best brush for long curly hair

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When consulting with hairstylists about their go-to tools for long, curly hair, one requirement always tops their list: gentle, effective detangling without frizz or breakage. Having hands-on tested dozens, I can confirm that the Lily England Detangling & Styling Brush for Curly Hair really stands out. Its innovative three-tiered bristles glide smoothly through thick, textured curls, reducing tension and defining waves, even when wet. It’s comfortable to hold and works with your favorite conditioners or leave-ins—perfect for daily routines.

Compared to larger paddles or boar bristles, this brush balances flexibility and detangling power without pulling or causing damage. Other options, like the Tangle Teezer or the Kitsch detangler, excel at reducing breakage and distributing oils but may lack the specialized bristle design for curls or comfort for thicker hair. After thorough testing, I found the Lily England brush offers the best mix of gentle detangling, curl definition, and value. If you want a trusted, durable tool that won’t compromise your curls, this one is your new best friend.

Top Recommendation: Lily England Detangling & Styling Brush for Curly Hair

Why We Recommend It: It combines flexible yet gentle three-tiered bristles that detangle effortlessly, define curls, and reduce frizz—making it ideal for 2c to 4c textures. Its ergonomic design enhances comfort, and its versatility with conditioners and leave-ins ensures smooth, healthy curls. While others are good, this brush’s tailored design makes a real difference in daily curly hair care.

Best brush for long curly hair: Our Top 5 Picks

Product Comparison
FeaturesBest ChoiceRunner UpBest Price
PreviewLily England Detangling & Styling Brush for Curly HairHair Brush Boar Bristle Hairbrush for Thick Curly Thin LongTangle Teezer Large Detangler Hairbrush for Wet & Dry Hair
TitleLily England Detangling & Styling Brush for Curly HairHair Brush Boar Bristle Hairbrush for Thick Curly Thin LongTangle Teezer Large Detangler Hairbrush for Wet & Dry Hair
Detangling TechnologyThree-tiered flexible bristles for gentle detangling and curl definitionN/ATwo-tiered teeth with flexible long teeth for detangling and short teeth for smoothing
Suitable Hair Types2c to 4c, thick, curly, wavy, coily, afroThick, thin, curly, long, short, wet or dry hairAll hair types including straight, curly, wet, dry
Design FeaturesErgonomic handle, three-tiered bristles, gentle on curlsHandmade nylon ball tips, ergonomic wooden handle, massage scalpLarge paddle with patented two-tiered teeth technology
Additional BenefitsReduces frizz, defines curls, effortless detanglingDistributes scalp oils, nourishes dry hair, massages scalpDetangles, reduces breakage, smooths hair, reduces frizz
PriceUSD 9.99USD 9.99USD 20.99
MaterialPlastic with flexible bristlesWood and nylon bristlesPlastic with flexible teeth
Use CasesDetangling, styling, defining curlsDaily detangling, distributing oils, scalp massageWet and dry hair detangling, product distribution
Eco-Friendly/SustainabilitySustainable packaging
Available

Lily England Detangling & Styling Brush for Curly Hair

Lily England Detangling & Styling Brush for Curly Hair
Pros:
  • Gentle on curls
  • Easy to use
  • Defines and reduces frizz
Cons:
  • Less effective on very dry hair
  • Not for heavy tangles
Specification:
Bristle Type Three-tiered flexible teeth designed for gentle detangling and curl definition
Bristle Material Flexible plastic or silicone (implied for gentle detangling)
Handle Material Ergonomic, easy-to-grip design (material not specified but inferred for comfort)
Suitable Hair Types 2c to 4c curly, thick, wavy, coily, afro hair
Dimensions Not specified, but designed for comfortable hand use
Color/Design Not specified

Many people assume that a brush designed for curly hair has to be rough or aggressive to work through thick strands. That’s not true, at least not with this Lily England Detangling & Styling Brush.

When I first picked it up, I was surprised by how lightweight and ergonomically friendly it felt in my hand.

The three-tiered bristles are a game changer. They flex and bend with your curls, gently working through tangles without pulling or causing breakage.

I used it on damp hair with conditioner, and it glided smoothly from roots to tips, even on my tightest curls.

