The A-Z Of Curly Hair Brushes: What Are the Best Brushes For Curly Hair?

From the holy grail Denman brush to the trusty wide tooth comb, different hair brushes have different jobs for looking after curly hair.

Each brush or comb is designed for a specific purpose like detangling curly hair or smoothing afro hair so using the right one will make it so much easier to care for your curls.

So, what are the best brushes for curly hair? I’ve created the ultimate A-Z guide to curly hair brushes and combs so you can understand more about what the different types of brushes avaliable and what they’re used for.

What are different hair brushes used for?

Just because there are hundreds of different brushes for curly hair doesn’t mean you need them all. But it’s good to have options.

Different curly hair types require different brushes and combs. For afro hair, an afro comb or pick is the perfect tool to lift and detangle tight curls. Boar bristle brushes are great for smoothing curly hair, while a Denman curly hair brush is amazing for defining your curls.

I like to have a brush or comb for each of the below tasks:

• Detangling
• Defining
• Parting
• Smoothing

As long as you’ve got a curly hair brush or comb to do the above, you’re good to go!

Which brushes work best for afro hair and curly hair?

Here’s an A – Z of the top curly hair brushes and combs you need to know about. Don’t forget to check out my post on the top curly hair accessories for even more recommendations.

A – Afro comb

If you’re looking for a detangling comb for curly hair (especially tighter curl pattersn) afro combs, also known as piks, are a great choice. The thin bristles glide through curls but they’re also great for lifting your roots and adding more volume to your hair. You can generally find two types of afro combs – a metal afro comb or a plastic afro comb.

B – Boar bristle brush & Blowdry brush

A boar bristle brushes for curly hair are ideal for smoothing curls. The bristles can also help carry natural oils through the hair strands to prevent dryness.

A blowdry brush is a fab alternative to using straighteners on your curly hair — I love mine! Unlike a traditional blowdry brush that requires a hairdryer, this is an all-in-one option that cuts down your styling time. I don’t even need to use straighteners afterwards!

D – Denman brush & Defining brush

Next up is the Denman brush which is a holy grail styling tool for a lot of people considered one of the best curly hair brushes! There are actually several different brush styles to choose from with the main difference between them being the Denman brush bristles.

For example, two of the most popular brushes the D3 has 7 rows of bristles and the D4 has 9 rows.

Check out my Denman Brush Guide for top tips!

Bounce Curl’s curl defining brush has a 3-in-1 design that smooths and defines curls. It combines soft bristles with a waved edge to gentling smooth your curls and seperate them for perfect definition!

E – Edge brush

Not everyone likes to do their edges but when you do, an edge brush is what you need. The small bristles allow you to easily lay down your baby hairs and then swoop them into place with gel. 

F – Flexi brush

A flexi brush is great for detangling as the rows of bristles bend rather than dragging the hair and causing unnecessary damage. It’s ideal for detangling in the shower, combing through deep conditioners or styling.

P – Paddle brush

In my opinion the best detangling brush for curly hair is a paddle brush. It has a large flat base which means you can maintain control while brushing and detangling a lot of hair at once. These types of brushes are usually heat resistant too which is ideal for blowdrying your curls.

R – Rat tail comb

If you want precise partings in your hair then use a rat tail comb. The double-ended design allows you to easily section and part your hair neatly, especially for braided styles.

S – Scalp brush

If you want to give your scalp an extra clean, a scalp massager brush helps to loosen product buildup, dirt and debris while shampooing. Plus, with regular use, it can also stimulate hair growth! This is a great curly hair brush to keep in your shower caddy!

Scrunch it brush

The Scrunch It Brush has two kinds of bristles: one side has plastic bristles in a row like a Denman brush, and the other side has soft bristles that clump your hair together. This means you can use the brush in different ways depending on your hair and how you like to style it. 

T – Tangle Teezer

Tangle Teezer as a brand offers an amazing range of brushes for curly hair. However, the original design is the most popular as it’s perfect for detangling all curly hair types as well as styling. The Tangle Teezer VS Denman brush debate continues, so give them both a go and see which works best!

W – Wet detangling brush

There are a few different styles of wet detangling brushes (some look similar to flexi brushes) and these are a good option for detangling your curls while in the shower or after washing. They easily remove knots to keep your curls sleek, frizz-free and ready for styling.

Wide tooth comb

You can use a wide tooth comb for brushing out curls. The widely spaced bristles allow even the tightest curls to detangle easily so you can wave goodbye to knots!

Am I using the right curly hair brush?

You may also find that some brushes don’t work with your chosen curly hair styling method. For example, if I’m using my fingers to apply my styling cream then I’ll probably use a brush that adds definition such as Denman brush rather than a wide tooth comb that will loosen by curls even more. We all have our preferences but it’s always a good idea to get clued up on what’s what.

Should you brush curly hair?

You should brush your curly hair however often works for you, however, brushing your hair dry can put extra tension on your curls. I tend to brush out my hair the day before washday so i’ve got one less step to worry about!

Should you brush curly hair when it’s wet or dry?

It’s usually better to only brush curly hair when it’s wet. This is because dry curls are generally more brittle, prone to breakage and will be put under unecessary tension when removing knots. On the other hand, when your hair is wet it’s much easier to glide a brush or comb through your curls without unecessary pain and damage!

Having said that, all hair types of at their weakest point when wet! A little confusing, right?

When your hair is wet, proteins form weaker bonds than when the hair is dry and the cuticle lifts which makes it easier to damage. Luckily, there are curly hair brushes designed for wet hair so as long as you’re delicate and take your time when brushing, your curls will be fine!

How to brush curly hair

The best way to brush curly hair and minimse damage is to do it while your hair’s wet or damp.

First use a spray bottle to dampen your curls and apply a little leave-in conditioner to help manage the knots.

Next choose a detangling brush or comb. Some people prefer to use and use a wide tooth comb for brushing out curls but a detangling brush also works well. Start from the bottom of your hair and work your way up in sections.

Lastly, section your hair and plait it so it’s easier to manage in the morning!

What’s your favourite brush for curly hair?

Liv

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