If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the haircare aisle, bewildered by the myriad of brushes, fear — you’re not alone. Choosing the right hairbrush can be as tricky as finding the perfect hairstyle for a special occasion.
We’ve scoured the beauty realms, consulted with hair experts, and put these brushes to the test ourselves to bring you the ultimate guide to the crème de la crème of hairbrushes for straight hair. (Related: Best hair mousses and leave-in conditioners).
We’re not just dishing out recommendations — we’re sharing the behind-the-scenes stories of how these brushes made their way into our hearts and onto our vanities and shower caddies.
Get ready to meet the brushes that have not only been vetted by the pros but have also earned their stripes in the real world of haircare.
Oh, and you’ll want to be sure to check out our in-depth FAQ section where hairstylists tell all.
Click to go straight to our winners of the best hairbrushes by category:
- Best Hairbrush Overall
- Best Budget Hairbrush
- Best Hairbrush Worth the Splurge
- Best Drugstore Hairbrush
- Best Hairbrush for Wet Hair
- Best Paddle Hairbrushes
- Best Round Hairbrushes
How we tested
We tested more than 15 different brushes based on the following criteria:
- Hair Type Compatibility: How well does it work for its intended hair type? Who is it best for: Straight, curly, or wavy hair?
- Cleaning and Maintenance: How easy is it to clean the hairbrush?
- Detangling Performance: How effectively does it detangle knots without causing breakage or unnecessary strain on the hair shaft?
- Styling Versatility: How versatile is the brush in achieving different hairstyles? Does it heat up? How efficient and effective is it in smoothing hair while maintaining a safe temperature?
My hair type: I have a lot of fine, straight hair. It tangles easily and can be difficult to brush through.
Best Hairbrush Overall
Leonor Greyl Paris Natural Boar Bristle Brush
Pros:
- Luxurious quality with natural boar bristles
- Precise design for exceptional styling
- Versatile for various hair types
Cons:
- Higher price compared to basic brushes
“My favorite is the natural boar bristle brush by Leonor Greyl, which is soft and distributes natural oils from the scalp to the hair, promoting shine and smoothness,” esteemed hairstylist Trace Henningsen told The Post. “Crafted with precision, this brush boasts high-quality natural boar bristles that effortlessly distribute your hair’s natural oils from root to tip. The ergonomically designed wooden handle provides a comfortable grip, making each stroke a pampering experience.
I found this brush to be one of the best I’ve ever used for my hair. The length of the bristles effectively detangled my hair while the boar’s hair smoothed my hair and added unparalleled shine.
Best Budget Hairbrush
Wet Brush Original Detangling Hair Brush
Pros:
- Affordable
- Gentle wet hair detangling with Intelliflex bristles
- Versatile for all hair types
Cons:
- Not the most durable brush
Engineered with innovative Intelliflex bristles, the Wet Brush Original Detangling Hair Brush is a budget-friendly marvel that works wonders on many hair types. The ultra-soft, flexible bristles effortlessly glide through knots and tangles, minimizing breakage and discomfort. The lightweight design, paired with a rubberized handle, ensures a comfortable grip for a seamless detangling experience without the hefty price tag.
I’ve been using Wet Brushes for years now and, while they’re not designed to be the most durable, I’ve never used a more effective detangling tool. I don’t even need product — these innovative bristles do all the work, wet or dry.
Best Hairbrush Worth the Splurge
Mason Pearson Handy Mixture Hair Brush
Pros:
- The most famous professional hairbrush
- Luxurious experience with boar and nylon bristles
- Handcrafted for durability
- Polished finish for a salon-worthy look
Cons:
- Very high price tag
The epitome of luxury, the Mason Pearson Handy Mixture Hair Brush is a splurge-worthy investment. Its unique combination of natural boar bristles and nylon tufts ensures optimal hair distribution, leaving your locks with a polished, salon-worthy finish. The handcrafted rubber cushion pad provides gentle resilience, while the sleek handle, made from cellulose acetate, exudes both durability and elegance.
If you want one hairbrush to carry you through your years, this is it. It does everything a hairbrush should and is designed to be able to do it well for years on end, hence the hefty price tag. My hair never looks good without styling it fully…unless I’m using my Mason Pearson brush. With it, I can just brush and go.
Best Drugstore Hairbrush
Donna Double Sided Boar Styling Brush for Women
Pros:
- Affordable for salon-quality styling
- Double-sided design for versatility
- Effective boar bristles for shine
Cons:
- Not the easiest to clean regularly
Unveiling beauty on a budget, the Donna Double-Sided Boar Styling Brush for Women is a drugstore gem. This brush features double-sided natural boar bristles, perfect for styling and smoothing. The durable plastic handle ensures longevity, making it an affordable yet effective choice for those seeking a versatile styling tool without compromising quality.
I’ve been using my Donna brush for two years now and not only has it held up beautifully, but the fact that it gives me detangling and smoothing action in one never fails to impress. I get compliments and questions about this brush more than almost any other tool I have in my arsenal.
Best Hairbrush for Wet Hair
Sheila Stotts Untangle Brush
Pros:
- Effortless detangling for wet hair
- Flexible bristles for a snag-free experience
- Versatile for different hair types
Cons:
- Not ideal for styling
Another favorite of Henningsen’s, the Sheila Stotts Untangle Brush is specifically designed to conquer wet hair woes. Its strategically placed flexible bristles effortlessly detangle damp locks without causing breakage, ensuring a snag-free journey from the shower to styled perfection. The Sheila brush even has a drainage hole and a (still chic!) plastic handle, making it just make sense in or after the shower.
