These 13 Hair Brushes Will Change Your Routine for the Better (2024)

If you already count yourself a fan of Oribe's shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, then this ergonomic flat brush might become your new favorite hair care essential. Plus, the brush is made from European beechwood for a more luxe, elevated feel as you use it.

Bristle type: Boar, nylon

One satisfied customer writes: "I will protect and take care of this brush for my lifetime. Extremely high quality, beautiful, and effective." —saltysanti

A favorite of stylists, editors, and hair obsessives everywhere, Wet Brush's detangler is gentle on wet and dry hair, no matter the texture (including wigs and extensions). And as a bonus, it happens to look great on any countertop or vanity.

Bristle type: thermoplastic elastomer, nylon

One satisfied customer writes: "I love this brush! It is a bit sturdier than your typical wet brush. We purchased the blue and it's a very pretty iridescent blue." —Joko

If you deal with an oily scalp or have naturally straight hair, experts recommend opting for a boar bristle brush like this one from Beauty by Earth. "I always recommend a natural bristle brush for straight hair types," celebrity hairstylist Rocco explains. "The Boar Bristle Hair Brush seamlessly detangles most hair types, and its bristles help evenly distribute the scalp's natural oils through the length of your hair."

Bristle type: boar hair with nylon pins

One satisfied customer writes: "This brush is great!!! It smells great. It literally detangles your hair for easy styling. Leaves your hair silky and shiny." —Barbara

This culty brush is a little on the pricey side, but it's still a frequent pick for stylists because of its patented cushioning. After a few swipes through your hair, the tool's cushion pad actually conforms to the contours of your scalp for a perfect brush every time.

"If you're willing to splurge a little on a hairbrush, I'd say get one from Mason Pearson," Candace Witherspoon, stylist and owner of Candace Witherspoon Salon in New York City says."It's a favorite among many professionals, myself included." Celebrity stylist Gabrielle Corney agrees, adding, "The best luxe hair brushes available are made by Mason Pearson, hands down."

Bristle type: boar bristle and nylon tufts

One satisfied customer writes: "Best brush for every type of hair. Extensions, thick hair, and fine hair." —Tmoser

T3 is well-known for its bevy of salon-quality hot tools and brushes. This smoothing favorite from the brand contains heat-resistant bristles that are ideal for seamless at-home styling.

Bristle type: nylon

One satisfied customer writes: "If you have thick or coarse hair, this is your drying brush. Dry in sections and it is much easier to flat iron. Learned this from my stylist and the T3 paddle brush is light-weight and easy." —1feedback

The Denman brush is another essential for many professional hairstylists, and this one contains seven rows of round-ended pins that help separate wet hair and define curls. "My personal go-to is usually a Denman seven-row brush," Corney says. "Denman brushes are among the best detangling brushes for a majority of hair types and textures. They have many styles and sizes to choose from to suit just about anyone's needs."

Bristle type: nylon

One satisfied customer writes: "I swear you will NOT regret buying this brush! It’s so easy to use and makes the curl clumps form really really fast. I use curl cream, then tension brush through my hair in sections. Lock it all in with a gel, and TADA!!! Best curls you’ve seen in your LIFE! I have type 3a/2c hair and thought this wouldn’t work for me. But CLEARLY I was wrong. Add to cart ASAP." —Kari

For a more affordable brush option, Corney counts Diane by Fromm's nine-row hair brush as one of her most consistent go-tos to use on clients. Plus, you won't have to worry about excess frizz since its cushion is made from naturally anti-static rubber.

Bristle type: nylon

One satisfied customer writes: "I love this brush, it's so affordable and works really well to detangle my 3A hair. I wouldn't bother spending an arm and leg on the brand name tools when this works just as well. It's also easy to clean and of really great quality, in my opinion." —Naila

This slender, dual-sided tool from Pattern features a comb and stiff-bristle brush to expertly sculpt your baby hair. "The Edge Tool by Pattern Beauty is amazing," Witherspoon says. "It's an excellent two-in-one tool: great for slicking down edges and baby hair with its brush end, but its rattail comb side also comes in handy when executing a clean part."

Bristle type: nylon

One satisfied customer writes: "Defined my edges in both natural and protective styles. I also love that I can use this tool to lay down stray hairs that may stick out from my protective braid styles. Def recommend buying!" —Dani

This flexible detangling brush from Rizos Curls is made to glide through wet curls without pulling and is best used in the shower with your favorite hair mask.

Bristle type: nylon

One satisfied customer writes: "I'm really impressed! This brush gets though curls so easily and gently. Game changer." —Shelby S.

Here's a glittery and handbag-ready boar bristle brush from Emi Jay. It's ideal for midday hair touch-ups, and nicely made with organic bamboo. They're so adorable, you may be tempted to buy more than one.

Bristle type: boar, cellulose acetate

To help smooth her curls in the shower, hairstylist and Ouidad brand ambassador Irinel de León personally uses this Tangle Teezer hair brush. It's soft enough to detangle them without compromising the hair's integrity or contributing to breakage. Pro-tip: don't overdo it. Too much brushing can sometimes cause more harm than good for your hair.

"Brushing your hair offers great stimulation for your scalp, which leads to more hair growth," De León explains. "However, over-brushing can cause damage as it can lift the cuticle and eventually cause dullness in the hair's appearance. Only brush enough so your hair is untangled and smooth."

Bristle type: nylon

One satisfied customer writes: "This brush is the best one that I've ever owned since going completely natural! It's helped detangle my hair when it's wet and because it's so good at detangling, I've noticed a huge difference in the quality of my hair! I have thick and coarse hair (about 4B), and it's been easy to use." —Astrid

When creating straight styles with heat, Rocco suggests using a round ceramic ion or tourmaline ion option like this ventilated Ulta shopper favorite that cuts down on styling time. It's also nicely available in which is available in eight size options to accommodate just about every hair length and thickness.

Bristle type: nylon

One satisfied customer writes: "This brush glided through my wet hair like butter, and gave me the fastest, softest self-blow dry ever. Completely helped tame my frizz; it looked like it had almost been flat-ironed. I'm actually looking forward to using my blow dryer now." —Lisa

This best-selling brush from Conair (one of Rocco's preferred hair brush brands) features ball-tipped bristles that won't snag your hair as you work it through. And did we mention it retails for under $10?

Bristle type: nylon

One satisfied customer writes: "I’ve been having a hard time finding a hair brush that doesn’t dig into my scalp and hurt me. This one is perfect! No scalp pain and no tangled hair. Very happy with it." —M.R. M.

• Anna Kimble is the former director of events and education at Drybar.
• Irinel de León is a professional stylist and Ouidad ambassador.
• Leonardo Rocco is a professional stylist and owner of Rocco Donna Salon in Miami Beach, Florida.
• Candace Witherspoon is a professional stylist and owner of the Candace Witherspoon Salon in New York City.
• Gabrielle Corney is a celebrity stylist based in New York City.

• Round brushes: Typically used with a blow dryer to volumize and lift hair at the roots.

• Paddle brushes: Ideal for smoothing through fine to medium, straight, or straightened hair with minimal snags.

• Detail brushes: Often used to smooth edges and shape baby hair.

• Detangling brushes: Made of flexible material that's ideal for smoothing knots and tangles in and out of the shower.

• The Best Round Brushes For Every Type of Blowout
• The Best Hair Scissors for Expert-Level Trims and Cuts
• A Curling Iron for Curly Hair? Tracee Ellis Ross Says Yes.
• The Best Hair Bonnets to Fight Frizz, Breakage, and More
• The Best Hair Growth Devices to Reduce Shedding and Thinning