If you have fine and thin hair or have started to experience thinning hair or hair loss it's important to use the best hair brush, so a hair brush for thinning hair can help to prevent tugging on the hair follicles. There are plenty of hair growth products out there that can help stimulate growth where you need it and a new brush could be just what your hair needs to bring back its life.
Some of the best brushes for thinning and fine hair can give you back that volume and thickness you’ve been missing, especially when paired with some of the best hair growth serums on the market. Hair loss and thinning are extremely common among women, especially menopausal women, yet we continue to use brushes and products we’ve used for years, even though our hair needs have changed. For all we know, it could be your current brush that is causing most of your hair problems.
Best hair brush for thinning hair at a glance:
• Top pick: Bsisme Boar Bristle Hairbrush - View offer on Amazon UK
• Best hairbrush for detangling: Denman D90L Tangle Tamer Ultra Detangling Brush - View offer on Amazon UK
• Best vegan hairbrush: BRIOGEO Vegan Boar Bristle Brush - View offer on Sephora
Invest in a good hair brush that is designed for fragile hair. Avoid brushing your hair when it's wet, instead give it a good brush before you get in the shower to remove the worst tangles. A good hair-drying brush can also add some volume to the root of your hair while styling and drying. You should also consider washing your hair less - yes really! It's recommended that you wash your hair 2-3 times a week at most as washing your hair too much dries it out.
With a great brush and some TLC, your thin hair could return to its bouncy and voluminous ways in no time. Below we’ve highlighted our top tips for regrowing thinning hair, a round-up of the best brushes for fine hair as well as answered some of the internet’s most burning questions in regard to thinning hair and why our hair changes.
The best hair brush for thinning hair
Top pick
Description
Boar bristle brushes, like this paddle brush from Bsisme, help to distribute your scalp’s natural oils from root to tip, so your strands always look healthy instead of dry and dull. It’s also gentle enough for everyday use, which is good since using it can increase blood flow to the scalp to encourage hair to grow longer and thicker.
Customer review: “I've been looking for a brush that is easy to hold, is gentle on my fragile hair, and makes my hair shine. Well, I've found it. This brush is really nice to use. I enjoy brushing my long hair for the first time ever. Other brushes I've used tend to electrify and break my hair and even get stuck at times. I would recommend this brush to everyone. I've just ordered one for my granddaughter as her long hair is a nightmare and involves chasing her around the house before she gives in. I know she'll love it too."
Pros
- Massages scalp stimulating blood flow
- Prevents oil build-up
Cons
- Some reviewers mention bristles are hard to clean
Best for detangling
Description
Denman brushes are a widely known brand in the hair business, so it's no wonder this particular brush is highly rated on Amazon. This tangle tamer brush gently works through tangles to create smooth tresses, regardless of whether your hair is thick or fine. However, this large paddle brush has bristles that are soft enough for fine hair, and these wide-tooth bristles will help to unlock any knots.
Customer review: "I'm incredibly head sore and have lots of fine hair that enjoys tangling itself for no reason whatsoever. I used to dread brushing my hair every day. I won't let anyone else brush my hair - even in the hairdressers I'll ask for the brush and do it myself before allowing them anywhere near me. Now I have no pain and silky smooth, tangle-free hair. I'll never use another hairbrush ever again. I've even graduated to brushing my hair twice a day (which would have been simply unthinkable a year ago). I know it seems expensive for a hairbrush but you really won't be disappointed."
Pros
- Makes short work of tangles
- Large paddle brush
Cons
- Brush may work better on wet hair
Best vegan brush
www.sephora.co.uk
Description
A boar bristle brush without... well, boar bristles, this vegan alternative offers the same smoothing and polishing benefits without any animal-derived fibres. Lightweight and thoughtfully engineered, the bristles gently massage the scalp, stimulating blood flow to invigorate roots and promote healthy hair growth.
Customer review: “After a recommendation from my hairdresser to try this style of brush for thinning hair I have been so happy with this purchase ever since. Makes my hair look thick and smooth without ever ripping unnecessary hairs out when I brush. The fact it’s vegan too is a great added bonus!”
Pros
- Vegan
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Brush is fairly small
Best brush for added volume
Description
A great and easy-to-use round brush for adding volume is this Olivia Garden ceramic and ion thermal brush. It’s available in five sizes, so you can add as much height as you’d like. The vented barrel design, which features holes in the centre shaft, makes for fast and even drying.
Customer review: “Lovely brush - doesn’t snag hair around the handle, and the long barrel makes drying hair a lot easier and quicker.”
Pros
- Use on wet hair
- Faster styling
Cons
- May not be as suitable for fine hair
Best brush for preventing breakage
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
This lightweight, professional wooden paddle brush from Aveda has been specifically developed with extended bristles that stimulate and massage the scalp whilst you brush. Not only that, but the cushioned design also reduces the stress caused on your fragile hair, helps prevent unwanted breakages, and detangles knots.
