Few things are more frustrating than running into a stubborn knot mid-brush. Fortunately, the best detangling hairbrushes are here to spare you the pain—whether your strands are curly, coily, wavy, straight, fine, or you’re working with wet or dry hair. Some options even give you a low-key scalp massage while you do your thing.
Beyond the general inconvenience of snarls, skipping out on detangling can compromise both your hair’s health and its styling potential. “If you don’t detangle your hair properly, it will form knots and break,” says Devin Toth, a New York City-based hairstylist.
Below, we polled hair stylists and our editors with various hair textures for their favorite picks. We then put a wide range of options to the test. While tons of brushes did the trick, our favorite was the Mane Ready or Knot Detangling Paddle Brush, which works on many hair types and stimulates scalp health while smoothing knots. But plenty of other options are worth a try, including the Pattern Shower Detangling Brush for type 4 textures, and more.
The best detangling brushes, at a glance
Featured in this articleShow more5 / 9
How We Tested
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
To compile our list of the best detangling hairbrushes, we considered everything from bristle type and brush head design to material, ease of use, versatility, and overall results. We also interviewed writers and contributors with a wide range of hair types, textures, and lengths to ensure our recommendations are as inclusive and helpful as possible.
Best Overall: Mane Ready or Knot Detangling Paddle Brush
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Annie Blackman testing Mane Ready or Knot Detangling Paddle Brush
- Original video from Annie Blackman testing Mane Ready or Knot Detangling Paddle Brush
ChevronChevron
Mane Ready or Knot Detangling Paddle Brush
Amazon
Sephora
- Shape: paddle
- Bristle Material: metal
- Wet or Dry: wet and dry
- Best For: everyone
Mane’s Ready or Knot Detangling Paddle Brush is a knot-busting powerhouse with wide-reaching talents. “It’s for all hair types, wet or dry, and it’s also anti-static, which prevents future tangles,” explains Toth. If you’ve been intimidated by metal bristles in the past, don’t be. They actually provide a gentle, stimulating scalp massage, as well as promote healthy oil distribution from root to tip as you run the hairbrush through your hair. We love the yellow-painted wood and the holographic vibe of the text on the back.
Glamour contributor Annie Blackman swears by this brush. “I only brush my hair when it’s wet, which is when my knots are at their worst, frankly. But Ready or Knot totally does the trick. It shortens brushing time by a lot and tackles every last tangle,” Blackman explains. “There’s a little hole in the middle for drainage, which can easily be mistaken for a missing bristle, so know that it’s intentional!”
Best for Fine Hair: Tangle Teezer Detangler
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Annie Blackman testing Tangle Teezer Detangler
- Original video from Annie Blackman testing Tangle Teezer Detangler
ChevronChevron
Tangle Teezer Detangler
Amazon
Nordstrom
- Shape: rounded paddle
- Bristle Material: plastic
- Wet or Dry: wet and dry
- Best For: fine hair
Tangle Teezer’s Detangler is a no-frills staple for tackling knots without tugging or breakage. The mix of long and short bristles works in tandem to loosen tangles and smooth the hair cuticle, helping to boost shine and tame flyaways. Thanks to its 100% plastic build, it’s also a solid pick for in-shower use. “This is the brush that opened my eyes to the importance of a tool designed specifically for detangling,” says Blackman. “The flexible bristles go easy on my fine strands, bending around snags rather than attacking them with blunt force.” The brand offers a wide range of detangling brushes, so whether you have curls or just want something more tailored, you’re bound to find your perfect match.
Best for Thick Hair: Unbrush
UNbrush Detangling Hair Brush Pastel Collection
Nordstrom
Amazon
- Shape: paddle
- Bristle Material: plastic
- Wet or Dry: wet and dry
- Best For: thick hair
If you’ve spent even 60 seconds on TikTok this past year, chances are you’ve seen the Unbrush. Its signature octagonal holes between each bristle allow for easy venting and quick cleaning, so it never gets waterlogged—a major plus since it’s especially great on wet hair. At work are 58 long bristles and 47 short ones, teaming up to gently but thoroughly detangle knots of all depths and densities. Despite its featherlight feel, it holds its own on thick, coarse strands.
Best for Curly Hair: Pattern Shower Detangling Brush
Pattern Shower Detangling Brush
Amazon
Ulta
- Shape: paddle
- Bristle Material: plastic
- Wet or Dry: wet
- Best For: curly hair
Calling all card-carrying members of the curly girl club—Pattern’s Shower Detangling Brush is your new best friend. Hairstylist Michelle O’Connor explains that this brush was designed with tight, coily textures in mind and is a dream for in-shower use. “For type 4 textures, it’s one of the few brushes that offers both grip and glide. It respects the coil pattern while doing the heavy lifting.” She suggests working in sections, brushing from the ends up, to minimize any discomfort or snagging. The result? Beautifully defined curl clumps worthy of a hair flip.
Best for Kids: Wet Brush Pro Detangler Hair Brush
Wet Brush Pro Detangler Hair Brush
Ulta
- Shape: rounded paddle
- Bristle Material: plastic
- Wet or Dry: wet and dry
- Best For: kids, sensitive scalps
Remember being 8 years old, with tears in your eyes as your mom tore through your tangles after bathtime? Yeah, we do too. That’s why we want to do better for our kiddos—and Wet Brush’s Pro Detangler Hair Brush does just that. “The flexible bristles are ideal for detangling curly, wavy, or fine hair without pulling,” says Leigh Hardges, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. The flexible bristles spare your child from discomfort, work to minimize split ends, and leave their hair perfectly picture-day-ready.
