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Having fine hair can be v difficult to manage, I won’t lie! When you have fine hair, every strand is more susceptible to breakage and split ends. And if you want to get to the root of the issue (lol, pun intended), you’ll need a solid hair care routine. Volumizing shampoos, bonding treatments, scalp oils—the world is your oyster. But perhaps one of the easiest (and most budget-friendly!) fixes is getting a quality hair brush designed specifically for fine hair. Not sure where to look? No worries, because I’ve put together a list of only the best hair brushes for fine hair below.
There are a few things you should look out for when shopping for your new hair brush. Some of the best ones include qualities like having boar bristles, which help detangle your knotted strands pain-free while also distributing your scalp’s natural oils throughout your hair. Having something lightweight that won’t tug on your hair is also recommended. I know this can be a lot. That’s why I’ve done the homework for you and found the best hair brushes for fine hair that you’re sure to love. Take a peek below as to what’s to come.
Our top picks for the best hair brushes for fine hair of 2024:
best bristle brush
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Double-Sided Bristle Brush
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best splurge
La Bonne Brosse N.03 The Essential Soft Hair Brush
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Already planning your next IG post that shows off your hair? That’s what I like to hear!! Below, our top picks for brushes everyone with fine hair should have handy.
Pros
- Easy detangling
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Not recommended to use on wet hair or in the shower
Made with boar and synthetic bristles, Crown Affair’s Brush No. 003 was made specifically for people with fine hair in mind. It makes for the ultimate brushing experience since it keeps your hair moisturized by distributing the oils from your scalp throughout your strands. And while it does a fantastic job of leaving your hair looking shiny, it is just as good at creating sleek updos. It’s versatile, durable, and among the best brushes money can buy.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy detangling
Cons
- Some shoppers found that bristles lose the plastic balls over time
This is the duo your tangled hair needs. If you often find yourself with random knots, this set from T3 will be a game-changer. It includes a shower comb to be used in the shower, and a detangling brush to use on your wet or dry hair. What makes this particular brush so good? The flexible bristles are soft and gentle so you can brush while also lightly stimulating your scalp.
Pros
- Affordable
- Works well for most hair types
Cons
- Some reviewers found heat settings to be too high
We know it, we love it, and most importantly, we trust it. This Revlon hair dryer brush is the best for most hair types and textures and is such a tried-and-true product. It doesn’t tug on your hair like others do and has a mix of nylon and tufted bristles that leaves you with a gorge shine and so much volume. We love an at-home blowout that rivals the results from your fave salon.
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best teasing brush
SPORNETTE Little Wonder Teasing Brush
best teasing brush
SPORNETTE Little Wonder Teasing Brush
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Some shoppers note that it is a learning curve to figure out
One of my biggest hair concerns is always figuring out how to get my hair to stop looking so darn flat. This teasing brush, however, will help you achieve a fully volumized ‘90s-style hairdo in minutes. It has a combination of boar and nylon bristles that help create the right amount of tension needed to visibly transform and lift your hair.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some shoppers found it worked best only on wet hair
Please take this as your reminder that curly hair can, in fact, be thin too. It’s a common mistake and it’s time to set the record straight, people! According to shoppers, this cult-favorite brush left their curls tight, smooth, and defined. The magic behind it? The synthetic bristles are long enough to carefully brush through dense curls all without causing any breakage.
Pros
- Can be used while blow-drying
- Doesn’t tug on hair
- Heat-resistant up to 302 degrees
- Cushion ball tips for comfort
Cons
- Some shoppers found it to be too heavy
- Sells out quickly
You’ve surely heard all about the rave reviews that come with the Dyson name. (The Dyson Airwrap is one of the best styling tools out there, just saying!) But what you might be less familiar with is their accessories. And this paddle hair brush really is a sleeper hit! It can be used to smooth your hair before styling or alongside a blow-dryer and has an air-cushion suspension that feels gentle around your scalp.
