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The 8 Best Tug-Free Detangling Brushes, Tested on Different Hair Types

 

No more tears, tugging, or breakage.

As far as hair woes are concerned, tangles might just top the list. No matter your texture—whether your strands are fine, thick, straight, wavy, curly, coily, or something in between—unruly knots can straight-up prevent a stellar hair day. The good news? The right detangling brush can help.

But first, why? What’s different about a detangling brush compared to a regular version? “The bristles on a detangling brush are more flexible,” explains Chicago-based hairstylist Jenna Spino. “The bristles bend so when they come across a knot, the brush doesn’t pull hair out or cause breakage.” (Bonus points if a brush is easy to hold or looks great on top of a vanity.)

To help you narrow the playing field, we conducted hours of research and tested some of the most popular detangling brushes. Two testers—Chelsea with fine 2A hair and Ashley with curly 2C hair—tried each, evaluating their ease of use, comfort, and overall performance. We also tapped three expert hairstylists—Spino, April Kayganich (a curly hair expert and stylist), and Michael Dueñas (a celebrity hairstylist and grooming expert)—for input on what to keep in mind when buying a detangling brush.

Best Overall

Wet Brush Original Detangler

What We Like

• Excellent at detangling hair
• Comfortable to use
• Easy to hold

What to Consider

• Snags slightly on dry hair

Hair Type: All | Shape: Oval | Bristle Material: Nylon IntelliFlex bristles | Wet or Dry: Both

As far as detangling brushes go, the Wet Brush Original is considered the gold standard—and with good reason. Our two testers agreed it was incredibly effective at untangling wet and dry hair in two or three passes; its soft, ball-tipped bristles massaged the scalp, too, and its plastic handle was comfortable to hold. Chelsea, with fine, type 2A hair, also noted that it reduced frizz and didn’t cause any static on air-dried or blown-out hair. However, she found brush did snag slightly on tangled, dry hair, but that detangling section by section resulted in soft, touchable strands.

Ashley, tester with curly 2C hair: “After two or three glides per strand, this brush removed all knots from my hair with its ultrasoft, ball-tipped bristles.”

Chelsea, tester with fine 2A hair: “I brought this brush with me to the beach. After taking a dip in salt water (with no styling or softening product at my disposal), this brush still slipped right through my knotty waves and tense crown. No discomfort—just wins all around!”

Best for Fine Hair

Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler

What We Like

• Two-tiered bristle design detangles and smooths
• Comfortable to use
• Durable

What to Consider

• One tester experienced slight breakage

Hair Type: All | Shape: Oblong | Bristle Material: Plastic | Wet or Dry: Both

Those with fine hair types should reach for Tangle Teezer’s The Ultimate Detangler; its two-tiered plastic bristles work to both detangle and smooth the hair in one go. Our testers agreed that this brush was incredibly effective at untangling knots and reducing flyaways at the same time.

They also noted that this brush’s slim handle was very easy to grip, thanks to its slightly curved design, and that it felt very durable overall. Chelsea went so far as to say that this brush has motivated her to detangle her hair morning and night, just to experience its soothing and tingling effect on her scalp.

Lastly, since fine hair is delicate, we’d be remiss not to mention breakage, here. Chelsea did not notice any split ends or breakage while using this brush, but Ashley, who has type 2C hair, noticed a few short, broken strands, which she characterized as very minimal breakage compared to her experience using other brushes.

Ashley, tester with curly 2C hair: “This brush removed all knots and tangles very quickly and effortlessly. It also smoothed flyaways and frizz instantly.”

Chelsea, tester with fine 2A hair: “It was very easy to use this brush on both wet and dry hair. It feels durable enough to detangle knots but doesn't tug my fine strands.”

Best for Curly Hair

Bounce Curl Detangling Brush

What We Like

• Detangles wet, dry, and blown-out hair
• Ergonomic handle
• Easy to clean

What to Consider

• Nothing!

Hair Type: Wavy, curly, coily | Shape: Oval | Bristle Material: Plant-based PLA | Wet or Dry: Wet

According to our testers, the Bounce Curl Detangling Brush imparted salon-level results on curly hair, whether wet, dry, or even blown out. They agreed that its fine, ball point-tipped bristles—which are made from PLA, a biodegradable plastic-like material—did not pull or tug on the hair in any form and that it removed knots and tangles without causing any frizz or breakage. 

Other highlights were its durable ergonomic handle and its unique flexible paddle, which both allowed it to conform to the scalp and made it incredibly easy to clean. Overall, our testers reported that this brush’s unique design and unmatched detangling abilities made it an all-around winner, particularly for curly hair.

Ashley, tester with curly 2C hair: “The Bounce Curl Detangling Brush gave salon-level results—it detangled my hair quickly and smoothly, with no dragging or pulling.”

Chelsea, tester with fine 2A hair: “Even though this brush has thin bristles, it removed knots and tangles without causing frizz or breakage. Even when I took my hair out of two French braids, this brush detangled every hairspray-covered section without tugging on my strands.”