Best Duo: T3 Detangle Duo Brush & Shower Comb Set
T3 Detangle Duo Brush & Shower Comb Set
Nordstrom
- Shape: rounded paddle brush, comb
- Bristle Material: plastic
- Wet or Dry: wet
- Best For: people who brush their hair in the shower
Sometimes, a really bad knot (or, worst case scenario, a rat’s nest—gasp) calls for backup. That’s what you’ll get in T3’s Detangle Duo Brush & Shower Comb Set. This power couple includes a rounded paddle brush for preliminary detangling and a wide-toothed comb to help distribute hair products in the shower. The brush bristles’ ball tips stimulate the scalp gently, and the handle is comfy and easy to grip.
“When I’m traveling, I love relying on this brush and comb set to make sure my hair looks and feels super smooth. The comb does a great job of detangling small knots without causing breakage, and then I like to smooth everything out with the brush. I love that I can use it on wet strands, and my hair always dries super nice and smooth after the fact,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best Splurge: Mason Pearson Detangler Brush
Mason Pearson Detangler Brush
Nordstrom
Amazon
- Shape: rounded paddle
- Bristle Material: plastic, nylon
- Wet or Dry: dry and damp
- Best For: everyone
A Mason Pearson brush is definitely a splurge, but stylists like Toth and Hardges agree it’s worth every penny. The brand offers several options, but the Detangler Brush stands out for its versatility and comfort. Designed to be used before and after shampooing and conditioning, it glides through hair without snagging and feels gentle on the scalp. With proper care—and the included brush cleaner—it’s built to last for years.
“Do you need to spend $200 on a comb? The answer is unequivocally no, but I’ll say this: Since I started to use the cult-favorite Mason Pearson brush to straighten my curls, my hair has never looked shinier,” says Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz. “My late mother was a hairdresser and instilled in me the importance of using good tools (her trusty dryer lasted me 20 years). Of course you don’t have to splurge on what’s known as the Birkin of brushes to find quality, but I’ve been blown away (pun intended) by how well those luxurious boar bristles from the iconic 140-year-old brand get the job done. And in a way, when I use it, I feel closer to my mom. Over the past two months, I’ve noticed significantly less breakage (which is saying a lot, since I’m a serial flatiron-er), and I love the gentle scalp massage it offers. If you’ve also melted through your share of drugstore paddle brushes and have been flirting with making the investment, they seldom go on sale. Just sayin’.”
Best for Styling: Denman D3 Original Styler Brush
Denman D3 Original Styler Brush
Amazon
Nordstrom
- Shape: narrow paddle
- Bristle Material: plastic, nylon
- Wet or Dry: dry and damp
- Best For: curly hair, styling
The Denman D3 Original Styler Brush is a favorite among pros for a reason. It’s especially effective on curlier textures, where it helps knock out knots and sculpt definition before styling. “It’s not just a brush—it’s a sculpting tool,” says O’Connor. “I use it to guide definition while layering in a styling product.” The staggered rows of nylon pins help evenly distribute product and tension, making it a smart pick for anyone looking to enhance their natural curl pattern.
Best On Scalps: Kitsch Detangling Brush
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Kitsch Detangling Brush
- Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Kitsch Detangling Brush
ChevronChevron
Kitsch Detangling Brush
Amazon
- Shape: curved
- Bristle Material: plastic
- Wet or Dry: wet and dry
- Best For: everyone
This brush’s unique shape is just one reason we’re obsessed with this brand. It fits right in your palm, allowing each stroke to feel like an extension of your hand (cool, right?). The combination of hard and soft bristles effectively tackles all kinds of knots, working well on both wet and dry hair.
“This detangling brush is probably one of the best I’ve tried if I have stubborn knots at my root. It has a unique shape that really allows you to grip the entire brush head which gives you a little more control than your typical hairbrush. My strands look a lot smoother and flyway free, especially on my scalp and roots area, after using this one,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Frequently asked questions
What types of brushes are good for detangling hair?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
Because untangling knotty hair can lead to painful tugging, it’s essential to find a brush that’s gentle on strands yet still effective. “I’m all about brushes that have flexible bristles or widely spaced teeth, because they glide through your hair without ripping or causing unnecessary breakage,” says hairstylist Annagjid “Kee” Taylor. She adds that using a well-suited brush along with damp hair, ample conditioner, and a leave-in product is your best bet for smooth sailing.
Do detangling brushes really work?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
Yes—detangling brushes work, but finding a good one is only half the battle. “A detangling brush isn’t magic all by itself,” explains Taylor. “It needs help from moisture and product so it can glide through your strands instead of snagging. For curly and coily textures, especially, they’re a game changer because they gently separate the hair, help minimize shedding, and reduce detangling time.” She notes that technique is key: start from the ends and work up to the top.
What’s the best kind of brush for matted hair?
AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron
“You definitely don’t want to go straight in with a fine-tooth comb,” says Taylor. “For matted hair, I prefer to use a detangling brush with flexible bristles, such as the Denman, or a sturdy, wide-tooth comb, paired with a generous amount of slip, like conditioner, detangling spray, or oil.” Don’t discount the power of prepping with your fingers. “Sometimes I’ll even gently separate big knots with my fingers first. The goal is to ease those mats apart without snapping the hair. Take your time and be gentle, your strands will thank you.”
The post 9 Best Detangling Hairbrushes Tested On Different Hair Types 2025 appeared first on Glamour.
