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Goodbye frizz and hello definition!

Curls come in all shapes and sizes. From corkscrew coils to repeating ringlets, if you've got any curl pattern you know the importance of a great brush. One wrong bristle brush and your bouncy waves quickly transform into a frizzy Mia Thermopolis mess.

So, what's a curly-headed cutie to do? Should you only brush wet strands? Should you only use a comb? Should you…just not brush curly hair at all? With the help of some experts, we are here to debunk all the myths and set the record straight on how and what to use to comb your curls.

Whether you're looking for the perfect detangling brush or a boar bristled option to stimulate your scalp, we have you covered on the 12 best curly hair brushes. Read on to discover your options and learn some tips and tricks from our curly hair experts.

If you’re looking to define your curls before diffusing, this is the brush for you. It’s not only designed to comb through knots, but also to create definition. Simply brush downwards and wrap strands around the paddle to create defined curls.

Made with all hair types in mind, the Madison Reed Detangling Brush is ultra-sensitive and can be used on wet or dry hair. Reviewers note it’s perfect for detangling wet curls and the soft bristles are gentle on the scalp.

This extra large brush is perfect for extra thick hair. The long bristles work to softly comb through your strands without causing additional stress or breakage to the hair.

This brush comes from the curly hair icon herself: Tracee Ellis Ross. Need we say more? The brand recommends using this to comb and detangle in the shower after coating your hair with conditioner. Reviewers recommend wrapping your curls around the brush as you comb to add extra definition.

With flexible bristles and a cushioned paddle, this brush is designed to comb through all curl patterns, leaving strands detangled. Plus, the brush has a hole in the middle making it extra easy to store in the shower.

This brush is ideal for 3A-4C curl patterns, as it works to detangle and define curls without tugging on strands. Reviewers call this the holy grail curly hair brush!

When it comes to brushes and combs, Mason Pearson has been the industry standard for years. So it should come as no surprise that their detangling hair brush is a holy grail tool for many curly haired heads. It features stiff nylon bristles, ideal for managing unruly tresses and defining waves or curls. Reviewers note it is also great for distributing your scalp’s natural oils throughout your strands, ultimately strengthening your hair.

If you’re looking for a wide-tooth comb that will gently glide through your curls, look no further. While conditioning or after applying leave-in product, simply brush through your tresses for an ultra-gentle detangling session.

This vegan boar bristle brush is super gentle and lightweight making it safe to use on coily strands. It won’t tug and pull, causing frizz. The stiff and soft bristles will detangle strands, while providing a light exfoliation to the scalp to promote hair health.

The Philip B paddle brush is designed to smooth the strands, while adding a bit of bounce making it perfect for soft waves. The handle is designed for easy control and the paddle employs boar bristles and nylon bristles to exfoliate the scalp and evenly distribute oil throughout strands.

This brush allows you to add or remove bristles to perfectly target your curl pattern. By removing bristles, you can create more of a wide-tooth comb or add more to create a denser brush. Since you can redesign the brush based on your needs, it is perfect for traveling and achieving all kinds of hairstyles.

Reviewers note this comb is great for detangling fine or thick hair. The wide-tooth side is great for detangling, while the narrow end is great for styling.

Nubia Rëzo, Founder of Rëzo Salon and Rëzo Hair Care

Dereq Clark, Wella Professionals Brand Ambassador

What should you look for in a curly hair brush?

“Look for a brush that is gentle with flexible bristles to avoid tugging on the hair. Boar bristles are preferred because they’re soft and gentle, but if you’re opting for synthetic bristles (i.e. plastic or nylon), be on the lookout for ones with rounded tips that won’t cause breakage,” says Clark. Rëzo notes that boar bristles are great for smoothing out textured hair, while nylon bristles are great for detangling. Nylon bristled brushes can also be used to define curls before diffusing or air drying.

What should you avoid in a curly hair brush?

“It’s best to try to avoid brushes with those scalp massaging balls at the tip,” says Clark. “They can potentially get tangled in your curls and cause more knots.” Similarly, Rëzo recommends avoiding brushes that have a lot of tension as they can cause breakage.

What’s the best brush for 3A-4C hair?

“I would always use a wide-tooth comb or even try finger detangling your hair for a more gentle approach,” says Clark. “Tightly coiled hair is the most prone to breaking and snapping because it’s naturally dry and compact to the head.”

How often should you brush curly hair?

Rëzo recommends only brushing curly hair once a week on wash days. Clark has a similar approach, as he suggests brushing every three to seven days depending on your wash schedule.

Should you brush your hair when it is wet or dry?

Both experts recommend brushing curly hair only when it is wet or damp, so it’s easier to detangle. This way you will avoid damage and frizz. Rëzo says “it’s ideal to brush your hair in the shower, during the conditioning and detangling process because the conditioner allows bristles to easily glide through, but only do this if you are using a wet brush for detangling.”