Once again, it’s wash day. With a good cleansing conditioner and the best detangling brush for curly hair in hand, you finally feel confident enough to face your hair after taking down a protective style or letting a wash-and-go stretch way past its prime. Instead of bracing yourself for the pulling, endless shedding, and ache in your arms from trying to rip through it all, the right brush can change everything. In fact, it makes the process the faster, gentler, and way less traumatic—for both you and your hair.
And as Maryland-based hairstylist Ardajah Jones points out, finding the best hair brush isn’t just about detangling faster; it’s about protecting your hair’s health. “The number one thing I see clients do is rip through their hair with the brush,” Jones says. That type damage often comes down to technique and tool mismatch. “Brushing with stubby teeth or short bristles that require multiple passes can lead to mechanical breakage,” says Angel Bradley, a curl specialist based in Raleigh, NC. “Tight curls especially need thoughtful tool selection.”
To help you detangle without damage and find the best brush for your hair texture, we consulted with a few hairstylists to share their top brush picks and professional tips. Ahead, you’ll find the best detangling brushes for curly hair that tackle even the most stubborn knots.
Our Top Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Cécred Vented Paddle Brush
Why we love it: Cécred Vented Paddle Brush truly does it all. Designed with widely spaced, durable bristles, it flexes gently through knots to minimize breakage and pain, making it ideal for detangling both wet and dry hair. The signature honeycomb design boosts airflow for faster, more efficient blow-drying while preventing water buildup. Crafted from durable, high-quality materials for everyday use, it’s built to last, with easy-to-clean bristles and a metal ring for convenient hanging storage. Whether you’re smoothing a silk press, detangling curls, or gathering hair into a sleek updo, this brush makes wash day or hair refreshes a breeze.
Bradley recommends the Cécred Vented Paddle Brush for dense, fragile, or transitioning hair that needs controlled detangling. She notes that the “vented design allows for faster drying and gentle detangling,” and the “firm yet cushioned bristles provide stability, making it effective for managing dense or coarse curls without causing breakage.” It’s also ideal for product distribution, especially when working with thicker creams or leave-ins, as it doesn’t trap product deep in the bristles. For curl setting, the brush’s natural tension can create tighter coils; for more elongation, she suggests using it to detangle first, then stretching curls manually.
Material: plastic
Use on: wet or dry hair
Best for: all curl types
Best for Use With a Dryer: FHI Heat UNbrush Detangling Brush
Why we love it: The number of times I’ve nearly fried my hair by using the wrong brush with my blow-dryer is honestly too embarrassing to count. That said, one that plays nice with heat tools like FHI Heat’s UNbrush Detangling Brush. This ultra-light, vented paddle brush speeds up drying time while keeping tangles and breakage in check, thanks to its flexible, anti-static bristles. Designed for both wet and dry use, it passes through stubborn knots without pulling, making it a must-have for everything from post-shower detangling to heat-styling preparation. Plus, it’s available in over 20 colors, so you can match your brush to your vanity’s vibe.
The FHI Heat UNbrush Detangling Brush stands out for its flexibility and ultra-gentle touch. Licensed hairstylist Ardajah Jones explains that it is “a very flexible brush with vents, helping to pass through the hair smoothly without causing pain.” She says it’s one of her go-to tools for young clients, sharing, “I really like using the Unbrush on kids because it’s gentle and lightweight.” Beyond its performance, Jones also appreciates its practical design, noting that “the brush is also super easy to clean because it’s openly vented,” which is a major plus when working with multiple clients throughout the day.
Material: rubber handle, plastic bristles
Use on: wet or dry hair
Best for: all curl types
Best Ergonomic Design: Olivia Garden CurlyHair Wide Bristle Vented Brush
Why we love it: If you’ve ever needed to take a break mid-styling because your hand or wrist was cramping up, you’ll appreciate just how thoughtfully designed the Olivia Garden CurlyHair Wide Bristle Vented Brush really is. Built specifically for curly to coily textures, it features a concave, scalp-hugging shape and grip-friendly handle that eases tension during use. The cone-shaped bristles slide through tighter curl patterns with ease, thanks to their one-piece design that prevents snagging and catching. There’s even a retractable sectioning pick tucked into the handle for clean parting and sectioning.
Bradley says this lightweight brush offers “extra-wide bristle spacing and a vented structure [allowing for] quick detangling and [better] airflow.” She notes that the “flexible bristles are gentle on wet, vulnerable strands,” making it great for maintenance between washes. “It has enough give to move with the hair and avoid excessive pulling, but not so much that it gives you a ‘fake positive,’” she explains. The long bristles reduce the need for repeated passes, minimizing wear. While it can be used to set curls, “you’ll get less clumping and more spacing between curls compared to a tension-based brushes.”
