When it comes to hair care, most of us think about shampoo, conditioner, masks, and maybe a styling cream or two. But the tools you use—your brushes and combs—can be just as important. The right brush can detangle without breakage, reduce frizz, and even improve your scalp health. The wrong one? It can cause more split ends, tugging, and unnecessary damage.
So how do you know which brush or comb is best for your hair type? Whether you're rocking curls, coils, straight strands, or fine waves, we've broken it down by texture and need, so you can treat your hair with the love (and tools) it deserves.
For Fine or Thin Hair
Go-to tools:
- Boar bristle brush
- Wide-tooth comb (for wet hair)
Fine hair is delicate and prone to breakage, especially when it’s wet. A natural boar bristle brush is ideal for distributing oils from the scalp down the hair shaft, which helps keep strands moisturized and shiny without pulling too hard.
Try:
- Mason Pearson Handy Bristle Brush – A splurge, but worth it if you want a brush that smooths without causing breakage.
- The Wet Brush Original Detangler – Great for gentle detangling when wet, especially if your hair tangles easily.
Tip: Always detangle from the ends up to avoid snapping fragile strands.
Mason Pearson Handy Bristle Brush
The Wet Brush Original Detangler
For Thick, Straight Hair
Go-to tools:
- Paddle brush
- Detangling comb
Thick hair needs a sturdy brush that can handle volume and density without creating static or frizz. Paddle brushes are ideal because they cover more surface area and detangle quickly. If you’re dealing with knots post-shower, start with a detangling comb to avoid damage.
Try:
- Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush – The cushioned base makes it comfortable and effective for heavy hair.
- Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler – Ideal for working through wet or dry hair without tugging.
Tip: Use a paddle brush while blow-drying to get that smooth, salon-worthy finish.
Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush
Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler
For Curly Hair
Go-to tools:
- Wide-tooth comb
- Finger detangling
- Denman brush (for styling curls)
Curly hair is all about preserving the curl pattern while minimizing frizz. That means avoiding brushes on dry hair and reaching for wide-tooth combs or your fingers when detangling — especially when the hair is wet and coated with conditioner. For styling, a Denman brush can define curls without disrupting your natural texture.
Try:
- Denman D3 Original Styling Brush – The curly community swears by this for clumpier, more defined curls.
- Pattern Beauty Wide Tooth Comb – Strong enough for thick curls and coils, but gentle enough not to snap strands.
Tip: Always detangle in the shower with conditioner, and don’t even look at your curls with a brush when they’re dry.
Denman D3 Original Styling Brush
Pattern Beauty Wide Tooth Comb
For Coily or Kinky Hair
Go-to tools:
- Wide-tooth comb
- Detangling brush
- Hair pick (for volume)
Coily and kinky textures need tools that respect the structure of your hair while helping with shrinkage, volume, and manageability. Look for brushes with flexible bristles and wide spacing to prevent tugging and unnecessary tension on your strands.
Try:
- PATTERN Shower Brush Style Detangle Curly Coily Hair – Crafted for curls and coils from 3a to 4c, this shower brush detangles wet hair gently, minimizing breakage while enhancing curl definition and moisture retention.
- Cricket Ultra Smooth Hair Pick Comb – Infused with a blend of argan oil and keratin, this wide-tooth comb lifts and volumizes textured hair while reducing frizz and adding shine.
Tip: Section your hair before detangling and start from the ends up — it’s a game-changer for comfort and effectiveness.
PATTERN Shower Brush Style Detangle Curly Coily Hair
Cricket Ultra Smooth Hair Pick Comb
For Wavy Hair
Go-to tools:
- Wide-tooth comb
- Flexible detangling brush
Wavy hair falls in that sweet spot between straight and curly, so it needs gentle detangling with minimal disruption to its natural shape. Look for tools that don’t over-brush or create frizz, and avoid brushing your waves dry unless you’re going for a more tousled texture.
Try:
- Wet Brush Speed Dry Hair Brush – Designed for all hair types but especially effective for wavy hair, this brush speeds up drying time while gently detangling, reducing frizz, and enhancing natural wave patterns for a smooth, effortless look.
- Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush – Great for wet or dry waves with minimal breakage.
Tip: Refresh second-day waves with a water mist and a quick finger comb, rather than rebrushing.
Wet Brush Speed Dry Hair Brush
Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush
Don’t Skip Brush Cleaning
Keeping your brushes and combs clean isn’t just about hygiene — it actually helps them last longer and work more effectively. Product buildup, natural oils, and shed hair can collect over time, which can impact how well your brush glides through your hair or distributes product.
Regular cleaning keeps your tools in top shape, helps maintain your hair’s health, and ensures smoother styling results every time.
Want to know the best way to do it? Check out our full guide on how to clean your hair brushes and combs.
Some of the products featured here may contain affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on personal use, stylist feedback, or product performance.
