Hair Care

Table of Contents

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.

Tool Best For Shop
Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Round Thermal Hair Brush Frizz reduction and polished volume Buy Now
BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium 2000-Watt Blow Dryer Quick drying and ionic frizz control Buy Now
REVLON One Step Volumizer PLUS Smoothing and root lift in one step Buy Now
L’Oreal Boost It Volume Mousse Light hold with root volume boost Buy Now
Maui Moisture Coconut Milk Shampoo/Conditioner Hydration for dry, brittle strands Buy Now
Heat Protectant Spray Shielding hair from heat damage Buy Now
L’Oreal Sulfate-Free Shampoo/Conditioner Color-safe cleansing and repair Buy Now
Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush Coily, thick hair detangling without breakage Buy Now
Tangle Teezer Compact Styler Thick & Curly On-the-go smoothing and detangling Buy Now
Denman D3 7-Row Styling Brush Defining curls and smoothing during styling Buy Now
Wet Brush Original Detangler Gentle daily detangling on wet hair Buy Now
Wide-Tooth Comb (for Shower Detangling) Gentle in-shower detangling with conditioner Buy Now

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Two determined women stand in a boxing ring facing the camera. The woman on the left grips a Dyson Airwrap barrel, while the woman on the right holds a smiling cartoon-faced hair dryer (“Dryo”) and a boar-bristle round brush

Dyson Airwrap vs Pro Boar-Bristle Hairbrush Review – Which Styling Tool Wins?

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
Young woman styling her hair with a Moroccanoil ceramic round brush, shown in a bright, minimalist setting with soft lighting. The turquoise brush is held close to her face, and her hair is sectioned with clips. The scene includes “HairBrushy” branding in the top-left corner

Moroccanoil Ceramic Round Brush Review: Real-World Flaws, Smart Use Tips, and Sizing Guide

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
Flat lay image of three anti-frizz hair products—Moroccan Oil Treatment (purple bottle), VERB Hydrate Oil, and Moroccanoil Frizz Shield Spray arranged in a triangle on a warm yellow background. Light summer-themed elements like sweat beads and a subtle sun icon are in the background. A heat styling brush is partially visible. Overlay text reads “Frizz‑Free Hair Test” and “Moroccan Oil vs Verb vs Spray.” A small “Ed’s Pick” badge appears in the bottom right corner.

Moroccan Oil for Summer Frizz: Does It Really Thicken Hair?

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
Split image showing a woman with dull hair on one side and ultra-glossy hair on the other, with text reading 'How to Get Glossy' across the center

How to Get Glossy Hair Without Damage: The Truth About Alcohols, Silicones, and Shine That Actually Lasts

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
A young African-American woman with coily hair sitting on a bed, trying to pack a suitcase. She looks frustrated while holding a large hairbrush that has a cartoonish face and is raising a finger as if saying 'no go' emphasizing the challenge of packing bulky hair tools for travel

Best Travel Brushes for Thick/Coily Hair: Compact Tools That Actually Work

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
Young woman deciding between two hairbrushes with the text "Best Brushes for Transitioning Hair" in creative typography

Best Brushes for Transitioning Hair: What Actually Works on Mixed Textures (3A–4C Tested)

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
A high-resolution photograph of a young woman with curly natural hair in a boxing ring, holding a large detangling brush like a weapon. She wears athletic gear and has a determined expression, symbolizing the struggle and strength of managing natural hair.

EZ Detangler vs Denman vs Wet Brush – Which One Actually Works on Natural Hair?

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
A young woman with long brown hair sits on a bed next to an open suitcase, holding two oversized hairbrushes with a frustrated expression. She wears a mustard yellow shirt, and the suitcase is stuffed with casual clothes.

Best Folding Travel Brush for Fine Hair: Compact Picks That Actually Work

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
A high-resolution digital photograph features a young woman with straight brown hair wearing a white t-shirt, standing against a beige background. She holds a black boar bristle hairbrush in one hand and a mint-green paddle brush in the other, looking puzzled as she decides between them.

Boar vs Nylon Bristles: Which Is Best for Fragile Hair?

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
Row of colorful Wet Brushes lined up against a white wall, featuring green, black, pink, orange, and purple handles with black bristles.

Best Wet Brush for Curly Hair (Tested on 2C to 4C Curls)

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
Close-up of the Kent Diplomat boar bristle hairbrush with bold text overlay asking, “Is the Kent Diplomat a true luxury hairbrush? Is it really better than a dollar store brush?

Kent Diplomat Brush Review: Why I Paid $120 (And If It’s Actually Worth It)

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
Woman brushing long, smooth hair with a white flexible detangler brush—ideal for showcasing gentle, synthetic bristle performance on straight to wavy hair.