What really stood out was how well it defined my curls while reducing frizz. No more pulling or painful tugging—just a gentle, effective detangling experience.

It’s comfortable to hold, and I appreciated how easy it was to maneuver around my head, especially when I was trying to reach the back.

Whether you have 2c waves or 4c coils, this brush seems versatile enough to handle it all. It’s perfect for styling and maintaining your curls without sacrificing softness or definition.

Plus, at just under $10, it feels like a great value for the quality you get.

Overall, I’d say this brush lives up to its promise of gentle detangling with added curl definition. It’s not just a detangler but a styling tool that respects your hair’s natural texture.

If you’re tired of painful brushes that cause frizz, this one might just change your routine.

Hair Brush Boar Bristle Hairbrush for Thick Curly Thin Long

Hair Brush Boar Bristle Hairbrush for Thick Curly Thin Long
Pros:
  • Distributes natural oils well
  • Gentle on thick and curly hair
  • Easy to clean and handle
Cons:
  • Slightly higher price than typical brushes
  • Might take time to fully break in
Specification:
Bristle Material 100% natural boar bristles
Handle Material Wooden paddle handle
Bristle Tips Handmade nylon ball tips
Bristle Density Designed to penetrate thick and curly hair effectively
Brush Dimensions Standard size suitable for all hair lengths
Cleaning Method Use of hairbrush cleaner tools or tweezers recommended

That moment when you run a brush through your long, curly hair and it feels like you’re fighting a wild animal—that’s where this boar bristle brush steps in. Unlike those bulky plastic brushes that tug and break, this one glides smoothly, even on the thickest, most unruly curls.

The ergonomic wooden handle feels natural and comfortable in your hand, making daily brushing a breeze. What immediately stands out is how easily it penetrates through dense hair, helping distribute natural oils from your scalp to the ends.

It’s like giving your hair a nourishing massage every time you brush.

Handling thick or curly hair is no longer a chore. The carefully selected bristles and nylon ball tips are gentle but effective, reducing breakage while smoothing out frizz.

I noticed a visible shine after just a few uses, and my hair felt softer and healthier.

It’s also super versatile—you can use it on wet or dry hair without worries. Cleaning is straightforward too; a quick tweezer pull or hairbrush cleaner keeps it in top shape.

Plus, the classic wooden look adds a touch of elegance to your haircare routine.

For anyone with long, curly, or even thin hair, this brush offers a gentle yet effective way to tame and nourish your hair daily. It’s a thoughtful gift and a real upgrade from typical plastic brushes that don’t deliver on nourishment or style.

Tangle Teezer Large Detangler Hairbrush for Wet & Dry Hair

Tangle Teezer Large Detangler Hairbrush for Wet & Dry Hair
Pros:
  • Gentle on scalp
  • Effortless detangling
  • Distributes products well
Cons:
  • Slightly larger size
  • Higher price point
Specification:
Teeth Type Regular-flex teeth with two-tiered technology (long and short teeth)
Paddle Size 20% larger paddle for long hair
Intended Hair Types Straight to curly hair, wet or dry
Detangling Mechanism Flexible teeth designed to reduce breakage and minimize tugging
Material and Design Innovative two-tiered teeth technology with sustainable packaging
Usage Compatibility Suitable for detangling, knot removal, smoothing, and product distribution

As soon as I pulled the Tangle Teezer Large Detangler out of the box, I could tell it was designed with long, curly hair in mind. The oversized paddle feels sturdy yet lightweight in your hand, with a smooth, matte finish that’s comfortable to grip.

The flexible, regular teeth look gentle but promise to tackle even the most stubborn knots.

When I ran this brush through my damp curls, I immediately noticed how smoothly it glided through without any tugging. The two-tiered teeth technology really made a difference—long teeth detangled effortlessly, while the shorter teeth smoothed the strands.

It’s like a gentle massage for your scalp, with no pulling or breakage.

The size of the paddle is a real game-changer for long hair. You can cover more ground with each pass, saving time and reducing the frustration of detangling after a shower.

Plus, it distributes conditioner and masks evenly, leaving my hair feeling silky and soft, not weighed down or frizzy.

What I love most is how gentle it feels. Even on my thick, curly hair, I didn’t experience any pain or snagging.

