The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (2024)

The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (1)

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Gentleness is the name of the game when it comes to taking care of fine, thin hair. With such narrow strands, breakage is a major concern, and one of the biggest offenders is brushing too hard with the wrong tool. That’s why it’s important to use one of the best brushes for fine hair, whether a paddle brush or a round brush, that can run through your strands with ease and maintain its overall health.

Top picks for the best hair brushes for fine hair in 2024

“Fine hair is the most fragile type of hair, so picking the right brush is very important,” explains celebrity hairstylist Matt Collins. “If you buy a high-quality brush, you will have to replace it very rarely, whereas cheaper brushes will break down very quickly, and you will have to replace them more often,” he adds. For daily detangling purposes, he recommends choosing a sturdy paddle brush that features synthetic bristles, a softer cushion, and a seamless base to prevent your individual hairs from catching on it. Those looking for ways to make their hair grow faster should also consider opting for something that includes both synthetic and boar bristles, which collaborate to delicately detangle and stimulate blood flow in the scalp, encouraging hair growth.

Below, we’ve found the 12 best brushes for fine hair. With these brushes, you can get your strands tangle-free without the damage. Give your hair the princess treatment it deserves!

Best Paddle Brush for Thin Hair

Dyson Paddle Brush

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Pros
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (9)Holds up over time
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (10)Suitable for all textures
Cons
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (11)Some may find it heavy

Dyson’s hair tools are at the top of their game, so it makes sense that the company also produces a premium hair brush—the Paddle Brush possesses gentle bristles for painless detangling. “The handle is the perfect size,” Collins says. “The material is smooth, so it’s easy to clean, and it won’t get nasty-looking with wear,” he adds.

Materials: Synthetic bristles

An ELLE editor says: “With great pain comes an even greater lesson: Invest in a quality paddle brush, people. I didn’t understand the importance of one until I scraped my scalp quite a few times with brushes that had bristles falling out, saw my hair tear out as a result of the missing bristles, and, worst of all, had to throw a bunch of brushes out once the adhesive holding the cushion together dissolved. Word of advice: buy this Dyson paddle brush to save your hair and wallet the hassle. This brush is firm and strong and can withstand a range of hair textures, from my coarse, coily natural hair to whatever texture wig I’m wearing.” —Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Best Splurge Brush

Mason Pearson Pocket Mixture Hair Brush

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Pros
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (13)Long-lasting
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (14)Portable
Cons
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (15)Pricey

Here at ELLE.com, we believe in quality over quantity, and nobody can deny that Mason Pearson is the definition of quality when it comes to hair brushes. The mixture of boar and synthetic bristles in this mini one is effective and sturdy—get ready to have it by your side for decades. The smaller size makes it perfect for slipping into your purse or carry-on, and it’ll help keep every strand in place wherever you go.

Materials: Boar and synthetic bristles

Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This brush is little, but I love it a whole lot. As with all Mason Pearson brushes, this one’s cushion is supple, its bristles are just the right amount of firmness, and it massages the scalp and spreads out my hair’s oils. I have fine hair myself, and I’m picky when it comes to brushes. But Mason Pearson just can’t be beat.”——Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer

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Best Round Brush for Blowouts

Y.S. Park Hair Brush

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Pros
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (17)Gives a professional looking blowout
Cons
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (18)Difficult to use for those who are not familiar with round brush techniques

If you're searching for a brush that will give you a salon-worthy blowout, look no further than YS Park’s round hair brush. For best results, use the brush to pull a section of your hair away from your scalp (making sure that you’re creating enough tension), then roll the brush inward toward your scalp while applying heat from your blow dryer. Keep repeating this in-and-out motion until you’ve passed through each section.

Materials: Boar and nylon bristles

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Buy it! I get my hair done a few times a year professionally and when they use this brush my hairstyle looks polished and lasts longer! Glad I found it on Amazon!”

Best Boar Brush

SHASH Nylon Boar Bristle Brush

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The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (20)

Pros
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (21)Soft boar bristles
Cons
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (22)Not ideal for thicker hair strands

To achieve smooth and silky strands, a soft boar brush is a must-have. Thanks to the smooth bristles, boar brushes actually help to hydrate hair while reducing frizz. Because these bristles are so soft, you’ll also feel like you’re giving yourself a relaxing scalp massage.

Materials: Boar and nylon bristles

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This brush has been perfect for my daughter. Usually she hates to brush her hair, but this didn’t even bother her while brushing the tangles. Would purchase again.”

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Best Wet Brush

TANGLE TEEZER The Fine and Fragile Ultimate Detangling Brush

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Pros
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (24)Detangles wet hair carefully
Cons
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (25)The brush isn’t super flexible (it’s a bit stiff)

Fine hair folks, you’ll want to be extra cautious while detangling your strands in the shower. Wet hair is much weaker than dry hair, and fine hair is already susceptible to breakage. To avoid losing excess strands in the shower, try Tangle Teezer’s detangling brush. The soft bristles are designed to gently separate and detangle fine and fragile hair, so you won’t have to worry about damage.

Materials: Synthetic bristles

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “The Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Plant Brush has completely transformed the way I care for my hair, and I couldn't be happier with the results! This brush works like magic, effortlessly gliding through both wet and dry hair to eliminate tangles and knots. It's an absolute game-changer for those with unruly hair like mine. I no longer dread the post-shower tangle battle; this brush makes detangling a breeze.”

