Designed to nurture and protect your fragile strands.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Splicing Blocks
When you have fine, thin hair, investing in a good quality hair brush is key. Since fine hair strands have an extremely narrow width, they’re more suceptible to breakage. So, in addition to taking preventative measures like using bonding treatments and applying scalp oils, you should also make sure to choose a brush that will treat your fragile stands with care, even if that means breaking the bank a bit. “Fine hair is the most fragile type of hair, so picking the right brush is very important,” says celebrity hair stylist Matt Collins. “If you buy a high-quality brush, you will have to replace it very rarely, whereas cheaper brushes will break down very quickly, and you will have to replace them more often,” Collins adds.
As for other qualities to look for, Collins recommends opting for a sturdy paddle brush made with synthetic bristles, a supple cushion, and a base without seams (so your hair strands won’t get caught). You should also consider a brush that contains a mixture of both synthetic and boar bristles, as this sort of hybrid helps to gently detangle hair while equally distributing your scalp’s natural oils throughout your strands.
Ahead, shop the 12 best brushes that will help you to nurture your fine hair strands.
Dyson is known for its coveted heat tools, but did you know that it also makes a highly-rated hair brush? “The handle is the perfect size and has no seams at the base, which prevents hair from getting caught,” says Collins. “Also, the material is smooth, so it’s easy to clean, and it won’t get nasty-looking with wear,” he adds. Although this hair brush is currently out of stock, make sure to check in regularly for a restock notice.
Crown Affair’s Brush No. 003 is crafted specifically for fine hair, and because of its boar bristles, it makes for the perfect styling tool. The boar bristles are also useful for distributing natural scalp oils throughout your strands, which helps to moisturize your hair. Whip up a snatched sleek bun with ease sans any flyways.
Materials: Boar and synthetic bristles
A Crown Affair reviewer says: “Having a nice brush is definitely worth the splurge— the difference is noticeable! My hair looks shinier and feels so soft. I absolutely recommend this product for anyone looking to level up their routine.”
If you're searching for a brush that will give you a salon-worthy blowout, look no further than YS Park’s round hair brush. For best results, use the brush to pull a section of your hair away from your scalp (making sure that you’re creating enough tension), then roll the brush inward toward your scalp while applying heat from your blow dryer. Keep repeating this in-and-out motion until you’ve passed through each section.
Materials: Boar and nylon bristles
An Amazon reviewer says: “Buy it! I get my hair done a few times a year professionally and when they use this brush my hairstyle looks polished and lasts longer! Glad I found it on Amazon!”
Feel free to turn up the temperature on your blow dryer without worry while using this brush, as the bristles are completely heat resistant. In addition to withstanding high heat, these bristles also work to detangle and smooth your hair. Flawless and seamless styles are in your near future!
A Bluemercury reviewer says: “Wonderful brush! Makes my hair so silky smooth and straight.”
This handy tool reduces unnecessary breakage for those whose hair is prone to tangles. Sisley-Paris' Radiance brush effortlessly works through knots and snarls without tearing out your hair. Plus, the wooden handle allows for seamless styling without any accidental slips.
Materials: Boar and synthetic bristles
A Bluemercury reviewer says: “I am so delighted that I bought this beautiful, well made brush! I feel it really stimulates my scalp, encouraging hair growth. It runs smoothly through my hair and leaves it naturally glossy and healthy! It is divine to use! Definitely worth the investment IMHO.”
There’s nothing more aggravating than the feeling of a brush tugging on your strands. If you’re using a brush that causes discomfort, swap it out for Aveda’s wooden paddle brush. This brush is carefully crafted to reduce tension, giving you a stress-free detangling experience.
An Aveda reviewer says: “I have thin long dry hair that are very prone to become frizzy and tangle together and this brush saved me!!”
To achieve smooth and silky strands, a soft boar brush is a must-have. Thanks to the smooth bristles, boar brushes actually help to hydrate hair while reducing frizz. Because these bristles are so soft, you’ll also feel like you’re giving yourself a relaxing scalp massage.
