Tired of dry ends, frizz, or breakage? You’re not alone and you’re not stuck. Below, I’ve gathered the most effective hair care tools (yes, the ones that actually make a difference) to help build a smoother, healthier routine whether you’re detangling curls or protecting color-treated strands. These aren’t just product links they’re tested favorites I recommend to clients, friends, and folks just like you who want results fast.
The Hair Care hub directs you to guides like brush cleaning, frizz control, detangle index or routine builder based on your specific hair needs.
From detanglers to damage-preventers, it’s all here plus a list of my favorite how-to articles below for every hair type. Your hair will thank you later.
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Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Round Thermal Hair Brush
Affiliate Disclosure: AS an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through some inks on this page, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Every tool I recommend has been tested in real studio conditions.
🧭 Where to Start
New to a proper hair care routine or just tired of the product roulette?
Start with these 3 essentials:
The Right Shampoo + Conditioner Hydration is the name of the game. If your hair’s frizzy, color-treated, or breaking at the ends, a sulfate-free duo like L’Oreal or Maui Moisture can make a big difference.
A Heat Protectant (Always) Whether you’re using a blow dryer or straightener, spray on protection first. It’s the cheapest insurance for your strands.
A Detangling Tool That Matches Your Hair Type From wide-tooth combs to Wet Brushes and the Felicia Leatherwood detangler picking the right tool cuts breakage in half.
Then scroll below and find a guide or brush pick that fits your hair goals.
❓ FAQ: Hair Care Tools
What’s the best detangling brush for curly or coily hair? Try the Felicia Leatherwood Brush or a wide-tooth comb in the shower with conditioner. They glide through curls without ripping them out.
How do I stop breakage when blow drying? Start with a microfiber towel to blot (not rub), then use a heat protectant spray and keep the dryer on medium not max blast.
Can I use a Wet Brush on dry hair? Yes but be gentle. It’s designed for wet hair, so on dry strands, always section and detangle slowly.
What’s better for fine hair mousse or leave-in conditioner? Use both sparingly. Mousse adds volume at the root, while leave-ins hydrate mid-shaft to ends. Look for lightweight formulas.
How often should I deep condition? Once a week is a solid routine. Bump to twice if your hair is color-treated or feels like straw.
1. Equipment Overview Ladies and gentlemen, in the left corner weighing in with turbocharged power and a smile that can tame even the frizziest hair, please welcome the reigning, supreme, undefeated champion of styling Dryo! With lightning-fast airflow, unbeatable shine, and a fist raised high for victory, Dryo is here to prove once and for … Read more
HairBrushy recommends the Moroccanoil ceramic round brush. It delivers great results with the right technique and expectations just know where it can snag. Does HairBrushy Recommend This Brush? Yes.HairBrushy likes this brush and recommends it especially for blowouts and smooth volume. But this isn’t a magic wand. It’s a ceramic-barreled brush with a plastic handle … Read more
What I Found After Testing It in July Heat (Plus How It Compares to Verb) Folks, here’s the deal when summer hits hard and the humidity rises faster than a kettle on a campfire, frizz becomes public enemy number one. I’ve spent decades in the trenches of hair testing, and let me tell you, not … Read more
Most hair gloss products use drying alcohols or silicones that fake shine but strip your hair. Here’s how to get real, lasting gloss without the damage. ✨ Want Glossy, Glass-like Hair? Be careful most shine sprays and gloss masks use drying alcohols and silicone buildup to fake the look. It works at first, but long … Read more
If you’ve ever tried to pack a suitcase with 4C coils and a full-size detangling brush… you know the struggle is real. Most travel brushes don’t stand a chance against thick, textured hair. They either snap mid-stroke, snag on curls, or take up half your carry-on. So I did the testing for you brushing, packing, … Read more
Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair? These tested brushes actually work on mixed textures from 3A to 4C without ripping or flattening curls. It’s a high-stakes game. The wrong brush can rip, snap, or flatten out curl definition before you even get to the leave-in. I’ve tested the most popular brush options on real transitioning … Read more