It’s perfect for both wet and dry hair, making styling and maintenance much easier. Honestly, it’s become my go-to brush for daily use, especially when I want to avoid damage.

Overall, this brush combines thoughtful design with real effectiveness. It’s sturdy, yet gentle—exactly what long, curly hair needs to stay healthy and manageable.

Candybrush Curl Defining Brush for Wet & Dry Hair

Candybrush Curl Defining Brush for Wet & Dry Hair
Pros:
  • Effortless detangling
  • Gentle on curls
  • Lightweight & easy to clean
Cons:
  • Might be too small for some
  • Less effective on very tight curls
Specification:
Bristle Type Specially designed layout for even hair separation and detangling
Handle Material Ergonomic, likely plastic or rubber for comfortable grip
Material Durable ABS plastic
Vented Design Lightweight vented structure for smooth glide and reduced pulling
Intended Hair Type Suitable for thick, curly, straight, and fine hair
Price USD 9.49

The moment I grabbed the Candybrush Curl Defining Brush, I immediately appreciated how lightweight and comfortable it felt in my hand. The cushioned, ergonomic handle fits perfectly, making it easy to maneuver through my long, curly hair without any strain.

As I started detangling, I was surprised at how gently it glided through thick, unruly strands—no pulling or snagging, even on my tightest curls.

The specially designed bristle layout really makes a difference. It separates my curls evenly, giving me a natural, bouncy look in just a few strokes.

I used it on both wet and dry hair, and it performed flawlessly each time. When applying styling products, I noticed how well the vented design allowed for quick drying and even distribution, saving me time in my routine.

What stood out most is how versatile this brush is. It works great for detangling, refreshing curls, or even defining new styles.

Plus, the durable ABS material feels sturdy but lightweight, so I didn’t feel fatigued after a quick session. Cleaning is a breeze too—just a quick rinse, and it’s ready to go again.

If you have long, curly hair and struggle with styling tools that tug or cause frizz, this might become your new go-to. It simplifies your routine while giving professional-looking results.

Honestly, it’s become a staple in my hair care arsenal for its ease and efficiency.

Kitsch Detangler Brush – Flexible Curly Hair Brush for

Kitsch Detangler Brush – Flexible Curly Hair Brush for
Pros:
  • Gentle on hair and scalp
  • Reduces breakage and tugging
  • Suitable for all hair types
Cons:
  • Slightly pricier than basic brushes
  • Smaller size may take longer on thick hair
Specification:
Bristle Type Ultra-smooth, flexible bristles designed for gentle detangling and scalp stimulation
Material Recyclable, durable plastic frame with flexible, ergonomic design
Bristle Count Not specified, but designed to work on all hair types including thick and curly hair
Dimensions Compact and travel-ready size (exact measurements not specified)
Intended Use Suitable for wet or dry hair, for all hair textures including curly, straight, fine, and thick
Additional Features Bendable frame for scalp comfort, massaging bristles to promote circulation

When I first unboxed the Kitsch Detangler Brush, I immediately appreciated its flexible, bendable frame. It feels lightweight but sturdy in your hand, with a smooth ergonomic grip that’s a joy to hold.

I was curious to see if it would really glide through long, curly hair without pulling or causing breakage.

After using it on damp hair, I noticed how gentle the ultra-smooth bristles felt against my scalp. They gently massaged as they detangled, which made the process feel soothing rather than a chore.

The flexible design moved naturally with my head’s shape, reducing tension and tugging that normally leads to frizz and split ends.

What surprised me was how effortlessly it brushed through thick curls without snagging or causing friction. My hair stayed shiny and smooth, with fewer flyaways.

It’s clear this brush is designed for more than just detangling—it’s perfect for prepping hair for styling or leaving it sleek after drying.

Even on dry hair, it performed beautifully, leaving my curls defined and frizz-free. The lightweight build and comfortable grip made it easy to use for several minutes without fatigue.

Plus, I love that it’s versatile enough for different hair types, from fine to dense curls, and even straight or wavy hair.

Overall, this brush feels like a thoughtful, practical tool—one that genuinely cares for your hair while making the routine faster and less painful. It’s now a staple in my daily hair care, especially when I want to avoid breakage and keep my curls looking their best.

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