Wide Tooth Detangling Hair Comb
Kristin Ess
target.com
$8.00
If a comb is more your speed, it’s wise to have a wide tooth option like this one from Kristin Ess around, as it will gently detangle hair without disturbing your curl pattern. Because the teeth are spaced apart, curls will stay defined and coiled, which will prevent frizz and keep hair healthier in the long run.
Target - 5/12
Shower Brush
PATTERN
ulta.com
$17.00
This brush from Tracee Ellis Ross’ haircare brand, Pattern, is specifically designed to be used in the shower. Its flexible bristles can get through even the most stubborn of tangles without sagging, and the removable pads make it easy to clean up product (or hair) buildup.
Ulta - 6/12
Original Detangler Hair Brush
Wet Brush
amazon.com
$8.93
This basic drugstore hairbrush is one of Mismmo’s favorites for effectively and efficiently removing tangles. Despite what the name suggests, this affordable option does work on both wet and dry hair, but is specifically designed to prevent breakage when using on wet strands (when they're more vulnerable).
Amazon - 7/12
Boar Bristle Detangling Paddle Hairbrush
Christophe Robin
$108.00
Boar bristles can be a great, softer alternative to nylon, but opting for soft doesn’t have to mean compromising on efficacy, and this Christophe Robin detangling brush is proof of that. With a delicate touch that will simply glide over your curls, you won’t risk pulling on the coil or messing with the pattern, and it will leave hair silky and smooth.
Sephora - 8/12
NanoThermic Ceramic Ion SQUARE Shaper Thermal Hair Brush
Olivia Garden
amazon.com
$29.95
Unlike traditional round brushes, this option from Olivia Garden boasts both flat and rounded sides, so you can straighten and add volume at the same time. Additionally, the brush’s ceramic barrel will keep frizz to a minimum, and it has a retractable pick to help easily section off hair as needed.
Amazon - 9/12
Classic Styling Brush
Denman
amazon.com
$23.95
This brush has more than 12,000 reviews and a consistent 4.6 rating on Amazon, and it’s easy to see why. Denman has long been a favorite brand among stylists for brushing curly hair, and this particular option is universally good, suitable for all curl types. The multipurpose brush can be used to detangle or used to style, and the rubber cushion prevents frizzing.
Amazon - 10/12
Ceramic Paddle Brush
Moroccanoil
sephora.com
$28.00
If your curls tend to be on the softer side or you favor more of a wavy look, this brush from Morrocanoil is a great choice. Ideal for detangling, smoothing, and styling, the brush has ionic and ceramic properties to speed up drying time, encourage heat distribution, and boost shine.
Sephora - 11/12
Agave Bristle Brush
Prose
$72.00
The bristles on this brush are made from a blend of agave fiber and nylon that’s intended to mimic the classic boar bristle, making it ideal for vegans. Using this brush will evenly distribute all of hair’s natural oils and provide natural shine, and it’s soft and gentle enough for fine strands whilst remaining effective enough for tight curls.
Prose - 12/12
Smooth Paddle Brush
T3
$35.00
Curls are amazing, but even the biggest of curl lovers want to wear their hair straight every now and then. For those occasions, try T3’s Smooth Paddle Brush, which promises optimal shine and polish. Designed with seamless, high heat-resistant nylon bristles, a cushioned body, and a broad flat base, this brush should ideally be used on damp or wet hair in tandem with a blow-dryer to deliver sleek straightness without any frizz or static.
Sephora