Material: plastic
Use on: wet or dry hair
Best for: Type 3B to 4C curls
Best for Wet Hair: Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Brush
Why we love it: Detangling isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, but the Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Brush makes it much more enjoyable. Designed with two-tiered teeth, it gently moves through wet hair to remove knots while smoothing strands without tugging or pulling. The longer teeth tackle stubborn tangles, while the shorter ones smooth the cuticle for shinier, frizz-free results. The flexible teeth also help minimize breakage by bending with the hair instead of against it, making it safer for fragile strands. Additionally, the lightweight and grippy wrist-saving design makes it easy to use in the shower without slipping from your hands.
“The brush is firm but flexible bristles separate my many knots—seriously, so many—without the need to pull or rip through them aggressively like I admittedly tend to do sometimes,” says Nicola Dall’Asen, Allure’s senior news editor. Bonus: the vibrant lavender shade adds a pop of color to your vanity.
Material: plastic
Use on: wet or dry hair
Best for: all curl types, but especially Type 3C to 4C curls
Best Budget-Friendly Brush: Evolve Wide Flow-Thru Detangler
Why we love it: No one likes battling a stiff, rigid brush. The Evolve Wide Flow-Thru Detangler solves that with a flexible, open-frame design that moves with your hair, not against it. Its flow-through body and flexible nylon bristles glide easily through knots and tangles, minimizing breakage and cutting down detangling time. The removable spacer lets you adjust the tension for either structured brushing or gentler detangling, and it tucks neatly into a hidden compartment at the base when not in use. The ventilated shape allows water and conditioner to rinse right through, making it a perfect match for wash day routines. And at just $7, this versatile brush proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to upgrade your haircare lineup.
Jones reaches for the Evolve Thru Detangler because of its “movable silicone bristles which are ideal [for getting] through coarse curly hair,” making it a strong choice for clients who need a gentler yet effective detangling tool for kinkier textures. I share Jones’ sentiment, as my experience with the brush before loc’ing my hair was very similar. Initially, I was skeptical that the flexible design wouldn’t be able to catch those knots, but it actually moved with my hair rather than against it, minimizing friction and breakage. For sections that required a bit more control, it was easy to insert the spacer for added stability.
Material: plastic handle, nylon bristles
Use on: wet or dry hair
Best for: all curl types
Best for Styling: Bounce Curl Define EdgeLift Brush
Why we love it: Perfectly styled curls rarely happen by accident, which is exactly why the BounceCurl Define EdgeLift Brush deserves a spot in your routine. This versatile five-in-one brush smooths, separates, defines, and sections hair with its pointed handle. Crafted with vegan boar bristles and flexible round tips, it sweeps through strands fluidly to reduce breakage and frizz while boosting definition. The edge design carefully shapes and defines curls, while a single airflow vent reduces drying time, keeping the brush clean and ready for its next use.
“If you’re looking to maximize curl definition, lift roots, or smooth edges without heavy gels,” the BounceCurl Define EdgeLift Brush is the one to reach for, according to Bradley. While not a traditional detangling brush, it’s ideal for the rake-and-smooth method. “Usually when people rake manually, they accidentally clump curls that are still tangled, leading to more matting and less elongation,” she explains. “This brush solves that by combining raking on the outer edge and smoothing with the inner bristles, so you don’t have to switch techniques mid-styling.” It’s especially effective when paired with slip-enhancing products. “Even if your texture is cottony, this brush helps silk out the surface for more defined results.”
Material: vegan boar bristles, PLA base and handle
Use on: damp hair
Best for: all curl types
Best Splurge: La Bonne Brosse N.04 The Massaging Detangling Hair Brush
Why we love it: Treat yourself to heirloom quality with this luxury hairbrush, which detangles hair while massaging and exfoliating your scalp—perfect for enhancing blood circulation and promoting healthy hair growth. The La Bonne Brosse N.04 The Massaging Detangling Hair Brush features a twisted, sculptural handle inspired by Japanese shiatsu brushes, making it ideal for all hair types, from fine to curly and coily. Soft, ball-tipped vegan nylon bristles slip through knots, stimulating the scalp for stronger, healthier hair. Set on a flexible rubber base, the fibers gently detangle even stubborn strands without breakage. Use it on wet or dry hair to distribute leave-in treatments or enjoy a soothing scalp massage during your routine.
