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15 Best Boar-Bristle Brushes and What They Really Do

 

Let us discuss.

Fact: There are a bazillion types of hair brushes on the market (ya know, round brushes, paddle brushes, hair-straightening brushes, detangling brushes, edge brushes, etc.), and, surprisingly, they often do vastly different things. Though you don't necessarily need a dozen different brushes in your drawer, you may want to consider investing in a boar-bristle brush, since it's one of the few hairbrushes that can do the job of many, anddddd it's great for all hair types.

Hairstylist Leigh Hardges calls the boar-bristle brush the "ultimate tool in hair care" because it helps polish the hair with the natural oils from the scalp while gently detangling it sans massive pulling. And, to be honest, it's kinda just one of those beauty tools worth having on hand to play around with at least once in your life. Hairstylist Tippi Shorter believes that the boar-bristle brush has a ton of great benefits, too, explaining that it won't mold throughout time or pull on the hair and can be used for different things depending on the style of the brush. But the best part? Hairstylist Joseph Maine says that the brush will last a v long time (like as in YEARS), so it's definitely something worth investing in.

But if you're not sure if you should try one—or, TBH, you're not totally sure what "boar bristle" even means—we gotchu. But first, here's a sneak peek of our top picks...

Our top picks for the best boar-bristle brushes in 2022:

Intrigued? Well, you've got plenty of options that will fit your preference and we found the very best of 'em all. Considering an updo for your next big event and need a brush? Check. A bouncy blowout for that special date? Check. What about a sleek ponytail? Check, check, and check. These 15 different boar-bristle brushes are for all your styling needs.

THIS BOAR PADDLE BRUSH

Spornette DeVille Cushion Paddle Boar Bristle 344
 

Pros

• GENTLE ENOUGH FOR IRRITATED AND SENSITIVE SCALPS

Cons

• BRISTLES MAY BE STIFF AT FIRST

If you've got a whole lotta hair and love a big paddle brush, this one will help you thoroughly disperse all the natural oils without compromising the integrity of your strands. The 100 percent natural boar bristles and cushiony base both work to prevent breakage and damage.

THE REVIEW: "This brush distributes my natural oils so I can go days longer without washing my hair. It feels great against my scalp, and has made any trace of dandruff go away as it distributes the oils down the hair shaft. I will never go back to a modern brush after buying this boar bristle brush," writes one customer.

THIS BOAR BRUSH FOR FINE HAIR

Conair Performers All Purpose Styling Brush
 

Pros

• VERY GOOD FOR SENSITIVE SCALPS

Cons

• WON'T BE GREAT FOR THOSE WITH THICK HAIR WHO WANT TO DETANGLE

Although the Cadillacs of boar-bristle brushes have price tags that soar incredibly hiiiigh, there are still a ton of great options for those not looking to spend major dough on their first go-around. This 100 percent boar-bristle brush by Conair is specially made for fine and sensitive scalps. The bristles work to gently distribute the scalp's natural oils throughout the hair. The brush is also incredibly versatile and can be used as a detangling wet brush, a blow-drying brush, or just an everyday staple.

THE REVIEW: "This is a great brush for someone like myself, who has thin, fine hair. The bristles are soft but sturdy enough to brush through thin hair. When dealing with tangles and knots in the hair, this is much kinder than other, stiffer brushes," writes one reviewer.

THIS LIGHTWEIGHT ROUND BOAR-BRISTLE BRUSH

Ibiza Hair Brush EX4 Boar-Bristle Brush
 

Pros

• GREAT ERGONOMIC HANDLE

Cons

• THE BRUSH HEAD MAY BE TOO LARGE FOR THOSE WITH SHORTER HAIR, REVIEWERS WRITE

Bristles are an important factor when picking out a brush, but Hardges says you also want to take note of the handle because if it's not comfortable, guess what? Yeah, you're not using it. We know how heavy a hair dryer can be, so a lightweight brush with an ergonomic handle is key when creating tension with your hair without getting tired. This round brush is not only super light, but it also holds a blend of natural boar and heat-resistant carbon fiber.

