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

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

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

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!”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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!!”

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.”

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.”

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.:”

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.