Best Flexible Synthetic Detangler Brushes for Curly Hair (Tested in My Studio)

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
Vertical image of the InStyler Pro 2-in-1 Flat Iron and Hot Brush showing heated ceramic barrel, ionic bristles, and temperature settings—designed for curling, straightening, and adding volume

InStyler Pro Flat Iron Review – What the Bristles Actually Do (2025 Tested)

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
Dark wooden boar bristle hairbrush on red background with bold yellow text reading 'Best Boar Bristle Brush for Healthy Hair' hero image for HairBrushy article

Best Boar Bristle Brushes for Every Hair Type (2025): Tested Picks That Won’t Damage Your Hair

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
Military-style oval hairbrush with natural boar bristles and a polished wooden body, shown against a neutral taupe background

Why a Military Hair Brush Might Be the Best Grooming Tool You’re Not Using (Yet)

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
Side-by-side lineup of the best brushes for curly hair including the Denman D3, Wet Brush Flex Dry, Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler, Paul Mitchell Wide Tooth Comb, and the T3 Detangle Duo shown on a red and white HairBrushy-branded background.

The Best Brushes for Curly Hair (Tried, Tested, Tangle-Free)

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
A lineup of six top-rated hairbrushes for fine hair including the Mason Pearson Pocket Mix, Wet Brush Original, Ibiza Round EX Series, Olivia Garden OG Detangler, Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Brush, and T3 Detangle Duo, all tested and photographed by Ed Shears for HairBrushy.com

The Best Hairbrushes for Fine Hair in 2025 (Real Reviews, Real Results)

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
Custom comparison photo of the Denman D31, Crave Naturals Glide Thru, and Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler three detangling brushes tested by Ed Shears for thick hair. Bristles, shape, and grip shown to help readers choose the right tool for volume, curl definition, or painless detangling

The Best Detangling Brush for Thick Hair (No Yanking, No Tears)

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
Real user brushing fine, straight hair with a boar bristle brush to reduce oily roots and hydrate dry ends—demonstrating long-term hair health benefits for those considering a natural haircare upgrade.

Boar Bristle Brush Benefits: What Your Stylist Didn’t Tell You

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
What Size Round Brush for Bangs? featuring a retro-styled woman using a round brush on her bangs.

What Size Round Brush Should You Use for Bangs? Let’s Get Into It

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
Understanding the Price Tag of Boar Bristle Brushes

Why Are Boar Bristle Brushes So Expensive? (And Are They Worth It?)

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
Kent Brushes: Are They Made with Boar Bristles?

Kent Brushes: Are They Made with Boar Bristles?

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
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Boar Bristle Brushes

Are Boar Bristle Brushes Worth It? A Candid Look

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
Ethical Choice: Cruelty-Free Boar Bristle Brushes

Cruelty-Free Boar Bristle Brushes: Do They Actually Work?

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
what a boar bristle brush really does

What’s the Deal with Boar Bristle Brushes? Practical Uses That Actually Work

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
Best Hair Brushes by Hair Type The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need (2025 Update)

Best Hair Brushes by Hair Type: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need (2025 Update)

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
A young mother with long, slightly tousled hair sits on a bed holding a hairbrush full of shed hair, looking concerned. She is cradling a baby in one arm, capturing the emotional reality of postpartum hair loss in a gentle, relatable setting.

Brush for Postpartum Hair Loss: What Actually Helped Her Feel Good Again After Baby

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
A young woman with thick, voluminous hair looks frustrated while holding the broken handle of a snapped paddle brush in one hand, with bristles scattered on the floor.

Best Paddle Brush for Thick Hair: The One That Didn’t Break on Me

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
Review - A split end trimmer isn’t a regular hair trimmer. It’s a specialized tool designed to snip off just the ends of your hair the broken, feathered pieces that stick out and leave the healthy strands alone.

Split End Trimmer Review: The One Tool That Actually Worked on My Frizz

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
Best Brush for Hair Extensions: What Actually Worked (No Slippage, No Breakage)

Best Brush for Hair Extensions: What Actually Worked (No Slippage, No Breakage)

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
Before and after comparison of a young woman with curly hair. In the ‘before’ image, she looks frustrated with frizzy hair; in the ‘after’ image, her curls appear smooth, shiny, and well-defined.

Best Detangling Brush for Curly Hair: What Actually Works (No More Ripping or Frizz)

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
Woman brushing fine hair with boar bristle brush – shine and softness result- Boar Bristle Brush for Fine Hair

Boar Bristle Brush for Fine Hair: The One Thing That Brought My Limp Hair Back to Life

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
My Top Picks For Hair That Is Thinning - Young woman holding Kent boar bristle and Fromm paddle brush for thinning hair

The Best Hairbrush for Thinning Hair (From Someone Who’s Literally Brushing It Right Now)

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
Alt text: Three smiling women with different curly hair types wavy, curly, and coily stand together under the heading “For all curl types,” with illustrated icons representing various curl patterns above them. The HairBrushy logo is displayed in the bottom-right corner.

Is the Wet Brush Good for Curly Hair? Real Results and Buyer Guide

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
Hairbrushes made in the USA

The Best USA-Made Hair Brushes (Real Tools, Not Mass-Produced Junk)

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
Is the Vegan Tampico Fiber Hair Brush by Redecker Actually Vegan

Is the Vegan Tampico Fiber Hair Brush by Redecker Actually Vegan?

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 Brush Size Chart

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