THE REVIEW: "The brush is so lightweight which is so nice on those sleepy mornings when getting ready for work. It has really cut down on the dry frizz and static in my hair this winter—it's smoother and looks so much healthier," writes one customer.

THIS ETHICALLY-SOURCED BOAR-BRISTLE PADDLE BRUSH

Raincry Condition Large Pure Boar-Bristle Brush
 

Pros

• GREAT FOR SENSITIVE AND IRRITATED SCALPS

Cons

• SOME REVIEWERS CAN'T JUSTIFY THE PRICE

High-quality brushes come at high price points, but you'll only have to save up once because the best brushes will last forever. You probably won't ever need to toss and replace this handcrafted boar-bristle brush, so add it to your low-waste beauty routine. Made with materials from ethical and environmentally renewable resources, this brush features strong boar bristles and a flexible cushion for ouch-less hair brushing.

THE REVIEW: "Compared to all of the other boar brushes that I own, this is truly the best so far. I mainly use it for the top of my hair—I have thick 3a/b curly hair which gets very frizzy and flat. My scalp is very sensitive and it does not bother me at all," writes one customer.

THIS EDITOR'S PERSONAL FAVORITE BOAR BRUSH

The Flex Brush Boar/Nylon Brush
 

Pros

• CONTOURS TO YOUR SCALP

Cons

• SOMETIMES IT CAN BE HARD TO FIND IN STOCK

I received this bristle brush as a little prezzie circa Christmas 2020. I'm not gonna lie—it took me three months to use the damn thing, but when I did, I never went back. I swear by it and all the amazing things it has done for my hair. The unique flexibility of the brush allows it to contour to your scalp, which in turn delivers an incredibly relaxing massage experience. Pro tip: you can use the brush on wet hair and it gently detangles while massaging.

THE REVIEW: "I absolutely love this brush and brand—it's gentle and detangles the hair great," reads one customer's review.

THIS BOAR-BRISTLE STYLING BRUSH

Y.S Park G-Series Curl Shine Styler Round Brush

 

Pros

• SMOOTHES HAIR AMAZINGLY

Cons

• IF YOU'RE NOT CAREFUL, THE PLASTIC BRISTLES MAY MELT UNDER HIGH HEAT

This round brush from one of Maine's favorite brands features alternating rows of two different types of bristles: natural boar and heat-resistant polyamide pins. The longer, non-boar bristles help with detangling, while the boar bristles gently pull the hair. Together, they work to give your blow-out the smoothest results.

THE REVIEW: "It grips well and smooths my fine hair. My hair salon uses this brush and I’m happy to now have one at home. I’ll be throwing my previous round brush away, I wish I would have gotten this sooner!" writes one reviewer.

THIS GENTLE BOAR-BRISTLE BRUSH

Christophe Robin Boar-Bristle Detangling Hairbrush

 

Pros

• FIRM ENOUGH TO BRUSH THROUGH THICK HAIR

Cons

• REVIEWERS WISH THE HANDLE WAS MADE WITH REAL WOOD VERSUS PLASTIC BECAUSE OF THE PRICE

Look closely and you'll notice how the boar bristles in this brush vary in length, which is ideal for gently detangling and imparting a shiny finish to the hair. Both Hardges and Maine love this kind of brush for smoothing and softening the hair to create a more uniform glam wave. After you've used a curling iron or wand to make tight ringlets, run this brush through your strands to loosen the curls into a soft wave pattern.

THE REVIEW: "The bristles are long and firm enough to go through my long thick Hispanic hair...this brush makes my hair feel so smooth and shiny, plus, it makes my edges smooth and flat when I wear a ponytail, or when I part my hair in the middle and want that sleek look," reads one tester's review.

THIS CLASSIC BOAR-BRISTLE BRUSH

Mason Pearson Popular Mixture Bristle & Nylon Mix Hairbrush
 

Pros

• THIS BRUSH WILL LAST YEARS AND YEARS TO COME

Cons

• EXTREMELY PRICEY

Ah, yes. The hair brush of all hair brushes. The crème de la crème. The Great Bambino. This classic brush will last you for-ev-er, which is the only way you can justify spending over two hundred bucks on a hair tool that doesn't even plug in. "These brushes carry that price tag for the quality in craftsmanship and their longevity," explains Hardges, who is a big fan of Mason Pearson. With this brush, you get all the hair shine and oil-dispersing advantages of boar hair, and the detangling benefits of nylon bristles.