If you’ve got natural hair, you already know: brushing is a whole event. The wrong brush can snap strands, wreck curl patterns, or just sit there like, “Nope, not today.” That’s why I tested three of the most hyped brushes EZ Detangler, Denman D3, and Wet Brush Original Detangler to see which one actually works … Read more
Folks, if you’ve ever opened your suitcase to find your full-size paddle brush smashed flat like a sandwich, this one’s for you. Whether you’re flying, commuting, or just trying to pack light, your brush still needs to protect your fine hair not flatten it. I’ve road-tested the top compact travel brushes of 2025 to find … Read more
Folks, here’s the deal: if your hair’s been feeling like it’s one tug away from a breakdown, your brush bristles might be to blame. So that is what inspired me to write boar vs nylon brushes for fragile hair what actually works in 2025. I’ve spent years testing every kind of bristle under the sun … Read more
Looking for a detangling brush that won’t rip through your curls? I tested the Wet Brush across curl patterns here’s what actually worked. Curly Hair Tangled Mess? Been There. From 2C waves to 4C coils, I know curly hair can turn a wash day into a battle zone. That’s why I put the Wet Brush … Read more
Looking to buy a Kent hairbrush? Here’s everything you need to know about the Diplomat tested, compared, and brutally honest. Meet the Diplomat: Luxury for Fine and Thinning Hair Fine hair? Thinning patches? I know the struggle. I spent over $120 on the Kent Diplomat boar bristle brush, and I’m here to tell you what … Read more
If you’ve ever tried dragging a rigid brush through curly hair, you know it feels like trying to rake wet leaves with a metal comb snag city. I’ve tested dozens of brushes in my home studio, and I’m here to tell you: flexible synthetic detangler brushes are the real deal for curly hair. No yanking. … Read more
By Ed Shears, with hands-on testing by Meesh Switch & Stacey Bee There are flat irons, and then there’s the InStyler Pro the new 2-in-1 Ceramic Flat Iron & Hot Brush. This thing isn’t just another straightener with bells and whistles. I tested it, Meesh gave it a whirl, and even Stacey put it through … Read more
Folks, let’s bust a myth wide open: Boar bristle brushes don’t damage your hair if you’re using the right one the right way. I’ve tested dozens of these tools on all kinds of hair, from fine and fragile to thick and wild, and I can say this with confidence: a well-made boar bristle brush can … Read more
Folks, here’s the deal the military hair brush isn’t just some old-school relic from a barracks footlocker. It’s a no-handle, no-frills, all-performance tool that’s quietly become a grooming staple for men who want control, simplicity, and results. I’ve tested dozens of these over the years, from drugstore versions to high-end Kent boar bristle beauties. And … Read more
Folks, here’s the deal curly hair needs more than hype. I tested the most popular brushes on real 3A to 4C curls including my own and found which ones actually define, detangle, and respect your natural pattern. From powerhouse detanglers like the Denman to gentler tools like the Wet Brush Flex Dry, this guide breaks … Read more
Fine hair is tricky one wrong brush and you’re shedding like a husky in summer. But don’t worry, friend I’ve tested a drawerful of brushes on real fine hair (yes, my own and clients’) to find the ones that add volume, not damage. If you’ve ever brushed your hair and ended up with more strands … Read more
Got knots that could anchor a boat? These detangling brushes glide through thick hair like butter on bacon. Your scalp will thank you. Quick Picks for Busy Folks Brush Name Bristle Strength Wet/Dry Use Handle Comfort Time to Detangle Felicia Leatherwood Detangler 💪 Very High Wet Great Grip 6 min (waist-length) Tangle Teezer Thick & … Read more
Tired of oily roots and dry ends? Here’s how a boar bristle brush balances your scalp and smooths your strands without fancy serums. Why Boar Bristle Brushes Have Stood the Test of Time Folks, let me level with you. There’s a reason boar bristle brushes have been around longer than hot rollers and Aqua Net … Read more
Not sure what size round brush to use for bangs? Here’s the exact brush size you need plus tips from the pros to style curtain, blunt, or side-swept bangs right every time. The Big Mistake Most Folks Make with Bangs You ever see bangs that look a little… fried? Or flattened to the forehead like … Read more
By Ed Shears, Senior Hairbrush Analyst & Founder of HairBrushy Folks, let’s cut through the fluff because when someone sees a $160+ price tag on a hairbrush, the first instinct is to clutch your wallet and back away slowly. But here’s the deal: there’s a real reason boar bristle brushes can cost more than a … Read more