La Bonne Brosse N.04 Massaging Detangling Hair Brush “is made from soft nylon fibers that glide through hair effortlessly, so you don’t have to worry about breakage or frizz,” says Temur Hamilton, a hairstylist and salon owner in NYC.
Material: nylon bristles, cellulose acetate, rubber cushion
Use on: wet or dry hair
Best for: all curl types
Best for Definition: Denman D3 The Original Curl Definer & Styler
Why we love it: When it first dropped, the Denman D3 The Original Curl Definer & Styler practically broke the internet, and while the viral hype has cooled, it’s still a non-negotiable for juicy, bouncy curls. Whether you’re in the shower or styling post-wash, the seven rows of perfectly smooth, round-ended pins glide easily through wet or damp hair, creating tension to define curls while minimizing snagging or breakage. A half-round brush head sculpts curls with precision, while the staggered pin pattern offers optimal grip and control for styling. It’s especially beloved for achieving spiraled curl definition when used with a slight wrist twist.
I remember when the Denman brush first hit the scene. Videos were popping up everywhere of girls brushing through post-shower hair, their curls snapping into perfect spirals after just one pass. While I have locs now, I still cherish my time with the defining brush. My curls used to spiral in a way I thought only a flexi-rod set could achieve. It slipped through my hair like butter, with no snagging, and kept frizz at bay.
Material: nylon bristles, plastic handle
Use on: wet hair
Best for: all curl types, especially medium-thick hair
Best for Thick Hair: Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush
Why we love it: The Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush is a staple for thick, wavy, or curly hair. Designed with widely spaced, flexible bristles, it moves through knots effortlessly, preventing unwanted breakage and snags while detangling. It’s your answer for boosting the effects of your favorite conditioning treatments, reducing shedding, and improving slip. With a sturdy, wide handle for an ergonomic grip, it’s perfect for both pros and beginners alike, adapting seamlessly to curly, kinky, or even synthetic hair types.
Material: plastic
Use on: wet hair
Best for: all curl types
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you brush curly hair when it’s wet or dry?
“You should definitely brush curly hair when it’s wet to avoid any unnecessary breakage,” says hairstylist Ardajah Jones, noting that “your hair is the most elastic when it’s wet and easier to detangle.”
Temur Hamilton agrees, recommending a slip-enhancing product like conditioner to reduce friction. “Work with it, not against it,” he says. “That minimizes friction and helps the brush glide smoothly without tugging or snapping strands.” Curl specialist Angel Bradley adds that the level of moisture should match your styling step. “If the hair is fully saturated with mostly water, I prefer the Olivia Garden brush,” she says. “If it’s coated in leave-in, a firmer brush like the Cécred offers better tension.” Her bottom line? “The tool you use should adjust based on how much moisture or product is present.”
How do you use a detangling brush on curly hair?
“I always start detangling with completely saturated hair, starting from the ends to the root,” says hairstylist Ardajah Jones. “I typically section into four parts, making sure I also use a leave-in conditioner for optimal slip.” Your technique should evolve depending on your wash process and hair condition. “I actually teach my clients to start using detangling tools during the shampoo process when the hair is heavily coated with a moisturizing cleanser,” says Bradley. “This helps prevent matting during washing and reduces the need for excessive conditioner later.”
She also emphasizes adjusting your approach based on tangles. “Sometimes, depending on the hair’s health and curl pattern, you might need to start brushing above the tangle and work your way down first, rather than always starting at the ends.” Her rule of thumb? “The main goal is to use a combination of technique and the right amount of tension to minimize wear and tear on the hair.”
How do you brush curly hair without losing curl definition?
To maintain curl definition while brushing, “you want to make sure that you’re using a wide enough, bristled brush to maintain the definition of your curls,” says Jones. “Incorporating your curl products while brushing through your hair will also help with curl definition.”
Bradley agrees, emphasizing that success is all about timing, tool choice, and movement. “Brushing curly hair without losing definition is all about brushing when the hair has the right amount of slip and being intentional about your motion,” she says. “You want to smooth and clump the curls together, brushing downward in a way that encourages natural curl grouping.”
She adds that “longer, appropriately spaced bristles can move through sections without multiple passes,” and “the more tension a brush creates, the tighter the curls will set. If you want looser curls, you need to detangle with tension but manipulate manually afterward to create elongation.”
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?
For our review of the best curly hair brushes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hair experts—many of whom want shinier, healthier-looking hair. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
More Allure editor-approved picks for curly hair: