15 of the best hair brushes for every hair type and style

Choosing the best hair brushes for your specific hair type or hair goals is key when it comes to taking care of your hair. At first, it may seem like an easy task, but with so many hair brushes out there for fine hair, thick hair, damaged hair and more, you're left wondering which hair brush is actually going to help take good care of your lovely locks.

It is a good idea to have multiple hair brushes. Choosing the right tools will help you to achieve a flawless look. Finding the best hair brush is essential because it will cause less breakage and prevent damage. So whether you are looking for the best hair brush for thick hair, thin hair or anything in between, we have you covered.

Best hair brushes shortlist:

• Best overall hair brush: Wet Brush Detangling Hair Brush
• Best for detangling: Tangle Teezer The Original Detangling Hairbrush
• Best for thick hair: Cantu Thick Boar Paddle Brush
• Best for thin hair: Mason Pearson Pocket Pure Bristle Brush
• Best for fine hair: Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Brush

Hair brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes and use different materials for their bristles, all of which are important when deciding what hair brush you should buy, says celebrity hairstylist Michael Douglas. "If it's a smooth blow dry, then a mixture of boar and nylon bristles through a metal barrel is a great combination. But if it's just a brush rather than styling, then a Mason Pearson paddle brush is great. Or for something more cost-effective, a decent quality Tangle Teezer."

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from customers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Here are the best hair brushes to shop online.

Best hair brushes 2023

Best hair brushes FAQs

How should I clean my hair brush?

Just as you wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner, Michael says you should clean your hair brush too. "Rub a generous dollop of shampoo into the brush and rinse, followed by the same with some conditioner on. Try and remove all the dead, shedding hair during this process."

Is it best to brush my hair wet or dry?

You may have heard that your hair is more fragile when it's wet, and therefore you should avoid brushing it in this state. However, it actually depends on your hair type and texture. "Brush your hair wet if it's curly and dry if it's straight," says Michael. "But don't over brush, as the static will separate hairs causing flyaways galore." If you have straight hair, brushing it wet can cause it to overpull and break, which is why brushing it dry is safest. Whereas if you have curly or textured hair brushing it wet can actually have the opposite effect and reduce breakage, keeping your curls intact.

How often should I brush my hair?

It's recommended to brush your hair twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, as this will help to distribute your scalps' natural oils throughout your hair. However, this is subject to your hair type, as curly and textured hair shouldn't be brushed dry as it just causes frizz.

"One universal rule is it's important to remove shedding hair," says Michael, "but if you've got naturally curly, then only do that when the hair is wet. So don't get up in the morning and put a brush through wavy or curly. The friction causes static, and nobody wants that!"

Michael Douglas quickly established himself in the high-stakes hair styling circuit, tending to the tresses of the world's most famous supermodels, such as Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Yasmin Le Bon. Michael moved through the fashion week calendar year on year as a go-to name for styling before embarking on editorial shoots for the likes of Vogue, Glamour, Grazia, and Marie Claire and working on global beauty campaigns for famous beauty houses.

Bryony Firth-Bernard is a product writer for Yours, What's The Best, and A Modern Kitchen, specialising in fitness. On the weekend she loves whipping up new recipes in the kitchen and spending time with her friends and family.