Discover whether Kent Brushes use boar bristles, their benefits, and how to choose the right brush for your hair type. 🔍 Which Kent Brush Is Right for You? I’ve used Kent’s OG brushes on fine and thick hair—soft bristles are amazing on frizz-prone strands, but go mixed bristle if you’ve got coarse or curly hair. … Read more
Curious about boar bristle brushes? Discover their benefits, potential drawbacks, and whether they’re the right fit for your hair type. What’s the Buzz About Boar Bristle Brushes? Boar bristle brushes have been a staple in hair care for generations. Their natural bristles are known for distributing scalp oils, reducing frizz, and adding shine. But are … Read more
Can a cruelty-free brush really match the performance of boar bristle? I tested a few. Here’s what worked and what didn’t. So, Are Boar Bristle Brushes Ethical? Here’s the truth, folks: traditional boar bristle brushes are made from, you guessed it, actual boar hair. It’s been used for centuries, and it’s great for distributing oils, … Read more
Wondering what a boar bristle brush really does? I’ve tested dozens and here’s how they work, who they’re great for, and how to use one without tearing up your scalp. Folks, Let’s Talk Boar Bristles I’ve tested more brushes than I can count, and I can tell you: there’s a reason boar bristle brushes have … Read more
Which Hair Brush Is Best for Your Hair Type? Let’s Break It Down, Folks Hey folks, let’s cut the confusion. You walk into a store or scroll Amazon and BAM 97 types of hairbrushes in your face. Paddle, round, boar bristle, detangling, vented… it’s a jungle out there. But here’s the truth: not every brush … Read more
Hey, I’m Ed. And while I haven’t had a baby myself, I’ve been next to someone who has and I watched the toll postpartum hair loss took, not just on her head but on her confidence. You don’t expect it. No one tells you that months after delivery, you could wake up with handfuls of … Read more
If you’ve got thick, high-maintenance hair, brushing it can feel like a full-time job with no PTO. I’m Ed and after testing more paddle brushes than I’d like to admit, I finally found one that actually made a difference. In this article, I’ll break down the best paddle brush for thick hair, what didn’t work, … Read more
Hey, I’m Ed and I’m no stranger to the war on split ends. You know the drill: hair’s looking rough, dry at the tips, a little crispy like over-fried noodles. I’ve tried every conditioner, serum, and DIY dusting trick in the book. But nothing gave me actual, visible results until I tried a proper split … Read more
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 … Read more
The best detangling brush for curly hair is one that gently separates knots without causing frizz, pain, or breakage. Brushes like the Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler and the Pattern Shower Brush are specially designed for thick, textured curls especially 3B to 4C hair types. Unlike regular brushes that tug and rip, these glide through curls … Read more
What is the best boar bristle brush for fine hair?The best boar bristle brush for fine hair is the Kent LS9D. It uses 100% soft white boar bristles, ideal for detangling and distributing natural oils without pulling or breaking delicate strands. It promotes shine, reduces static, and is gentle enough for thinning or fragile hair. … Read more
Hey, I’m Ed. And I’ve got thinning hair. Yep, not “had.” Got. Right now. You could say I’m the unofficial president of the “Where Did My Hair Go?” club. Every day I’m brushing carefully, managing fallout, and trying not to panic when I see more hair in the sink than on my head. If you’re … Read more
Alright, let’s talk about curly hair and more specifically, whether the famous Wet Brush is actually worth it. I’ve got wavy-to-curly hair myself, and let me tell you, detangling when it’s wet can go sideways real fast if you’re not using the right tool. Now, I’ve tried just about every brush out there paddle brushes, … Read more
I get asked all the time “Hey Ed, are there any legit hair brushes still made in the USA?”Short answer: Yes. Long answer? Yes and they’re built like tanks. If you’re tired of cheap plastic imports that fall apart in six months, or you want to support American-made gear, this guide is for you. I’ve … Read more
When I first picked up the Redecker Tampico Fiber Hair Brush, I was intrigued. Natural bristles? Beautiful wooden handle? Eco vibes? Check, check, and check. But then the big question popped up: Is it really vegan? Let’s break it down so you know what you’re brushing with and whether it’s the right pick for your … Read more
Round brushes are typically made with a metal or a ceramic coated barrel that heats up when used with a blow dryer. It works much like a curling wand. You can get a salon blowout at home with the right sized round brush and some practice. Round Brush Size Chart | What Size Brush Should … Read more