THE REVIEW: "200 dollars for a brush?! Whoa! But it is worth every penny. My split ends are gone, and a lot less daily hair is left in my brush. I cannot explain it, but you do not want to stop brushing your hair, it feels like a massage," writes one customer.

THIS CRUELTY-FREE BOAR BRUSH

Briogeo Vegan Boar-Bristle Hair Brush
 

Pros

• SYNTHETIC BRUSH, BUT FEELS EXTREMELY SIMILAR TO THE REAL THING

Cons

• DIFFICULT TO CLEAN ACCORDING TO SOME REVIEWERS

This brush is fully vegan, but it looks and performs just like the real thing. In lieu of boar bristles, this tool is packed with varying lengths of synthetic bristles (some with ballpoint ends) to thoroughly detangle strands and massage the scalp. A pretty, cruelty-free brush at an affordable price? Can't beat it.

THE REVIEW: "I have long, curly, 3b hair. I struggle brushing my hair after washing it on wash day, but this brush has made my hair life so much easier. I also feel like less of my hair comes out with it," reads one customer's review.

THIS DOUBLE-SIDED BOAR BRUSH

Yusef 2-Sided Club Brush
 

Pros

• DETANGLES COURSE AND THICK HAIR

Cons

• IT CAN BE USED FOR MORE THAN BEARDS, BUT IT'S SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THEM SO IT'S ON THE SMALLER SIDE

The only two-in-one we approve of using in your hair-care routine is this double-sided brush that does it all. Use the side with reinforced boar bristles to detangle any knots, then flip it over to smooth out your strands and add shine with the soft, 100 percent boar bristles on the other half.

THE REVIEW: My friend uses this brush and she says "the brush leaves your hair smooth as heck, plus the extra firm side detangles the thickest and coarsest of hair."

THIS DETANGLING BOAR-BRISTLE BRUSH

Wet Brush Pro Shine Enhancer Brush
 

Pros

• GREAT FOR USING PRE- AND POST-STYLING

Cons

• IT CAN BE A LITTLE STIFF AT FIRST

This type of detangling brush is great to use before wash day to help condition the strands and stimulate the scalp. With a combo of flexible massaging bristles and natural boar, this brush will leave your hair all soft and smooth and tangle-free.

THE REVIEW: "Surprised a simple brush could make such a difference in the texture of my hair—I think it's the combination of the different bristles! It's great for brushing after curling/waving, and it distributes oils or dry shampoo throughout the hair," writes one tester.

THIS AFFORDABLE BOAR-BRISTLE BRUSH

Goody Naturally Smooth Boar Hair Brush
 

Pros

• GREAT BRUSH TO TAKE ON THE GO

Cons

• YOU MAY HAVE TO SECTION OUT HAIR TO TRULY USE IT FOR DETANGLING

Whether you need a smaller brush to fit in your travel cosmetic case or you're just not looking to spend the money rn (fair), try this trusty drugstore option. It's made with 100 percent boar bristles, can fit easily in your bag for on-the-go use, and it'll get the job done for smoother, shinier hair.

THE REVIEW: "I was amazed at the difference in my hair after using this hairbrush. Boar bristles really do make a difference and I have very thin fine hair," reads one customer's review.

THIS BOAR-BRISTLE BRUSH FOR SHORT HAIR

R+Co Round Brush 1
 

Pros

• GREAT FOR BANGS AS WELL

Cons

• THOSE WITH LONG HAIR WILL WANT TO USE A LARGER BRUSH HEAD

Round brushes aren't just for long hair. If you want to heat-style your short hair and blow out your curls or add volume to flat roots, this 1.5-inch brush with natural boar bristles will help you get the look you want without further damaging the hair.

THE REVIEW: "I have semi-curly hair, and I loved how easy it was to blow out my hair with this brush," reads one customer's review.

