We understand that dealing with a bunch of thick hair can be quite tricky. That's why having the best hair brush for thick hair is super important to keep it in check. The right brush helps control frizz, and flyaways and also promotes hair growth. We want to make things simpler for you and help you find the perfect brush to make managing your thick hair easy. So after doing some research and testing products, we found some great options to help you overcome your hair struggles.

Our haircare experts recommend paddle brushes, especially for those with thicker, coarser hair. These brushes have spaced bristles that can get through dense hair strands, detangling and adding shine. Most of our picks are paddle combs with a comfy ergonomic design and nylon bristles, designed to prevent breakage in your thick hair. Scroll to check out our top 9 recommendations of the best brushes specifically designed for thick hair.

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  Editor's Pick

  Chiara Ambra® Straw Hairbrush

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This hairbrush from Chiara Ambra is a win-win for your hair and the planet. It's made from special plastic created from straw, mainly wheat straw. This material is safe for your scalp, as it doesn't have harmful chemicals and can be recycled. We also like how the brush comes in pretty pastel colors, so it's definitely not a boring choice. Further, it takes care of your hair as the brush head is flexible and adjusts to your movements, giving your scalp a nice massage. This flexible brush head also spreads out the natural oils from your hair roots, making your hair shine with health.

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Best Travel-friendly Choice

Lily England Detangler Brush

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This best-selling detangling brush on Amazon is a total hit with over 14,000 ratings. The brush from Lily England makes untangling gentle knots easy with its soft flexible bristles, which also prevents hair damage. Plus, the ergonomic handle makes it super easy to use. The best thing is that it is suitable for all hair types, whether it's thick, curly, or with extensions. Another benefit this brush offers is that it causes less damage, and you can use it not only on dry hair but also on wet hair to brush through conditioners. We further like how it's super affordable and comes in cool dual ombre shades, adding a pop of color to your dressing table.

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Best Eco-friendly Choice

GAINWELL Bamboo Paddle Hair Brush

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Get your hair game strong with the GAINWELL Bamboo Paddle Hair Brush. The brush has bamboo bristles with rounded ends, promoting blood flow and untangling hair without irritation. Additionally, the ergonomic bamboo handle provides a comfortable grip. The brush comes in a mild yellow hue and suits all hair types, especially thicker hair. You can start by gently removing knots at the tips and then smoothly brush from roots to ends. This eco-friendly brush is made entirely of natural bamboo, combining environmental awareness with hair care. Thus, it's a fantastic zero-waste gift for yourself or your friends.

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Best for Detangling Hair

Mason Pearson Popular Bristle & Nylon Hairbrush

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The Mason Pearson hairbrush is here to give your hair a revitalizing experience. This stylish-looking brush combines boar bristles with nylon tufts to distribute natural oils evenly and detangle hair without indulging in any “Ouch” moments. The ergonomic design of this brush makes it easy to handle and manage long locks. The best part is that it comes with a cleaning brush to help you keep the brush neat and tidy without any problem.

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Best Heat-resistant Bristles

T3 Smooth Paddle Brush

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Make detangling a fun and stress-free activity with this remarkable T3 Smooth Paddle Brush. Its heat-resistant nylon bristles work smoothly on hair to detangle locks and give a sleek and shiny look. It comes with a cushioned body and no-slip handle to provide comfort and grip for all your hairstyling needs. It covers a wide surface of hair at one go to smoothen your tresses. Plus, it can be used on both wet and dry hair.

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Best for Detangling

Wet Brush® Thick Hair Detangler

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Specifically made for thick hair, the Wet Brush® Thick Hair Detangler has a unique bristle pattern that lets even the thickest strands slide through effortlessly. Their ultra-soft IntelliFlex® bristles bend and flex to gently detangle hair. This extra flexibility in the strong bristles helps navigate wet, tangled hair smoothly, reducing pain, damage, or tension while dealing with knots. The brand further claims 45% less hair damage and 55% less effort, giving you 100% happier hair. It's designed to make your hair routine easy and gentle. Just a heads up: avoid using it with a blow dryer, as heat can harm the bristles.

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Best Ergonomic Design

Osensia Fresh Flexi Brush

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This brush from Osensia is super light and awesome for untangling long, thick hair. Whether your hair is wet or dry, it helps detangling without causing much breakage. The wide paddle and soft, flexible bristles are gentle on the scalp, avoiding pulling and tearing, and thus you won't lose much hair. Plus, the curved bristles fit your head's shape, covering a lot of ground. These bristles contain 17 rare earth elements that promote healthy hair growth, giving your hair a natural shine. Furthermore, the big vents in the middle help dry your hair as you brush.