I adore the length and spacing of the Sheila bristles. They tackle any tangles quickly and effortlessly, wet or dry. This is my favorite brush for in the shower and for preparing my wet hair for whatever styling step I plan to take next.
Best Paddle Hairbrushes
Janeke Superbrush Detangler Brush
Pros:
- Effortless detangling with a broad, flat surface
- Ergonomic design for comfortable use
- Versatile for all hair types
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Large size may be less convenient for specific styling needs
Meet the Janeke Superbrush Detangler — a personal favorite of mine. Boasting a broad, flat surface, this paddle marvel effortlessly glides through hair, gently detangling knots and leaving your hair silky smooth.
The ergonomic Italian design and durable bristles make it my go-to. It’s also backless, but still has a flexible bristle base that is soft on the scalp, but makes cleaning it a literal breeze. Just grab the hair (once is enough!), pull, discard, and go.
Best Round Hairbrushes
Ibiza Hair Professional Round Boar Hair Brush
Pros:
- Professional styling with boar bristles and ceramic-coated barrel
- Quality materials for durability
- Versatile sizing for different hair lengths
Cons:
- Higher price compared to basic round brushes
Henningsen’s favorite round brush comes from the professional brand Ibiza Hair. “For round brushes,” she said, “I have been using Ibiza hair round brushes for over 10 years and they are worth the investment as they last a very long time and leave the hair shiny with natural movement. They have different versions of round brushes depending on the hair texture and density of your hair.”
This round brush combines boar bristles and a ceramic-coated barrel, providing superior grip and heat distribution. It’s effortless to add volume and shape to my locks while keeping everything smooth and frizz-free for hours with this professional-grade round brush. This is one I plan to get glam with for years to come, especially thanks to its construction.
An FAQ on Hairbrushes
Below, find our tried-and-true hairstylists’ tips — what to know when shopping for a hairbrush, the different types to pick up and more.
What makes a great hairbrush?
“[A great hair brush] is made from materials that are durable, smooth, and gentle on the hair. A good hairbrush has a flexible cushion base that allows the bristles to move with the contours of the scalp, reducing hair breakage,” Henningsen said. “You do not want a brush that has bristles that are sharp or rough which can cause friction and damage to the hair cuticle, leading to breakage and split ends.”
Who should use a round brush? A paddle brush?
“Paddle brushes are versatile tools that can be suitable for various hair types and work well to detangle the hair, especially when dealing with knots and tangles. The wide bristle configuration helps minimize tugging and pulling. They can be used during blow-drying to achieve a sleek finish,” said Henningsen.
“Round brushes,” on the other hand, “are effective for straightening and smoothing all hair types. They can be used during blow-drying to achieve a sleek, straightened look or to add volume and shape,” Henningsen said. “They can lift the roots and create a bouncy, voluminous look, making them popular for styling. It’s essential to choose the right size of round brush for your hair length and the style you want to achieve. Smaller-diameter brushes are suitable for tighter curls, while larger ones are better for creating loose waves and adding volume.”
How do you use a round brush?
“Using a round brush properly can help you achieve optimal results,” Henningsen said, “whether you’re looking to add volume, create curls, or achieve a smooth, straight finish. A few key suggestions to get the best results from a round brush will depend on the thickness and wave pattern of your hair and how wet your hair should be. For example, if you have fine hair you will want to rough dry about 80% before you start using a round brush and blow drying. If you have very thick curly hair and want a sleek blowout then you will want to start using the round brush on very wet hair taking small sections to properly be able to smooth the hair out with the round brush.”
“For all hair types, only take sections of the hair that are as wide as the round brush that you use. Working with smaller sections makes styling more precise,” Henningsen told The Post.
Achieving the look you want, Henningsen added, “will depend on if you start at the front or the bottom. If you have fringe or want volume, you will want to start at the front and work your way back. If you are wanting to achieve a more straight blowout with the round brush you will want to start at the bottom and work your way up.”
How do you use give yourself a blowout?
“When using the round brush with a blow dryer,” Henningsen said, “wrap the hair around the round brush near the root and direct the airflow from the blow dryer pushing the hair down to the shaft. Simultaneously, roll the round brush away from your face, moving it down the length of the hair. Maintain tension on the hair by pulling it taut around the round brush. This helps smooth the cuticle and enhances the styling effect.”
“To achieve the best results with your round brush, focus on drying the roots first and then making your way down to the ends. Once you get to the ends ensure that they are properly styled helps create a polished look. To set each section use the cool setting on your blow dryer for a few seconds on each section while in the round brush to set the style. This can help enhance the longevity of your styled hair. It may take some time to master the technique of using a round brush. Experiment with different brush sizes and techniques to achieve the desired results for your hair type and style preference.”
Can you brush wet hair?
“Using a paddle brush on wet hair,” Henningsen said, “should be done with care, as wet hair is more prone to breakage. In such cases, a wide-tooth comb or a specialized detangling brush may be more efficient.” For this reason, brushes like the Wet Brush are solid go-tos for styling prep when the hair is damp.
Whether you’re seeking the best hairbrush for fine hair, looking to master curls, or exploring the wonders of boar bristle technology, join us on this exploration of the intricate world of hairbrush perfection.
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