Beginning a curling journey may be both gratifying and challenging. A year and a half ago, when I first began to accept my curls, I had a particularly hard time finding the ideal styling tools. I discovered early on that the secret to success with curly hair is to use the greatest brushes, and after much trial and error, I can state with confidence that I have discovered several incredible possibilities. These are my top picks, with suggestions for detangling, styling, and straightening hair ranging from fine to thick and curly.
Best Detangling Brushes for Curly Hair
1. Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler
My favorite brush for detangling is this one. The Ultimate Detangler, which offers slide and makes untangling curls very easier, is what I suggest using in the shower while your conditioner is in. Because the bristles on this brush are incredibly flexible while remaining hard enough to reach the scalp, it works especially well for curly hair. Before a refresh, this brush works great for dry detangling as well. All hair types can benefit from it, although fine-to-medium curls work best.
2. Flex Detangling Brush
Without a doubt, the greatest detangling brush for thick, curly hair. The bristles on this brush are specifically made for 3a–4c curls; the secret lies in the design. The brush head is connected by a bridge; when that bridge is removed, the brush and its bristles bend, giving your curls the softest possible unwinding.
3. Denman Brush
I consider this brush to be one of the most essential tools for any curly lady because of its many applications. It can be applied to detangle threads. But I believe that styling your curls is where this brush truly excels. Curls can be defined in a variety of ways using the Denman brush while your hair is still wet and after applying style product. To get larger, more even curls, you can rotate the brush down through the curl strand while doing so, or you can brush straight through your hair to help it clump, then shake or scrunch the clump. These two approaches yield lovely outcomes!
Best Brushes for Curly Hair (Dry)
4. Goody Wood Styler Brush
Boar bristles are great for combing your curls while they’re dry, and this brush has them. Your hair’s natural oils are distributed throughout it by this sort of bristles, keeping your curls manageable and silky. I always reach for this kind of brush when I want a sleek topknot or low bun. I have a mixture of 2b and 3a curls. I damp my hair, run a tiny bit of gel or serum into my curls, and then smooth the hair down to get a professional look. I seal the look with a little hairspray. The gentle bristles of this brush may not effectively penetrate thick hair to the scalp, so it is best suited for fine to medium hair.
5. Evolve Styling Brush #575
For all hair types, this is an additional excellent boar bristle brush alternative. All of the incredible advantages of the 100% boar bristles are yours. Because of its somewhat stiffer bristles, this specific brush is ideal for all hair types.
Best Combs for Curls
6. Conair Wide-Tooth Comb
Another excellent choice for delicately detangling curly hair are these combs. The flexibility of the plastic versions is why I adore them so much. Ideal for applying while hair is still damp after applying leave-in (or conditioner, if you use it outside of the shower) or in the shower.
7. Rattail Comb
I carry this comb or one just like it all the time. They are multipurpose and excellent for gently detangling small parts of hair, adding volume, and sectioning hair. This comb is ideal for half-up hairstyles, braids, and twists since it gives you a neat part with the rattail. This comb is also how I clean out my other brushes.
8. Hair Pick
In addition to being an excellent choice for detangling, hair picks are a curly girl’s greatest friend when it comes to achieving amazing volume. Flip your hair over, placing the pick’s teeth close to your scalp, and gently lift up at the roots to create large curls. Repeat in parts across your head. Exercise caution. To avoid disturbing your curl clumps, establish the ideal balance between the two!
Best Straightening Brushes for Curly Hair
9. Goody Round Brush
I’ve used a lot of brushes, but this one is my absolute best for straightening out my curly hair. Because of its size, this brush works well on hair that is medium to long. When used with a blow dryer, the huge diameter and bristle combination of this Goody round brush allow you to build strain on your hair for incredible straightening results.
10. InStyler Straight Up Ceramic Straightening Brush
These days, I don’t straighten my curls very often, but when I do, I always utilize this product. Here’s why it’s my go-to brush for straightening curly hair. My hair becomes straightened quickly because to its ceramic plates, which have heat settings ranging from 330°F to 450°F. I also adore how it creates amazing volume while straightening, something that flat irons frequently fail to achieve. I can have a salon-quality blowout without ever leaving my house when I use this InStyler straightening brush with the round brush outlined in #9.
