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Like your hair type and texture, not every hairbrush is created equal. For thinning hair types, the right brush can mean the difference between maintaining thicker hair and creating hair breakage. For advice on choosing a brush that doesn’t sacrifice the integrity of thinning hair, we went to the pros.
Ahead, discover the best thinning hair brushes that detangle, style, and blow-dry without causing breakage or heat damage to fine and thin hair types. Whether you have dry hair, fine hair, curly hair, or straight hair, choosing the best brush for your hair type is critical.
Los Angeles-based freelance hairstylist and groomer Veronica Nunez tells us that the ideal styling brushes for fine or thin hair are ones that don’t have dense bristles. “If you have thinning hair, choose a brush whose bristles are widely spaced apart. Avoid densely populated bristles on any type of brush. The tension is too much for fine, delicate hair and will result in breakage.”
As for brushes she can recommend, she has a few.
Tangle Teezer or Wet Brush
Nunez suggests using either of these detangling brushes on wet hair. We happen to be pretty big fans of them ourselves. There’s no tearing or pulling with these brushes (goodbye hair breakage), meaning our thin strands stay intact. They're also great for those with long hair and short hair alike.
Paul Mitchell Sculpting Brush
For blow-drying and detangling, Nunez recommends this brush right here. And let us tell you, it’s a bargain for how well it works.
YS Park Beetle Luster Air Cushion Brush
If you’re looking to splurge a little more on your blow dryer brush, this should be your go-to. This boar bristle brush is multi-purpose and can be used for blow-drying damp hair or detangling dry hair.
Mason Pearson Boar & Nylon Brush
When it comes to styling, there is no better brush to use on your thinning strands than this one. Say goodbye to frizzy hair—this boar bristle hair brush helps smooth damaged hair by distributing natural oils throughout each hair strand.
As for a round brush that works best on thinning hair, Nunez says she advises her clients to stay away from metal brushes because the barrel can get really hot and burn hair. “If you do prefer metal brushes, always pick an ionic brush like the ones from T3Mirco. The negative ions react with the positive charge of water for a quicker, less damaging blowout. My favorite round brushes for hairstyling are the YS Park G-series Shine Styler because of the mix of long polyamide pins and short boar bristles. This brush glides through hair with proper tension without breakage and tangling.”
Erickson Arrunategui, stylist and hair extension expert at Bumble and bumble, recommends the Ibiza Round Brushes or the Mason Pearson Flat Brush. “Both are made of boar bristles so the hair will not overheat while blow drying which may be the case with a metal brush.”
“I would say stay clear of metal brushes—they’re great for bouncy blowouts, but for everyday use can sometimes cause damage from overheating. Also, stay clear of brushes that have a separation between the base of the brush and the handle. They often catch hair, which will result in breakage.”
Regular brushing with a good hairbrush is crucial for thinning hair. So be choosy when trying to find the best hairbrush, whether it be a paddle brush, round brush, boar bristle brush, or anti-static brush. A gentle comb can also be a useful tool in your hair care routine. Another key part of prevention involves maintaining a healthy hair care routine, using a good shampoo and conditioner, and taking care of your scalp.