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Best for Blow Drying

Paul Mitchell Pro Tools 427 Paddle Brush

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This paddle brush from Paul Mitchell is a must if you have thick or long hair and want a sleek and smooth blowout. This black brush is crafted with high-quality materials and handles your hair with care while untangling and smoothing it out. The wide paddle design gives you lots of control for a polished finish, and it's lightweight, making styling easy. Plus, its large size covers a bunch of hair at once, making styling quick. Whether you're a pro stylist or just want salon-style hair at home, this brush is a winner. It adds volume as you blow-dry, leaving you with a smooth, salon-worthy finish.

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Best Heat-resistant Choice

Gimme Detangle Brush - Thick Hair

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This detangling brush isn't just for thick hair; it's great for long, straight, and curly hair, too. Its long and tough bristles handle stubborn tangles, restoring hair texture and health. The anti-static and anti-frizz ball-tipped bristles help control frizz and flyaways and also spread natural hair oil smoothly. Being heat resistant, it's safe for heat styling and ensures no damage to the brush or your hair. The brush also feels more luxurious to hold, with a bit of weight, and the handle is cushioned and designed for a perfect grip while brushing. Overall, it's a versatile and comfy tool for all hair types. So, if you’re looking for a good hairbrush for thick hair that gives a luxe haircare experience, add this to your cart now!

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Best for Sleek Hairstyles

Kitsch Smooth Paddle Brush

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This nylon bristle paddle brush from Kitsch is designed for all hair types. It's ideal for everyday styling to get sleek and straight hairstyles. It gently untangles both dry and wet hair without causing frizz or static. The extra-wide paddle surface offers the ideal tension needed for a super straight style, especially when using a flat iron or blow dryer. We also like how it's made with eco-friendly recycled materials and a no-slip rubber handle for a secure grip. Plus, the soft bristles are perfect for massaging your scalp while distributing natural oils, ensuring your hair follicles are well-treated and healthy.

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Best Budget-friendly Choice

AIMIKE Detangling Flex Brush

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This no-pull detangling brush from AIMIKE has a vented paddle, which speeds up hair drying during brushing. Crafted from natural wheat straw with gentle nylon bristles, it's perfect for knotted thick hair and detangles it without any ripping or discomfort. Many customers appreciate its lightweight design and the brush's flexibility, providing a unique curve that's perfect for scalp massages. Beyond its affordability, the package includes an extra-wide tooth comb as a bonus for easy hair parting. This versatile brush not only tackles tangles but also offers a smooth shine, making it a budget-friendly and holistic choice for frizz-free hair.

Having thick hair can make finding the right brush a bit tricky. If your hair is thick, coarse, or frizzy, brushing through it without causing damage can be tough. In this guide, our haircare experts will help you understand what to look for when you're searching for the best brushes for your thick hair.

1. Type of Bristle

When picking the best brush for thick wavy hair, know the kind of bristles you need. Check if they match your hair type and length. For medium to thick hair, go for boar bristle hair brushes, as they're dense and distribute product and natural oil well, smoothing the cuticle. 

Speaking of the benefits of using boar bristles, our contributor Nate Masterson, a renowned hair expert, says, “These bristles help distribute sebum (the natural oil produced by our hair) evenly throughout our hair which can lead to an increase in shine. They also offer an effective solution for gently detangling your knots without causing breakage and tension which can weaken your hair. Finally, they can stimulate blood circulation on your scalp and can be used as a physical exfoliant for your scalp. “

. Nylon bristles work similarly but are stiffer, great for thick to coarse hair. A mix of boar and nylon, like in some brushes, gives you the best of both. On the other hand, ceramic bristle brushes are best for sensitive scalp, and they also distribute heat evenly while styling. 

2. Brush Head

The size of the brush head matters for thick hair. A large head, like in Paul Mitchell Pro Tools 427 Paddle Brush, helps distribute products evenly and provides a larger surface area for quick and easy styling. Meanwhile, smaller brush heads might struggle with thick hair.

3. Handle Design

Consider the handle design. Well-cushioned ergonomic handles are easy to grip and great for styling. 

4. Consider Your Styling Routine

Think about your routine. If you use a blow dryer a lot, choose a brush that handles heat well, like the Gimme Detangle Brush—it's heat-resistant.

Contributor: Nate Masterson, Hair Expert - Maple Holistics