Best Hair Brush for Slicked-Back Styles

Crown Affair The Brush No. 003

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Pros
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (27) Soft boar bristles help to keep hair moisturized
Cons
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (28)Some reviewers note that it’s better for styling, instead of detangling

Crown Affair’s Brush No. 003 is crafted specifically for fine hair, and because of its boar bristles, it makes for the perfect styling tool. The boar bristles are also useful for distributing natural scalp oils throughout your strands, which helps to moisturize your hair. Whip up a snatched sleek bun with ease sans any flyways.

Materials: Boar and synthetic bristles

Crown Affair rating: 4.8 /5 stars

A Crown Affair reviewer says: “Having a nice brush is definitely worth the splurge— the difference is noticeable! My hair looks shinier and feels so soft. I absolutely recommend this product for anyone looking to level up their routine.”

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Best Heat Resistant Hair Brush

T3 Smooth Paddle Professional Styling Brush

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Pros
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (30)Wide base
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (31)Easy-to-grip handle
Cons
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (32)Some reviewers note that it’s heavy

Nobody wants to deal with burnt plastic in their hair. Thankfully, you can give yourself a blowout worry-free with this heat-resistant brush, whose bristles are designed to smooth frizz and go easy on delicate hair.

Materials: Nylon bristles

Bluemercury rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Bluemercury reviewer says: “Loving my new hair brush. Hair is smooth and doesn’t break when I use this brush.”

Best Hair Brush for Detangling

Sisley-Paris The Radiance Brush

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Pros
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (34)Detangles without breakage
Cons
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (35)Some reviewers noted that the handle feels too short

Fine hair can be prone to tangles, especially if you have a little texture to your hair. Sisley-Paris' Radiance brush runs through knots with ease and avoids causing painful tears. It’ll also give you a gentle scalp massage while it’s at it!

Materials: Boar and synthetic bristles

Bluemercury rating: 4.9/5 stars

A Sisley-Paris reviewer says: “Best brush I’ve ever had. Massages scalp and is gentle on my straight mid-length hair. I feel it brushes every hair separately. Worth every penny.”

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Best Low-Tension Hair Brush

Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush

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Pros
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (37)Doesn’t cause tension
Cons
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (38)Padding deflates after some time

There’s nothing more aggravating than the feeling of a brush tugging on your strands. If you’re using a brush that causes discomfort, swap it out for Aveda’s wooden paddle brush. This brush is carefully crafted to reduce tension, giving you a stress-free detangling experience.

Materials: Synthetic bristles

Aveda rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Aveda reviewer says: “I have thin long dry hair that are very prone to become frizzy and tangle together and this brush saved me!!”

Best Hair Brush for Curly Hair

Denman Curly Hair Brush D3

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Pros
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (40)Great for detangling curly hair
Cons
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (41)Not great for slick back styles

There’s a common misconception that curly hair can’t be fine, and that’s simply untrue. The word “fine” refers to width, not texture. For those with both curly and fine hair, this Denman brush is an absolute lifesaver. The bristles are long enough to navigate the depth of curls, but smooth enough not to agitate fine strands.

Materials: Synthetic bristles

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been using the Denman brush for years now and it always leaves my curls looking juicy and defined.”

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Best Multi-Purpose Hair Brush/ Best Everyday Brush

Belula Boar Bristle Hair Brush Set

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The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (43)

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Pros
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (44)Brushes and detangles
Cons
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (45)Bristles aren’t strong enough for thick hair

If you’re in the market for a brush that will detangle and style, you’ve found the right one. Belula’s multi-purpose brush softens hair while styling and lessens frizz while detangling. Plus, the package comes with a comb, a headband, and a travel bag, so you’ll have a complete set for home or on the go.

Materials: Boar bristles

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “What a luxurious brush. The bristles are soft, and smooths hair in sections, and distributes natural oils so well. Never another brand.”

Best Budget Hair Brush

Diane 2-In-1 Premium Styling Brush

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Pros
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (47)Great price
Cons
  • The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (48) 2-in-1 design might be cumbersome for some

For nearly $13, Diane’s 2-in-1 styling brush features synthetic bristles for detangling and boar bristles for a salon-worthy finish. The wooden handle is also lightweight and easy to maneuver to prevent cramped hands from extending your hair styling time longer than it needs to be.

Materials: Boar and synthetic bristles

Ulta rating: 5/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I spent 6 months deciding on a new hair brush, went with this one, and I'm SO GLAD I did. It's the best brush I've owned. The thin bristle side detangles better, but still gentler, than any wet brush. The boar bristle side is great for redistribution of oil on second and third day hair.:”

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Meet the Experts

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Matt Collins is a celebrity hairstylist and a Dyson global styling ambassador.

What kind of brush is best for fine hair and why?

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With so many options out there, it’s hard to identify just one type of brush that takes the top spot, so we’ve pointed out a couple of options. According to Collins, a paddle brush with synthetic bristles and a sturdy cushion is a must-have. Collins points out that the shape of the brush matters too, suggesting that a round end won’t cause any aggravation if it comes into contact with the scalp. “Usually fine haired individuals tend to have sensitive scalps,” Collins adds.

In addition to synthetic bristles, boar bristles are also ideal for smoothing the hair while effectively spreading the scalp’s natural oils across the hair strands without causing any friction.

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Why is it important to select a good quality brush, especially for fine hair?

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As Collins mentioned earlier, you’ll want to invest in a high-quality brush especially for fine hair, which is prone to damage. After all, the health of your hair is directly correlated to your grooming habits, so choosing an exceptional brush is imperative if you want to maintain strong, tangle-free strands.

Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

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As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Lauren Tappan spoke to a celebrity hairstylist, and she and Carol Lee scoured the internet to find the best hair brushes for thin hair.

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Carol Lee

Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.

The 12 Best Hair Brushes for Fine Hair That Make Detangling a Breeze (2024)
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