Best for Thick Hair

Dae Vegan Detangle + Style Brush

What We Like

• Two-tiered vegan bristles detangle and smooth the hair
• Works seamlessly on tangled dry hair

What to Consider

• Nothing!

Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, coily | Shape: Oval | Bristle Material: Vegan boar-like | Wet or Dry: Both

Combatting tangles in thick hair can be particularly difficult, but Dae’s Vegan Detangle + Style Brush was more than up to the challenge. According to our testers, its dense, two-tiered bristles—which are vegan but resemble boar bristles—made it feel like a strong, effective comb. The taller, ball-tipped bristles detangled the hair at the base and massaged the scalp, while the smaller clustered bristles worked to smooth the hair, as well.

They also noted its attractive matte finish and that it worked particularly well on dry hair too. Chelsea, with fine hair, pointed out that it removed dry knots in two-day hair seamlessly, and that it smoothed out bedhead—all without any snagging or damage.

Ashley, tester with curly 2C hair: “Because of the way the bristles are designed and clustered, the brush felt very durable detangling my hair; the extra bristle fibers made it feel like a strong, effective comb instead of a delicate detangle.”

Chelsea, tester with fine 2A hair: “This detangling brush removed my dry knots and detangled day-two hair seamlessly. Day after day, it sealed the cuticle and helped distribute my hair's natural oils at the root. ”

Best for Styling

Denman The Detangling & Styling Paddle

What We Like

• Effective at detangling wet and dry hair
• Large paddle grips hair well 

What to Consider

• Slightly difficult to hold
• Air-cushioned paddle requires more pressure

Hair Type: All | Shape: Paddle | Bristle Material: Rubber D3 styling pins | Wet or Dry: Both

Denman’s The Detangling & Styling Paddle is the option for styling mid-length or thick hair, thanks to its large rectangular paddle—it grabs large sections of hair at a time, removes knots very quickly, and glides easily, sans any pulling or tugging. Our testers also agreed that this brush felt exceedingly durable.

One potential drawback is the brush’s flexible air-cushioned paddle; Ashley, our tester with curly hair, noted that it required putting more pressure on the scalp for the brush to be effective, which can cause slight discomfort. 

Ashley, tester with curly 2C hair: “I love that the Denman detangling brush has a sizeable paddle—it makes the brushing process super-efficient for my thick hair.”

Chelsea, tester with fine 2A hair: “This brush was effective at detangling both wet and dry hair. Its bristles enhanced my detangling experience the most—although they were firm, they weren't tough on the scalp.”

Best for Stubborn Knots

Mane Detangling Paddle Hair Brush

What We Like

• Effective at untangling knots
• Durable and well-made
• Beautiful design

What to Consider

• Wood handle is slightly slippery

Hair Type: Straight, wavy, curly, coily | Shape: Paddle | Bristle Material: Metal | Wet or Dry: Both

Truly knotty hair? Mane’s Ready or Not Detangling Paddle Brush can help, say our testers. Although its metal bristles took a bit of getting used to—they’re not flexible and don’t have ball tips to soften them—they effectively detangled even the most stubborn of knots without any pulling or damage and stimulated the scalp. 

However, although our testers praised this brush’s beautiful design—it would look great on any vanity, they say—its birch wood handle felt slightly slippery to hold. But, overall, this brush was very durable and effective.

Ashley, tester with curly 2C hair: “Metal bristles feel completely different on the scalp—they took some getting used to, but ultimately, they made the brush feel extra sturdy. They also detangled my hair easily, which made for less pulling and tugging.”

Chelsea, tester with fine 2A hair: “This detangling brush removed knots and tangles just fine. It also controlled my frizz and enhanced my hair’s natural shine.”

Best Ergonomic

Drybar Detangling Brush

What We Like

• Effective at detangling hair
• Comfortable to use
• Lightweight
• No-slip grip

What to Consider

• Brush is a bit narrow

Hair Type: All | Shape: Oblong | Bristle Material: Nylon | Wet or Dry: Both

Drybar’s Super Lemon Drop Brush ticked all the boxes when it came to ease of use: Our testers agreed that its flexible nylon bristles felt comfortable on the scalp, its matte finish was ultra-easy to grip, and its durable ergonomic build made it easy to hold and use. One tester also noted that because it’s so lightweight and moderately sized, it would be an excellent brush for travel.

The Lemon Drop didn’t skimp on detangling performance, either. Both testers reported that it worked quickly, effectively, and gently (no damage here!) on both wet and dry hair. They both raved about it, though Ashley, with curly hair, wished the head was slightly wider to include more rows of bristles and grab more curls at once. 

Ashley, tester with curly 2C hair: “Drybar’s Super Lemon Drop brush feels well-made and very secure—it gently detangled and smoothed my wet hair.”

Chelsea, tester with fine 2A hair: “I love to use this brush to detangle any knots by the nape of the neck since it doesn't tug against my sensitive, easily irritated skin around this area. Plus, no breakage at all!”