THIS NYLON AND BOAR TEASING BRUSH

Olivia Garden Style-Up Mixed Folding Teasing Brush
 

Pros

• FOLDS SO IT'S GREAT FOR TRAVEL

Cons

• NYLON BRISTLES ARE MIXED IN SO IT'S NOT GOING TO BE AS GENTLE AS A 100 PERCENT BOAR-BRISTLE BRUSH

Now that we've drilled it into your head that boar-bristle brushes are great for smoothing and detangling your hair, we're going to throw in a fun fact just to confuse you: they're also great for teasing your hair. Yep, turns out the bristles that are great for creating tension in the hair work both ways, which means you can use a narrow brush like this to backcomb the hair for more volume as well.

THE REVIEW: "Just as good as any high-end brush and seems to be well-constructed, as such, I highly doubt it will break anytime soon. I appreciate that it folds which makes it very easy to store and help protect the bristles," writes one reviewer.

THIS BOAR BRUSH FOR EDGES

BABY TRESS 3-in-1 Edge Styler Tool
 

Pros

• GREAT QUALITY SO IT WILL LAST

Cons

• SOME REVIEWERS CAN'T JUSTIFY THE PRICE

Another fun fact to throw at ya, some of the best edge brushes are made of boar bristle. The firmness really helps to lay the hair just right, and some hairstyles require some snatched edges. If you've been looking for a new edge brush, you have got to check out this one by Baby Tress. Not only does it have a firm boar bristle side, but it also has a great comb and pointed tip.

THE REVIEW: "The brush feels solid in the hand—I used a similar product in the past that snapped in half because it was made of thin plastic—this one works well, the silicone bristles are easy to clean, and the protective cap keeps product residue out of my toiletry bag as well," writes one reviewer.

What is a boar-bristle brush made out of?

A boar-bristle brush is made with just that: a boar's bristles. "The bristles are both durable and pliable, so they last for a long time without showing much sign of wear," says Maine. This type of natural bristle is great for creating tension when brushing your hair, yet it's also soft and gentle, which means it won't tear or splinter the hair strands, Hardges adds. Not a fan of using actual boar bristles? No worries—not all boar-bristle brushes are made with 100 percent natural bristles. Some feature a mix of natural and synthetic bristles, while others are entirely vegan.

How to choose the best boar-bristle brush:

Determine what kind of look you're going for

Determining the specific boar-bristle brush you should invest in depends on what kind of hairstyle look or everyday use you are going for. Like most hair brushes and basically everything in life, there is no one-size-fits-all option. Shorter explains that a compact bristle brush is a great choice for smoothing ponytails and other hairstyles of the sort. However, if you're looking for more of an everyday brush or a brush to use with a hair dryer, "there are boar-bristle brushes that are much wider, on a flat head, that grip the hair and smooth it," she says.

Shorter also notes that flat brushes provide more room for the hair to filter out so that it dries quicker and easier. However, if you're looking for a boar-bristle brush for a bouncy blowout, Shorter recommends a round brush version.

Meet the experts:

Tippi Shorter is the Mizani global artistic director, L'Oreal color artist, and celebrity hairstylist whose clientele includes Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Kelly Rowland, Jennifer Hudson, and more.
Joseph Maine is a celebrity hairstylist, the artistic director at ColorWow Hair, and the co-founder of Trademark Beauty, a line of fun, affordable, and easy-to-use beauty tools and products.
Leigh Hardges is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, IL, and a natural hair expert.

Why trust Cosmo?

Siena Gagliano is a contributing beauty editor at Cosmopolitan and has two years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing hair stories, like the best travel hair dryers and thickening shampoos, and feels especially knowledgeable in boar-bristle brushes thanks to trying out a million on her hair. She regularly tests and analyzes boar-bristle brushes on her own hair for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top hairstylists to assess new products and brands.

Brooke Shunatona was the senior beauty editor at Cosmopolitan for nearly five years and has eight years of experience writing about beauty and lifestyle across print and digital, including hair diffusers for curly hair and how to get rid of oily skin.