9 Best Detangling Hairbrushes Tested on Different Hair Types 2025

Few things are more frustrating than running into a stubborn knot while in the middle of a brushing. Fortunately, the best detangling hairbrushes are here to spare you the pain—whether your strands are curly, coily, wavy, straight, or 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 hairstylists 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

Best Overall: Mane Ready or Knot Detangling Paddle Brush

The Mane 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

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

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UNbrush Detangling Hair Brush Pastel Collection

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. The 58 long bristles and 47 short ones team 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

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Pattern Shower Detangling Brush

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

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Wet Brush Pro Detangler Hair Brush

Remember being eight years old, with tears in your eyes as your mom tore through your tangles after bath time? 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

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T3 Detangle Duo Brush & Shower Comb Set

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 supersmooth. 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

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Mason Pearson Detangler Brush

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.