Best Travel-Size

Fhi Heat UNbrush Detangling Hair Brush

What We Like

• Lightweight build
• Has a hole to hang it on a bathroom hook

What to Consider

• Potentially not as as durable as other options

Hair Type: All | Shape: Oblong | Bristle Material: Patented DuoFlex Anti-Static | Wet or Dry: Both

Good detangling brushes can come in small, lightweight packages. Case in point: FHI’s Detangling Brush. Our testers agreed that this brush was the most lightweight of any of the options on this list, which makes it particularly great for travel. Its handle also has a hexagon-shaped hole for easy hanging on a bathroom hook.

In terms of performance, its two-tiered bristles were also effective at detangling wet and dry hair with minimal discomfort, though one tester noted that its bristles didn’t feel very durable. Our other tester agreed more broadly that its ultra-lightweight build might not stand the test of time, especially when used on curly or super-tangled strands. But, still, given this brush’s lightweight design and solid performance—and the fact it comes in a host of vibrant color options—it’s a great option to throw in your bag or purse.

Ashley, tester with curly 2C hair: “FHI’s Unbrush Detangling Hair Brush was very easy to use on my wet curly hair; it also offers an ultra-light handle and paddle, which makes it great for traveling.”

Chelsea, tester contributor with fine 2A hair: “I don't think this brush is very durable—against knots, it feels like the bristles are going to bend and break—but it’s very lightweight, and brushes out both wet and dry hair nicely.”

What to Look for When Buying a Detangling Brush

• Bristles: You want lots of flexibility in the bristles of a detangling brush. Otherwise, you risk damaging and pulling on your hair. Dueñas specifically looks for the absence of “balls” on the end of bristles. “These tend to grasp onto the hair and cause breakage,” says Dueñas. “I like a smooth bristle that glides through the hair, but it needs to be very flexible.” If you have straight, fine, or even wavy hair, we suggest looking for a thinner bristle silhouette. “Thinner bristles go through the hair gently. You'll have less tugging which means less broken hair,” Kayganich says.
• Shape: If you have long and/or thick hair that you want to get through quickly, opt 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 an oval brush. 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 says.
• 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. If you want something that looks more luxurious, Dueñas suggests turning to a wooden brush, though be advised that they require more upkeep and shouldn’t be left in wet places. If that doesn’t sound like something you want to worry about, Kayganich suggests an alternative: “You can leave plastic brushes in the shower and they will enable a little more flexibility,” she says.

How We Tested Detangling Brushes

Below are the features our editors and contributors evaluated over four weeks to determine our top picks.

• Detangling Brushes Tested: 12
• Testing Period: 4 weeks
• Methodology: We tested these detangling brushes at home in a variety of scenarios (including on wet, dry, and post-blowout hair). Our testers used each brush at least twice.
• Factors Considered: Ease of use, comfort, detangling effectiveness (on both wet and dry hair), and overall value.

FAQ

What is the difference between a detangling vs. a regular brush?

Regular brushes have their time and place, especially if they’re made specifically for styling. So, what’s the difference? According to Spino, detangling brushes have more flexible bristles to address knots without damaging the hair. The bristles also tend to be thinner and more spaced out in a detangling brush to further prevent breakage.

Can you brush wet hair?

This question is a doozy. Should you brush wet hair? In general, brushing straight hair that's wet can potentially cause more breakage, but it's actually preferred to brush curly and coily hair when it's wet. Kayganich gets into the nitty-gritty of the science behind it all: “Hair is more fragile when it's wet due to hydrogen bonds in the hair, so you will most definitely want to use a detangling brush because it can cause less breakage than a normal brush would,” she explains.

If you plan on brushing wet hair (which, let’s be honest, almost all of us do), just make sure you use a brush designed for detangling wet hair. A detangling spray can further help coax out knots.

How often should you replace your brush?

If you’ve had the same detangling brush for five years, it’s time to ditch it. Even if it looks clean, chances are that its bristles are breaking or even missing. “If you notice there is almost no tension left, it’s time for a new brush,” says Dueñas.

There’s no absolute rule when it comes to the timing of replacing your brush, as it all depends on how often you use it and how well you care for it. “If the bristles have become damaged or warped or some of the bristles are missing, it’s also time to get a new brush,” says Kayganich, who also recommends washing your detangling brush once a week at home with mild antibacterial soap.

Why Trust Byrdie

Avery Stone is a contributing writer for Byrdie and was previously the brand’s Commerce Editorial Director. Her work has also appeared in The Cut (NYMag), The Wall Street Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, Bustle, Billboard, ELLE, GQ, VICE, Eater, NYLON, Refinery29, and more. From the above, she is a personal fan of the classic Wet Brush Original Detangler Hair Brush.

With insight from April Kayganich (a curly hair expert and Hairstory network stylist), Michael Dueñas (a celebrity hairstylist and grooming expert), Jenna Spino (a veteran hairstylist at Maxine Salon), she compiled testing insights from Team Byrdie, thoroughly inspecting their experiences and noting any standout results.