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The 10 Best Hairbrushes for Fine Hair That Won’t Snag At Strands

 

A simple change that makes a world of a difference.

The best hairbrush for fine hair will do more than detangle. The good ones help cut down on breakage, smooth out frizz, and can make every at-home blow-dry feel professional. When your hair’s on the thinner, more delicate side, the wrong brush can do more harm than good. That’s why the right one—something gentle but still effective—makes such a difference.

Of course, finding the right hair products that work for your specific hair type requires some research. Those with fine hair can’t just use the same item as those with thick hair. Some brushes can tug, cause static, or pull too harshly at delicate strands, leading to unnecessary damage over time. Others may not offer the kind of tension or heat distribution needed for a proper blow-dry, which can leave your hair flat or frizzy instead of giving you your desired result. “Fine hair can be more prone to damage while brushing because fine hair is smaller in diameter,” explains Jenna Spino, a hair stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. The right brush can minimize damage while brushing; it can also help with easy, gentle detangling. That’s why it’s crucial to find one that complements your overall hair care routine.

Whether you’re looking to add volume at the roots, define layers, or simply keep your strands healthy and frizz-free between washes, the best brushes for thin hair work smarter, not harder. From a boar-bristle hair brush that distributes natural oils to vented designs that speed up drying time, we’ve rounded up the best types of brushes for fine hair that are tested by our editors and expert-approved to help you give your strands the love they deserve.

How we tested the best hairbrushes for fine hair

We tested hair brushes for fine hair by evaluating their bristles and how well they detangled our strands without any breakage. We looked for brushes with boar or plastic bristles that didn’t snag or get stuck in knots, and those that were also suitable for combing wet and dry hair. The best ones left our hair silky smooth and flyaway free with little to no hair fallout.

Best Overall: Mason Pearson Handy Mixture Brush

The Mason Pearson Handy Mixture Brush combines boar and nylon bristles to suit a range of different hair types but is especially great for fine hair because it is so gentle. It’s a favorite among hairstylists for its ability to smooth flyaways without pulling or creating static. It’s also a good option for those dealing with damaged hair or hair loss since the nylon bristles reach the scalp to stimulate circulation, while the boar bristles polish the hair shaft for a smoother finish. Though it’s a splurge, it's a worthy investment for anyone serious about long-term hair care.

“Do you need to spend $200 on a comb? The answer is unequivocally no, but I’ll say this: Since I started to use the cult-favorite Mason Pearson brush to straighten my curls, my hair has never looked shinier,” says Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz. “My late mother was a hairdresser and instilled in me the importance of using good tools (her trusty dryer lasted me 20 years). Of course you don’t have to splurge on what’s known as the Birkin of brushes to find quality, but I’ve been blown away (pun intended) by how well those luxurious boar bristles from the iconic 140-year-old brand get the job done. And in a way, when I use it, I feel closer to my mom. Over the past two months, I’ve noticed significantly less breakage (which is saying a lot, since I’m a serial flatiron-er), and I love the gentle scalp massage it offers. If you’ve also melted through your share of drugstore paddle brushes and have been flirting with making the investment, they seldom go on sale. Just sayin’.”

Bristle material: Nylong and boar bristles
What we like: Great for shine and all hair types
What to consider: A pricey investment

Best Wet Brush: Tangle Teezer Fine & Fragile Detangler Brush

Designed specifically for delicate strands, this Tangle Teezer detangler brush glides through wet or dry hair without snagging or causing unnecessary stress to the scalp. Its flexible bristles are soft enough for fine or thinning hair but strong enough to handle long hair. The lightweight, ergonomic design with two-tiered flexible teeth also makes it easy to use in or out of the shower and helps keep healthy hair easy to achieve.

Bristle material: Plastic
What we like: Good for wet and dry hair
What to consider: Delicate bristles are susceptible to wear over time.

Best Paddle: FHI Heat UnBrush Wet & Dry Detangling Brush

The FHI Heat UnBrush Wet & Dry Detangling Brush wins our pick for the best paddle brush because of how well it streamlines any hair styling routine. Its unique vented cushion reduces blow-dry time and is a beginner-friendly way to achieve smooth, frizz-free hair. The brush features DuoFlex anti-static bristles that glide effortlessly through both wet and dry hair, minimizing snagging and breakage. Whether you’re detangling post-shower or prepping for a blowout, this is gentle and lightweight, and has an ergonomic design that provides a comfortable grip. While it’s suitable for all hair types, this is a great addition for any fine-hair routine.

Bristle material: Plastic
What we like: Backless vented cushion reduces styling time and prevents mold
What to consider: Some shoppers find it to be flimsy.

Best Boar Bristle: Crown Affair The Brush No. 003

If you’re after smooth, glossy hair without the fuss, Crown Affair’s Brush No. 003 is a game changer. The soft bristles feel gentle as they glide through both straight hair and wavy hair, effortlessly distributing natural oils that leave strands looking healthy and polished. It’s a boar-bristle brush that detangles while adding volume, so your hair never feels weighed down or flat. Plus, it tames frizz and flyaways without any harsh pulling, which is a win for all hair types but especially those with finer strands.

