10 Best Detangling Brushes Proven to Work in 2023

Not every hairbrush is created equal. If your strands are prone to tangling and knotting, you’ve likely already tried a variety of detangling brushes with poor results.

So, how do you know which brush or comb will work to tame your unruly mane? Fortunately, our experts have done the legwork for you. Read on for our top 10 detangling brushes proven to give you tangle-free hair.

 

1. Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush – Best Overall

This highly reviewed detangling brush can be used on both wet and dry hair to cut brushing time in half. If you have unruly, tangled hair that just doesn’t want to listen, you need this brush in your life.

Specs:

• Brand: Crave Naturals
• Hair Type: All types
• Material: Plastic
• Item Weight: 0.2 pounds

Pros:

• Cone bristles work with the hair rather than against it
• Removes tangles without ripping or breaking
• Bristles designed to never bend or break
• Gently massages scalp to increase circulation and hair growth
• Smooths hair for maximum shine

Cons:

• Shorter handle may be awkward to use for buyers with large hands

 

2. Revlon Detangle and Smooth Berry Cushion Hair Brush – Runner Up/Best Budget Option

This brush features soft bristles that easily glide through tangled, unkempt hair. The best part is, it has incredible reviews at only a fraction of the price you’d expect to pay.

Specs:

• Brand: Revlon
• Hair Type: Dry
• Material: Rubber
• Item Weight: 0.21 pounds

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Rubberized handle lets you keep a firm grip when brushing
• Works well on dry and wet hair
• Detangles without pulling out or breaking hair

Cons:

• Not the highest-quality handle

 

3. Denman D81L Large Hair Brush with Soft Nylon Quill Boar Bristles – Best Splurge

With the Denman D81L, the saying “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be truer. This porcupine-style quill boar bristle brush works its magic on tangled tresses and is worth every penny. So, if you’re in the mood to splurge on a great, natural brush, this is the one.

Specs:

• Brand: Denman
• Hair Type: All types
• Material: Boar
• Item Weight: 0.15 pounds

Pros:

• Reduces frizz and adds shine
• Soft nylon quill boar bristles gently detangle wet or dry hair
• Can be purchased in smaller sizes
• Handle is comfortable and easy to grip

Cons:

• Not as budget-friendly

 

4. Tangle Teezer The Compact Styler, On-the-Go Detangling Hairbrush – Best Pocket-Sized Brush

If you’re looking for a compact detangling brush that you can stash in your purse, this is an excellent choice. Plus, it comes in all kinds of funky designs and colors.

Specs:

• Brand: Pink Sizzle
• Hair Type: All types
• Material: Plastic
• Item Weight: 0.2 pounds

Pros:

• Travel-sized, compact design fits into any purse or bag
• Comes in a variety of different colors and designs
• Combination of short and long teeth for optimal detangling
• Comes with a cover to preserve bristles

Cons:

• Not ideal for buyers with large hands

 

5. Wet Brush Hair Brush Shower Detangler – Best Ergonomic Design

This waterproof detangler brush features a unique design that we haven’t seen anywhere else. Its flexible bristles allow you to detangle your hair during your morning shower as you wash-and-go.

Specs:

• Brand: Wet Brush
• Hair Type: All types
• Material: Rubber
• Item Weight: 0.81 pounds

Pros:

• Ideal for using in the bath or shower
• Ergonomic handle is easy for gripping
• Flexible bristles leave you with 46% less damage
• Minimal pain and breakage when brushing hair

Cons:

• Handle is not as sturdy as some brushes

 

6. Denman Classic Styling Brush 9 Row – Best for Curl Definition

This detangling brush is armed with nine rows of nylon pins to sculpt your curls. Get smooth, voluminous curly hair right out of the shower or use it for blow-styling to get a more polished look.

Specs:

• Brand: Denman
• Hair Type: Thick
• Material: Nylon, rubber
• Item Weight: 0.13 pounds

Pros:

• Defines and shapes curls right out of the shower
• Easy-to-grip handle for more control
• Reduces frizz and adds volume
• For smaller curls, you can buy the 7 row or 5 row

Cons:

• Bristles are fairly stiff, so they may be less gentle on the scalp

 

7. Dovahlia Boar Bristle Brush – Best for Fine Hair

It’s no surprise another boar wooden brush made this list. This brush is a lifesaver for distributing natural oils from the root to the tip, making thin hair sleek and silky. It also detangles so gently that fine hair receives minimal breakage and maximum shine.

Specs:

• Brand: Dovahlia
• Hair Type: Fine, thin
• Material: Bamboo, boar
• Item Weight: 0.06 pounds

Pros:

• Made with natural, environmental-friendly materials
• Comes with a washable hemp travel pouch and bamboo comb
• Gentle bristles don’t pull or rip hair
• Bristles massage scalp and increase blood flow
• High-quality bamboo handles

Cons:

• Less suitable for curly hair

 

8. Bestool Detangling Brush for Black Natural Hair – Best for Afro Hair

Need a hand taming your kinky hair? This is the wildly popular brush for natural African American hair. Its flexible arms help you detangle with less pull and damage to get the perfect curls.