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best bristle brush
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Double-Sided Bristle Brush
best bristle brush
PATTERN by Tracee Ellis Ross Double-Sided Bristle Brush
Pros
- Leaves hair looking polished and smooth
- Affordable
Cons
- Not meant to be used as an everyday brush
I recently added this to my beauty cabinet and let me tell you, it is good. I love using this double-sided bristle brush (with nylon bristles on one side and boar bristles on the other) to create perfectly slicked-back buns and ponytails. It works on most hair types/textures and tackles any excess unwanted static with ease.
best round brush
Ibiza Hair Professional Round Boar Hair Brush
best round brush
Ibiza Hair Professional Round Boar Hair Brush
Pros
- Lightweight
- Heat-resistant
Cons
- Reviewers note that cork handle may fall apart over time
If you’ve ever used a hair dryer, you’ve probably had to take a break on account of some very sore (and tired) arms. Hair dryers are heavy, and juggling a brush and the heat tool all at once is not for the weak. This round brush though is lightweight and has an ergonomic handle that is comfortable to use while still creating the tension you need. It also holds a blend of natural boar and heat-resistant carbon fiber.
Pros
- Affordable
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Some shoppers found this to be too flimsy for their liking
Cosmo’s Beauty Editor, Beth Gillette named this Wet Brush as her ultimate go-to. “I swear by this brush,” she says. “It's so nice and doesn't rip out my fragile AF hair. And it feels so good against my scalp, it’s almost like a scalp massager.” This one can be used on wet, damp, or dry hair. And since it’s vented, it’s also blow-dryer safe.
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best splurge
La Bonne Brosse N.03 The Essential Soft Hair Brush
best splurge
La Bonne Brosse N.03 The Essential Soft Hair Brush
Pros
- Leaves hair shiny
- Gentle on scalp
- High-quality brush
Cons
- Pricey
- Works best on straight to wavy hair
Talk about luxury! This brush is made with a mix of boar and nylon tufts which is especially great for those with fine hair. With every brush, you can gently massage your scalp, detangle hair, and distribute your hair’s natural oils for a nourished shine. This French brand knows a thing or two about how to make someone feel like a million bucks, and the design is just one of our many favorite things about this built-to-last brush.
best wet brush
Tangle Teezer The Fine & Fragile Ultimate Detangler Brush
best wet brush
Tangle Teezer The Fine & Fragile Ultimate Detangler Brush
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easily detangles
- Affordable
Cons
- Some shoppers found this to be too flimsy for their liking
I like to keep this brush with me in the shower to detangle after cleansing. With its soft-flex teeth, causing breakage or irritating my scalp is never a worry. And although it works wonders on wet hair, it is also just as great at combing through dry hair as well.
best for sensitive scalps
Mason Pearson Pocket Mixture Hair Brush
best for sensitive scalps
Mason Pearson Pocket Mixture Hair Brush
Pros
- Gentle
- Easily detangles
- High-quality brush
Cons
- Pricey
- Works best on straight to wavy hair
For those who regularly find themselves with an irritated scalp, look no further than this hair brush. The unique rubber cushion and gentle, long-lasting bristles of this brush are truly next-level at providing a comforting feel that doesn’t tug or scratch your scalp. A happy scalp = a happy life!
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What kind of brush is best for fine hair?
Having fine hair means that you need to be on the lookout for products specifically meant to tackle your unique texture. When you pick up a generic brush, you will find that it can cause your hair to further thin out or create other damaging effects.
If you have fine hair, the bristles on your hair should also be fine. This is because gentle bristles (such as boar bristles) that aren’t thick won’t tug or tear your hair. We recommend finding ones that will feel soft against your scalp and easily detangle. When you have bristles that massage your head, it also acts as a massager and stimulator that allows for better circulation to your hair follicles. This in turn promotes hair growth and healthy hair, which is key. And if you’re not fond of the idea of using actual boar bristles, we get it (as does the hairstyling world. Not all boar-bristle brushes are made with 100 percent natural bristles. You can easily find brushes that are a mix of natural and synthetic bristles plus some vegan picks, too!
How should I brush my fine hair?
There is indeed a method you should follow when brushing fine hair. When you start brushing from the ends of your hair and move up, you minimize breakage and tackle tangles and knots by section. You should also be wary of over-brushing or brushing your wet hair without the right brush since it can create frizz and damage your hair.
Daisy Maldonado
Associate Shopping Editor
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.