Materials: Boar and nylon bristles
An Amazon reviewer says: “This brush has been perfect for my daughter. Usually she hates to brush her hair, but this didn’t even bother her while brushing the tangles. Would purchase again.”
Fine hair folks, you’ll want to be extra cautious while detangling your strands in the shower. Wet hair is much weaker than dry hair, and fine hair is already susceptible to breakage. To avoid losing excess strands in the shower, try Tangle Teezer’s detangling brush. The soft bristles are designed to gently separate and detangle fine and fragile hair, so you won’t have to worry about damage.
An Amazon reviewer says: “The Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Plant Brush has completely transformed the way I care for my hair, and I couldn't be happier with the results! This brush works like magic, effortlessly gliding through both wet and dry hair to eliminate tangles and knots. It's an absolute game-changer for those with unruly hair like mine. I no longer dread the post-shower tangle battle; this brush makes detangling a breeze.”
When we said you might have to splurge on a brush if you’re aiming for quality, we meant it. This Mason Pearson brush is definitely worth the investment, thanks to its unique rubber-cushion and gentle, long-lasting bristles.
Materials: Boar and synthetic bristles
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is my 3rd Mason Pearson brush. I have one that is easily 20 years old and still as good as when I first bought it.”
There’s a common misconception that curly hair can’t be fine, and that’s simply untrue. The word “fine” refers to width, not texture. For those with both curly and fine hair, this Denman brush is an absolute lifesaver. The bristles are long enough to navigate the depth of curls, but smooth enough not to agitate fine strands.
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve been using the Denman brush for years now and it always leaves my curls looking juicy and defined.”
If you’re in the market for a brush that will detangle and style, you’ve found the right one. Belula’s multi-purpose brush softens hair while styling and lessens frizz while detangling. Plus, the package comes with a comb, a headband, and a travel bag, so you’ll have a complete set for home or on the go.
An Amazon reviewer says: “What a luxurious brush. The bristles are soft, and smooths hair in sections, and distributes natural oils so well. Never another brand.”
For nearly $13, Diane’s 2-in-1 styling brush features synthetic bristles for detangling and boar bristles for a salon-worthy finish. The wooden handle is also lightweight and easy to maneuver to prevent cramped hands from extending your hair styling time longer than it needs to be.
Materials: Boar and synthetic bristles
An Ulta reviewer says: “I spent 6 months deciding on a new hair brush, went with this one, and I'm SO GLAD I did. It's the best brush I've owned. The thin bristle side detangles better, but still gentler, than any wet brush. The boar bristle side is great for redistribution of oil on second and third day hair.:”
With so many options out there, it’s hard to identify just one type of brush that takes the top spot, so we’ve pointed out a couple of options. According to Collins, a paddle brush with synthetic bristles and a sturdy cushion is a must-have. Collins points out that the shape of the brush matters too, suggesting that a round end won’t cause any aggravation if it comes into contact with the scalp. “Usually fine haired individuals tend to have sensitive scalps,” Collins adds.
In addition to synthetic bristles, boar bristles are also ideal for smoothing the hair while effectively spreading the scalp’s natural oils across the hair strands without causing any friction.
As Collins mentioned earlier, you’ll want to invest in a high-quality brush especially for fine hair, which is prone to damage. After all, the health of your hair is directly correlated to your grooming habits, so choosing an exceptional brush is imperative if you want to maintain strong, tangle-free strands.
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Lauren Tappan spoke to a celebrity hairstylist and scoured the internet to find the best hair brushes for thin hair.
The 15 Best Hair Growth Oils to Buy Now
Is King Kylie Pink the New Color of the Year?
The Best Shampoo for All Types of Damaged Hair
15 Best Scalp Scrubs to to Refresh Your Roots
Hot Rollers Are Better Than Wands, End of Story
Behind Lindsay Lohan's 'Mean Girls' Premiere Look
Ghd Launches the New Chronos Styler
10 Best At-Home Wax Kits for All Hair Types
10 Best Shampoos For Sensitive Scalps
ELLE Loves: The Magic of Leaf + Flower
9 Best Rosemary Oil Products for Your Hair
A Part of Hearst Digital Media
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
Ear Phone ©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.