Customer review: "Super lightweight and robust quality brush. Gentle on my fine hair, but great at detangling."
Pros
- Extended bristles to stimulate the scalp
- Detangles hair easily
Cons
- More suitable for longer hair types
Best brush for blowdrying
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Another amazing option by WetBrush, this Smooth & Shine Round Brush lends effortless, pain and damage-free blowouts with ease. With an ergonomically designed handle for cramp-free fingers when styling, it's not just your scalp that’s treated to an ache-free experience!
Customer review: “My hair is medium length and this brush worked magically, faster drying and styling than ever” and "This is a great brush to add volume to fine lifeless hair".
Pros
- VitaBoost complex with keratin and biotin
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Slightly weighty
Best brush for travel
Description
This award-winning, cult-classic detangling brush by Tangle Teezer features innovative two-tiered teeth that are super soft but will confidently detangle and help reduce breakage. The soft-flex teeth gently massage the scalp, for healthier-looking hair with no tugging, pulling or damage.
Customer review: “I love the colour, and this is definitely easier going on finer, long hair that breaks easy. I find it detangles my hair really well with minimal fuss and pain/pulling. I take some medication that thins my hair and makes it fall out more, I have waist length fine hair which tangles easy, so I’m super grateful for this gentle brush. My only gripe with this brush is that I wish it had a handle, I do struggle with the grip sometimes as I have arthritis and regularly drop it! Other than that, though I love this brush for my hair.”
Pros
- Innovative two tiered teeth design
- Works well on wet and dry hair
Cons
- No handle
Best brush for added shine
www.lookfantastic.com
Description
Much like the Olivia Garden Ceramic and Ion Speed XL Brush, the Moroccanoil Ceramic Paddle Brush features ceramic and ionic properties that allow for even heat distribution and enhanced shine. Customers have raved about this brush for thinner hair, helping to brush through without breaking, less shedding, and for helping hair to dry faster too.
Customer review: "I was sceptical about the size of the brush, it looked way too big to handle it, but the quality of it is amazing, very well made and yes, it worth every penny. I have long, but fine hair and I don’t feel like is pulling it, is actually very good, again, very surprised by it. I think is a good brush for long hair."
Pros
- Ionic properties for hydrating purposes
- Sectioning tip
Cons
- Brush may leave hair static
Best brush for comfort
Description
For use on both dry and wet hair, the So Eco detangling brush ensures hair is kept smooth and tangle-free, with a cushioned paddle that is gentle on the scalp and prevents any breakage of the hair. We love how it's made from fully compostable, bio-degradable material.
Customer review: "Perfect for brushing wet hair, thin easily tangled hair like mine. We have 2 now."
Pros
- Wooden pins massage the scalp while brushing
- Distribute natural oils
Cons
- Bristles may not last long when styling with heat
Best hair brush for thinning hair FAQs
Why is my hair thinning?
Hair fall-out is part of daily life, we lose on average around 80 strands a day. When you start to shed significantly, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing your hair loss. There can be many common factors like; colour damage, harsh hair products, stress, minerals and vitamin deficiency or menopause. Any hormonal changes can also impact your hair, so hair thins for many reasons.
We most commonly notice hair thinning as we age. As our bodies no longer produce new hair follicles at the rate they did in our youth.
Can thinning hair be restored?
While you can delay the process of thinning hair, there isn’t much you can do without cosmetic treatment. Some natural remedies may promote hair health and make your hair appear thicker. However, there is no easy way to restore your hair.
You can support your hair and encourage a thicker mane with serums, supplements and a great hair brush! You can also clean your hair brush to ensure no extra damage is being caused.
Which vitamins help thinning hair?
Biotin, iron, vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc are some of the best vitamins for hair loss and thinning prevention. If you’re missing some of these important nutrients in your diet, it could be the reason your hair is not as full and healthy as it used to be. Not to worry, there are multiple supplements and hair growth vitamins on the market today that can help promote healthy and thicker hair.
Top tips for thicker hair
Alongside investing in the best hair brush for thinning hair, try following these tips:
1) Avoid direct heat on hair – Always use a protective spray or serum when blow-drying or styling.
2) Wash your hair less – It's recommended that you wash your hair 2-3 times a week at most. Washing your hair too much dries it out. We recommend when you do wash your hair, though, that you use a hair growth shampoo.
3) Scalp massage – When promoting faster hair growth, these exercises stimulate the follicle that helps hair grow and increase circulation around the scalp. It's best to invest in a scalp massager, too.
4) Avoid tight up-dos – if you tend to put your hair up a lot, try looser styles overusing tight hair bands and pulling at the follicles of your hair.
Emma Richardson is a Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for heat, Closer, Grazia and Yours. She covers shopping, lifestyle, celebs and anything trending.