Detangling curly hair can be a struggle with challenges such as knots, breakage, and painful tugging, making wash day frustrating. But with the right detangling brush and resources, you can make all the difference!
Curly hair needs gentle, flexible tools that glide through hair without snagging, pulling, or causing excessive breakage.
Irrespective of your curl type, choosing the right detangling brush helps preserve your curl pattern, reduce shedding, and simplify styling.
In this article, we’re sharing the top detangling brushes for curly hair, why they work, and how to choose the best one for your hair type!
What to Look for in a Detangling Brush for Curly Hair
You should look out for a brush with flexible bristles. Flexible bristles prevent breakage and allow gentle detangling.
A good detangling brush should have wide spacing to reduce pulling and preserve curl definition.
A brush with a curved or vented design follows your scalp’s natural shape for even detangling.
And a brush with an ergonomic handle provides a firm grip for better control.
Brushes made out of heat-resistant materials are essential if you use heat-styling tools.
Best Detangling Brushes – Our Top Five Picks!
1. Best Overall Detangling Brush: Felicia Leatherwood
Why We Love It:
- Widely spaced, flexible bristles that glide through curls with ease.
- Ideal for all curl types – from straight to tight coils.
- Reduces tugging and snapping for pain-free detangling.
- Price Point: Starts from US$ 21.99.
2. Best Budget-Friendly Detangling Brush: EZ Detangler Brush
Why We Love It:
- Budget-friendly yet effective and great for newbie naturalistas.
- Flexible bristle system that moves with your hair.
- Works on wet or dry hair without excessive pulling.
- Price Point: Starts from US$ 5.99.
3. Best Detangling Brush for Thick Hair: Denman D4 9-Row Brush
Why We Love It:
- Firm, anti-static bristles help define curls while detangling.
- Great for styling and distributing product evenly.
- It helps shape beautiful, clumped curls while detangling.
- Price Point: Starts from US$ 25.99.
Other types of Denman, like the classic D3 7-Row Brush, are also popular for detangling curly hair.
4. Best Detangling Brush for Wet Hair: Wet Brush Pro Detangler
Why We Love It:
- Known for its “IntelliFlex” bristles, the Wet Brush glides through knots with minimal pulling.
- It’s particularly effective on wet hair and is often the best time to detangle curly hair.
- Their pro detangler line is excellent for thicker hair.
- Price Point: Starts from US$ 24.99.
5. Best Detangling Brush for Kids & Tender Scalps: Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler
Why We Love It:
- Super flexible bristles that glide through curls painlessly.
- Small, lightweight design makes it easy to handle.
- Ideal for sensitive scalps and gentle detangling.
- Price Point: Starts from US$ 15.99.
Adults can use this detangling brush, too. It’s not just for kids!
How to Use a Detangling Brush the Right Way
Follow these five steps to minimize breakage and protect your curls:
- Start with damp or wet hair, or use a liquid or diluted leave-in conditioner.
- Apply a slip-enhancing conditioner or detangling spray.
- Always work in manageable sections.
- Start detangling from the ends and work your way up.
- Be gentle. Let the brush glide through your hair instead of forcing it. If you come up against a snag, stop and work it out with your fingers, and then resume detangling with the brush.
Want to track your detangling routine and hair breakage? Use the Curls, Coils & Kinks Journal & Planner 2025 to document your progress and adjust your regimen!
Maintaining Your Detangling Brush
- To ensure that your detangling brush remains in optimal condition, it’s essential to clean it regularly.
- Remove loose hairs and wash the brush with warm water and a mild shampoo. You can use an old toothbrush to clean any debris between the teeth.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely before using it again.
Round-up of the Best Detangling Brush for Your Curls
- Best overall detangling brush – Felicia Leatherwood Detangling Brush.
- Best budget-friendly detangling brush: EZ Detangler Brush.
- Best detangling brush for thick hair: Denman D4 9-Row Brush.
- Best detangling brush for wet hair: Wet Brush Pro Detangler
- Best detangling brush for kids & sensitive scalps: Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler.
Honorary Mentions
Though not included above, the following detangling brushes are equally great and offer benefits for all curly hair types:-
- Pattern Beauty Shower Brush. Starts from US$ 17.
- BESTOOL Detangling Brush. Starts from US$ 6.99.
- Rizos Curls Detangling Flexi Brush. Starts from US$ 15.99.
- Manta Kinks Detangling Brush. Starts from US$ 35.
Share in the Comments
Using the right tools and techniques is the key to healthy, tangle-free curls! Which detangling brush is your favorite? Share in the comments!
Abi is a curly hair care expert and an avid researcher. She is the founder of Ade Ori Hair Care, Natural Oils for Hair & Beauty, and Healthy Natural Hair Products, premier destinations for the best information, support and resources for your natural hair care and healthy hair journey! Learn more here.