Editor Tip: If you find yourself experimenting with a lot of updos, it’s one of the best brushes for styling ’em (and sleek hairstyles, too), no matter your hair type. (However, it was made with coily and curly hair in mind.)
Material: Nylon (soft side), boar bristles (stiff side) | Who It’s For: All hair types, especially coily and curly hair
Ceramic and Ionic: Olivia Garden Ceramic Ion Supreme Brush
Why It’s Worth It: Smalley loves the quality of Olivia Garden brushes — especially the Ceramic Ion Supreme Brush. The smoothing effect of its boar bristles is enhanced by tourmaline-based ion technology. Plus, the cushioned base makes it super comfortable to use.
Editor Tip: All of Olivia Garden’s brushes are built for professionals and regular consumers alike, so you can expect salon-level quality with this brush. We love that it includes a retractable sectioning pick in the ergonomic handle to create straight parts.
Material: Boar bristles, ceramic and nylon pins | Who It’s For: All hair types
Best Travel-Size Brush: Drybar The Mini Flat Mate Boar Bristle Travel Brush
Why It’s Worth It: Don’t settle for pocket-sized plastic travel brushes if you don’t have to, folks. This mini boar bristle brush from Drybar ensures that you can fit an extra outfit in your carry-on without sacrificing healthy and happy hair. It revives second-day hair, adding shine and volume, and aids in styling.
Editor Tip: This one is best for dry hair, so once you hop out of the shower, opt for a comb.
Material: Boar bristles, nylon | Who It’s For: Fine, medium, and thick hair
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are boar bristle brushes considered the best type of hair brush?
We believe multiple brushes have a time and place in your hair-care routine, but the beauty of boar-bristle brushes is that they’re beneficial for fine strands, coarse hair, and just about everything in between. “Boar-bristle brushes are great because their soft bristles glide through hair, leading to less hair breakage during styling,” hairstylist Kim Kimble explains. “They are also great for massaging the scalp and promoting blood flow, which is important for healthy hair.” Hello, relaxation.
Need even more convincing? Fort Lauderdale-based stylist Olivia Smalley says boar-bristle brushes won’t cause any annoying static, split ends, or frizz — and they can even exfoliate. “As the boar bristles come in contact with your hair, they are actually brushing out the dead cells from your scalp and getting rid of product buildup and dust,” she tells Allure.
How do I clean a boar-bristle hairbrush?
Cleaning your boar-bristle brush is very similar to cleaning the rest of your hairbrushes, which we have a full guide on. Not sure how to make your brushes squeaky clean in the first place? TL;DR:
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