Bristle material: Boar bristles
What we like: Stimulates scalp and distributes natural oils
What to consider: Not a brush meant for detangling

Best for Heat Styling: T3 Smooth Paddle Brush

The T3 Smooth Paddle Brush is a must-have for achieving sleek, smooth hair with minimal effort. Designed with seamless, heat-resistant nylon bristles, this brush glides seamlessly through both wet and dry hair. Its broad, flat base allows for quick and efficient styling, making it the perfect plus-one to your blow dryer. Also, the cushioned nonslip handle ensures you won’t get tired during your styling sessions (we’ve all been there). Whether you’re prepping your hair for a blow-dry or finishing a blowout, this brush ensures a polished, frizz-free finish every time.

Bristle material: Nylon
What we like: Works as a hair detangler and blowout brush
What to consider: According to reviewers, best for straight to wavy hair

Best Anti-Breakage: Manta Original Anti-Breakage Hairbrush

The Manta Original Anti-Breakage Hairbrush is the tool to have for when your priority is healthy hair with minimal breakage. Its patented Flexguard technology allows each bristle to move independently, adapting to the shape of your scalp and reducing tension on each strand. This flexibility makes it ideal for those with fragile or thinning hair since it can reduce split ends and prevent further damage. From curly to wavy to straight hair, this brush glides through knots effortlessly without pulling or snagging. Incorporating this brush regularly into your daily hair care routine can lead to noticeable improvements in hair health and appearance.

Bristle material: Plastic
What we like: Gentle massage brush that reduces tension
What to consider: A small, compact brush that is best for short to medium-length hair

Best Round Brush: Ibiza Hair Round Boar-Bristle Brush (B Series)

Crafted with eco-friendly cork handles and natural blonde boar bristles, the Ibizia round hairbrush is designed to add texture and shine, making it ideal for color-treated and fine hair. A longtime favorite of professional hairdressers, this makes creating volumizing results simple due to its round design. Its combination of natural boar bristles and heat-resistant carbon fiber works to lift at the roots while adding body and shine. Whether you're curling the ends or creating a sleek finish, this brush offers the versatility and precision of a pro tool.

Bristle material: Carbon fiber and blonde boar bristles
What we like: Great at volumizing and creating waves
What to consider: Best for medium-length to long hair

Best for Scalp: La Bonne Brosse N.03 The Essential Soft Hairbrush

Made with a blend of natural bristles and soft nylon fibers, La Bonne Brosse’s scalp hairbrush is meant to glide gently through your strands while stimulating the scalp and distributing oils from root to tip. The result? A healthier scalp and noticeably shinier hair with less frizz over time. The cushiony base is meant to adapt to the shape of your head, offering a soothing massage that makes brushing feel like a moment of self-care. Thanks to the high-quality soft bristles, it’s especially ideal for anyone with a sensitive scalp or fine hair in need of a little extra TLC.

Bristle material: Nylon and boar bristles
What we like: Great for sensitive scalps
What to consider: Not the best for daily detangling

Best for Curly Hair: Denman D3 Original Styler 7-Row Hairbrush

The Denman D3 Original Styler is a cult-favorite item among curly-haired individuals for its exceptional design that helps define and shape curls. Featuring seven rows of smooth, round-ended nylon pins set in a half-round anti-static rubber pad, this brush provides the perfect tension to enhance curl formation without causing frizz. It’s especially effective on wet hair, allowing for even product distribution and clump formation, which results in well-defined, bouncy curls. The D3 is versatile enough to be used for detangling, blow-drying, and styling, making it a staple in many hair care routines.

Bristle material: Nylon
What we like: Multiuse for detangling, defining curls, and blow-drying
What to consider: Specifically made for curly hair types

Best for Tangles: Wet Brush Original Detangler

If the thought of detangling your knotted hair makes you squirm, the Wet Brush Original Detangler is here to make it less of a hassle. It’s made with ultrasoft IntelliFlex bristles that glide through wet or dry hair with as minimal pulling as possible, without the added typical discomfort level. It’s especially helpful right after a shower, when hair is at its most fragile and prone to snapping.

“I always rely on my Wet Brush because it does an amazing job of detangling my hair once I hop out of the shower. It has these fine-tipped balls that glide through my strands and manage to leave them soft and silky just after contact. Once you start using this one post-shower, you’ll never go back,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.

Bristle material: Nylon
What we like: Gentle detangler on wet or dry hair on all hair types
What to consider: Some reviewers mention it is not the most durable

Frequently asked questions

What makes a brush good for fine hair?

When choosing a brush for fine hair, softer bristles are key. Fine strands are more prone to breakage and damage, so using a brush that’s too stiff can easily cause unnecessary stress on the hair shaft. “Brushes with softer bristles are generally better for fine hair because they won’t cause as much breakage as a harder bristle,” explains Spino.

Instead, opt for brushes with flexible bristles like nylon or boar. These materials are gentle enough to glide through fine hair without pulling, and they can help distribute natural oils from root to tip—something fine hair often needs for added shine and moisture. A gentle brush helps keep strands intact while still detangling effectively.

Should you brush fine hair a certain way to minimize damage?

The way you brush matters just as much as the type of brush when it comes to fine hair. Improper brushing can lead to split ends, breakage, and overall thinning. To minimize damage, “you want to start brushing out the ends and slowly work up to detangle without tugging too much,” says Spino. This method reduces stress on the roots and helps prevent hair from snapping mid-shaft.

Brushing before washing is also an underrated step in a healthy hair routine. “It’s always good to brush before washing to distribute the hair’s natural oils and stimulate the scalp a little,” the hair stylist says. Not only does this prep the scalp, but it also makes detangling post-shampoo easier, especially since fine hair can be even more vulnerable to breakage when wet.

Meet the experts

• Jenna Spino, hair stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago