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We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.
Approaching a messy mop of hair is an anxiety-inducing experience. While a regular brush can do the job, it’ll be a painful few minutes as you brush through knots, and you’ll likely end up with plenty of pulled-out strands.
However, with a detangling brush, you can gently tease out matted, knot-filled hair. Whether you’re battling a thick, messy curly mane or you want to brush out your child’s knotted strands without inflicting pain, a detangling brush separates hair without tugging at your scalp and ripping out strands.
But not all detangling brushes are the same. From choosing the right bristles to picking the perfect ergonomic handle for long brushing sessions, there’s a lot to consider. Some even come in small sizes to fit a child’s hand.
Ready to have consistently smooth, shiny hair? Read on to learn more about the best detangling brushes available and tips on how to use them to score superior results. If you’re ready to buy, take a look at our top picks.
Wondering why you’re always dealing with messy, hard-to-comb hair? Here are a few reasons you may be prone to knotting.
Before grabbing your brand-new detangling brush, it’s essential to use the right technique to work through your matted locks. Comb through your ends before tackling the top of your head. While it’s tempting to rip through stubborn knots, work through them gently to prevent pulling out your hair.
There are three main types of detangling brushes on the market:
A detangler is a must-have tool for handling knotty, matted hair, but it’s not a miracle worker. You may need detangling spray and patience to help tease out stubborn knots. You’ll still need to carefully work through hair to remove tangles. Just because you’re using a detangling brush doesn’t mean you can quickly and roughly brush out your hair without consequence.
Use a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray before attacking knots with a brush or comb. Wait for the product to get absorbed before working through the hair with a detangler tool.
Pick a brush that’s comfortable to hold. This is especially important if you have long, thick hair that may take a while to detangle. Some come with a curved handle for maximum comfort, while others have a rubberized grip to prevent the brush from slipping out of your hand every time you hit a stubborn knot.
For best results, choose wide-toothed combs or brushes with bristles spaced far apart. Opt for brushes with round tips, as they are gentler on the scalp and hair. Rounded tips are also less likely to pull out and damage hair.
Choose a quality conditioner to help smooth out your mane and prevent a tangled mess.
The majority of detangling brushes cost under $20, with the exception of a handful of luxury name-brand brushes that cost more than $100.
If you’re seriously prone to tangles, here are some tips to help you cope:
Mini detangling brushes are useful for brushing children’s hair or for those who have small hands and find large paddle brushes cumbersome.
The Evolve Flow-Thru Detangler is a true budget option with wide rows perfect for sliding effortlessly through tangled hair. The bendy bristles are designed to prevent pulling, and we love the brush for curly hair. The Detangling Flexi Brush features a combo of nylon and boar’s-hair bristles to both detangle and smooth out hair. It’s an excellent detangler for all hair types and well-loved by parents of children with tangled tresses. The ArtNaturals Detangling Hair Brush features an ergonomic shape and includes two brushes for the price of one, so you can stock two bathrooms with a handy detangler. Finally, the Knot Genie Teeny Genie is a kid-friendly knot-battling brush that gently coaxes tangles apart. We love that the brush can be pulled apart for easy cleaning.
Q. I have thin hair that’s prone to tangling. Which type of detangling brush should I use?
A. A wide-toothed comb or soft-bristled handheld brush is your best option. Avoid paddle brushes if you have fine, very dry hair; the bristles and design are likely to tug on your hair more than they actually remove knots. Natural boar’s hair bristles are a great option for thin hair. Regardless of the brush you select, always gently work through knots to prevent pulling out strands.
Q. My hair tangles easily because it’s so dry. How can I hydrate my hair?
A. Hair mask treatments and quality leave-in conditioners will help add moisture to your thirsty locks. Avoid shampoos with harsh ingredients that can sap moisture from your hair (e.g., alcohols). If you color your hair, always wait at least a month before dyeing it again. Space out touch-ups if you find your hair is dryer than normal. You’ll have to live with your roots showing for longer than you would like, but you’ll avoid further damage to your hair.
Q. My hair seems to tangle when I work out or run. What can I do to prevent this?
A. Pull back hair in a soft snag-free elastic. But instead of leaving your ponytail loose, use another elastic to secure it in the middle. Other tangle-proof hairstyles for exercising include braids and top knots.
Q. Do I need to brush my hair with a detangler every day?
A. While straight-haired individuals may find it necessary to work through knots on a daily basis, it’s not essential to use a detangler every day if you have thick, curly hair.
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