The best brushes for hair extensions are designed to detangle without pulling, slipping, or damaging the bonds. Top choices like the Wet Brush Pro Paddle, Spornette Super Looper, and RemySoft Loop Brush use flexible or looped bristles to protect your investment while keeping your extensions smooth, shiny, and intact. Whether you’ve got clip-ins, tape-ins, or sew-ins, using the right brush is key to preventing breakage, matting, or early fallout.
How I Kept My Extensions Flawless for 3 Months Straight
Okay real talk. I’ve tested just about every brush on the planet, but this time I handed the controls to a few close friends (and one very honest cousin) who wear extensions regularly. Tape-ins, keratin bonds, even some clip-ins these ladies don’t mess around.
One thing was clear: the wrong brush ruins extensions fast. We’re talking slippage, frizz, breakage at the root basically, $$$ down the drain. But with the right brush? They kept their hair looking just-installed for weeks longer.
Here’s what actually worked (and what didn’t).
Ed’s Top 3: Brushes That Didn’t Wreck the Extensions
I didn’t test these on my own head (no extensions here), but I handed them off to my go-to testers real women with real extension setups. Here’s what came back.
1. Wet Brush Pro Select Paddle – The Safe Bet for Daily Detangling
Type: Paddle brush with Intelliflex bristles
Best for: Tape-ins, clip-ins, and anyone detangling daily
This one showed up again and again as the safest daily go-to. The flexible bristles bend with your hair, not against it so no snapping or tugging on extension bonds.
- Great on wet or dry hair
- Works through knots without ripping
- Adds shine, reduces frizz
- Non-slip rubber handle
“It glides. Doesn’t tug at my tapes, even when my hair’s wet.” – Michelle, tape-ins
2. Spornette Super Looper – The One Made for Extensions
Type: Loop brush (no bristle tips)
Best for: Keratin bonds, sew-ins, or halo extensions
This brush is made specifically for extensions. The loops detangle without catching on bonded areas. It doesn’t “brush” the way a regular paddle does but that’s the point.
- Zero damage to bonds
- Gently works through mid-shaft to ends
- Not ideal for scalp brushing but protects attachments like a pro
“It doesn’t look fancy, but it saved my keratin installs from early fallout.” – Tasha, keratin bonds
3. RemySoft One Twenty Three Loops – Gentle, Lightweight, Travel-Ready
Type: Loop brush, compact
Best for: Clip-ins, halos, travel
Softer than the Spornette, and a bit smaller. Great for brushing from mid-shaft down when you’re on the go. Several users said it made their extensions last longer just from not tugging.
- Loop bristles don’t snag or snap
- Easy to clean
- Ideal for maintenance between salon visits
“I keep this in my car. I won’t touch my clip-ins with anything else.” – Bree, halo extensions
Quick Comparison Table
Hey, just so you know some of the links in this article are Amazon affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). It helps keep HairBrushy running and lets me keep testing and reviewing new brushes so thanks for your support!
| Brush | Best For | Bristle Type | Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Brush Pro Paddle | Daily detangling | Flexible nylon | Smooths & detangles without pull | Buy |
| Spornette Super Looper | Bonded extensions | Loop | Protects bonds, zero snag | Buy |
| RemySoft Loop Brush | Clip-ins & travel | Loop | Gentle + compact | Buy |
Pro Tip from the Experts
“Avoid stiff nylon brushes or anything with balls on the tips. They can catch and tear at the bonds. A flexible or loop brush is your best bet for longevity.”
Adriano Cattide, Stylist
What to Avoid When Brushing Hair Extensions
Hair extensions aren’t cheap and brushing them the wrong way is the fastest way to turn that investment into a mess of breakage, slippage, and matting. Here’s what not to do:
❌ 1. Avoid regular brushes with stiff or ball-tipped bristles
Those little plastic ball tips? They snag on bonds and tear at attachments. They’re fine for natural hair, but terrible for extensions.
❌ 2. Don’t brush from root to end in one go
Extensions need a bottom-up approach. Start at the ends, work upward gently, and never force through tangles.
❌ 3. Skip anything with heat near synthetic extensions
Some brushes (like thermal round brushes) are meant for styling if your extensions aren’t heat-safe, they’ll melt or frizz.
❌ 4. Never brush when your extensions are soaking wet
Even with the Wet Brush, let hair towel dry a bit first. Hair is weakest when wet, and tension near the bonds = early fallout.
❌ 5. Don’t skip conditioner or leave-in before brushing
A detangling spray or leave-in conditioner adds the slip you need to brush gently without stressing the strands or bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brushing Hair Extensions
Can I use a regular brush on my hair extensions?
No. Regular brushes often have stiff bristles or tips that snag on extension bonds. Use a soft paddle brush or loop brush designed for extensions.
What’s the safest way to brush extensions?
Start at the ends and work your way up. Use gentle, downward strokes and support the base of the extension with your hand to avoid tugging.
How often should I brush hair extensions?
At least twice a day. Morning and night. Brushing prevents matting and keeps them looking fresh but only if done correctly.
Are loop brushes really necessary?
Yes especially for keratin bonds or sewn-in wefts. The loop bristles don’t have tips that catch, which helps protect the attachment points.
What kind of brush is best for clip-in extensions?
A paddle brush like the Wet Brush or a loop brush works best. Just avoid anything with hard, stiff bristles.