Specs:

• Brand: Bestool
• Hair Type: Afro, curly
• Material: Plastic, rubber
• Item Weight: 0.3 pounds

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Designed specifically with kinky hair in mind
• Eight flexible arms allow for faster detangling
• Rubberized handle provides better grip and control
• Reduces breakage and ripped hair

Cons:

• Different results on thin, straight hair

 

9. Remington Tame The Mane Electric Detangling Brush – Best Electric Brush

You don’t see this one every day. This innovative electric hairbrush is designed to help you get sleek, smooth hair without the fuss. It’s known to loosen even the worst of knots and tangles on either wet or dry hair. Who wouldn’t want that?

Specs:

• Brand: Remington
• Hair Type: Dry
• Material: Plastic
• Item Weight: 1 pound

Pros:

• Electric bristles move back and forth for easy detangling
• Gentle soft teeth prevent hair from tugging
• Comes with batteries included
• Cordless so you can take it anywhere once charged
• You also receive a brush cover for traveling

Cons:

• Will eventually require battery replacement

 

10. Onedor Handmade 100% Natural Green Sandalwood Hair Comb – Best Detangling Comb

While brushes are great, most of us still need a good wide-tooth comb in our arsenal to detangle unruly hair. We love that this one is all-natural and handcrafted. Plus, it has a fantastic sandalwood scent.

Specs:

• Brand: Onedor
• Hair Type: All types
• Material: Green sandalwood
• Item Weight: 0.13 pounds

Pros:

• Handmade with 100% natural green sandalwood
• Anti-static properties
• Improves blood flow to scalp, promoting hair growth
• Gently removes tangles and reduces breakage

Cons:

• Should be kept away from heat and sunlight
• Over time, turns from brown to green with air exposure

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Detangling Hair

If you have medium to long hair, you’ve probably had to deal with knots and tangles as part of your daily haircare routine. At times, you might have literally wanted to rip the hair out of your head to remove a stubborn tangle. Don’t do it!

Here are five common mistakes to avoid when detangling your hair:

Trying to Remove Tangles When Hair is Wet.

Removing tangles while your hair is wet can cause serious breakage and damage. That’s because wet hair is weaker, more stretchy, and fragile. It’s usually a much better choice to detangle dry hair.

Before shampooing, separate big tangles and knots first with your fingers and then with a wide-tooth comb. Once you’ve removed the big knots, it’s safe to shampoo and condition your hair. Use a specially designed detangling brush in the shower to remove any small tangles that remain.

 

Not Using the Right Types of Tools.

Not all hairbrushes and combs are designed to remove knots, so it’s essential to select the ones that are meant to detangle hair. If you’ve been using fine tooth combs and your boyfriend’s hairbrush to remove your tangles, you’re going about it the wrong way.

• Wide-tooth combs gently separate your hair as you comb through tangles.
• Paddle brushes are detangling brushes that won’t rip or pull at knotted hair.
• Your fingers are the perfect tool for keeping your hair tangle-free. Use them to separate big hair knots before using combs and brushes for the smaller pieces.

 

Not Using Detangling Sprays and Leave-in Conditioners While Detangling.

One of the best ways to remove tangles from your hair is by using a detangling product when combing your hair after shampooing and conditioning.

While your hair is still damp, comb through a detangler spray or leave-in detangling conditioner like Infusium 23 Pro Leave-In Hair Treatment. These products are specially formulated with moisturizers and polymers that coat the surface of the hair strands and tighten the cuticles, so the hair is smoother and easier to manage as you work out the knots.

 

Not Getting the Tangles Out As Soon As You Notice Them.

Knots form when individual strands of hair intertwine and become tangled with each other. As more strands get twisted in, the knots grow larger, eventually becoming compacted and harder to remove. If your hair is prone to knots, be sure to comb or brush your hair at least once a day to avoid having to snip them out.

 

Not Removing Tangles Slowly and Carefully.

When it comes to removing tangles from your hair, slow and steady wins the race. Don’t rush, don’t yank, and don’t rip your hair out in despair.

If you have long or thick curly hair, divide it into sections if necessary. Start from the ends, and work your way slowly up towards the scalp, carefully separating the knots with your fingers as you go.

 

Sometimes detangling hair can be a painful and time-consuming process, but it’s worth doing it right in the first place. If you lose patience, then you won’t only be dealing with knots and tangles, you’ll also be dealing with split ends and damaged hair.

Learn to avoid the most common mistakes people make when trying to detangle hair, and you’ll end up with healthy, luxurious, tangle-free hair that’s the envy of others.

 

Hopefully, this list helps you simplify your morning routine. Whether you prefer taking the time to style your curls or simply just wash-and-go, the right detangling brush can create a much more pleasant grooming experience.