What kind of brush do you use for 4c hair?

Instead of a typical brush, those with 4c hair are better off seeking a detangling tool specially designed for such hair. Made with long bristles at various lengths, they are intended to easily glide through hair’s kinks and texture, distributing product while detangling without snagging.

What does 4c hair look like?

4c hair is naturally coily, kinky, and voluminous, and can be styled into a wide variety of looks. It also needs a great deal of moisture and regular gentle detangling to keep it healthy.

What is good for detangling 4c hair?

The basic setup you’ll need for detangling 4c hair includes a proper detangling tool, a detangling product to help moisturize hair as you detangle, a spray water bottle, and hair clips. Beyond that, you’ll need time, as it can be a time-consuming process, and rushing it could lead to damage.

The 11 Best Detangling Brushes for 4c Hair of 2022

4c hair is vibrant, vivacious, and so versatile that it can be shaped into virtually any style. That is, as long as it’s properly cared for. And as striking as 4c hair is, it comes with its own rule book for proper care and maintenance, especially when it comes to washing and detangling.

Wash day always seems like the ultimate act of self-care. There’s the lathering of the shampoo, the rewarding feeling of deep-conditioning, and then there’s detangling—where the fantasy abruptly comes to a halt. Detangling 4c hair can feel like a serious chore, and not one you can just speed through, as the key to successful detangling is to be gentle. And while slippery detangling products are a must, you can’t forsake the importance of choosing the right brush to get the job done. Thankfully, we’ve journeyed to the ends of the Internet to figure out which brushes can slip and slide through kinks and coils.

Keep scrolling to discover the best detangling brushes for 4c hair.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Tangle Teezer Thick & Curly Salsa Red Detangling Brush at Ulta

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Best Budget:

Bestool Detangling Brush at Amazon

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Best Drugstore:

Wet Brush Original Detangler at Amazon

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Best for All Hair Textures:

Michel Mercier Ultimate Detangling Brush at Amazon

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Best for Long Hair:

Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler

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Best for Curl Definition:

Denman D3 Original Styler 7 Row at Amazon

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Best Design:

Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush at Amazon

Best Shower Brush:

Best Pick:

Best Electric:

Remington Detangle Brush at Amazon

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4.8

Tangle Teaser Thick & Curly Salsa Red Detangling Brush

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What We Like

Easy to use
Compact
Wallet-friendly

What We Don't Like

No handles
Bristles could be more hardy

Tangle Teezer is known for its brushes that make detangling a breeze—and this one, which is designed specifically for thick and curly hair, is yet another example of that. This particular design has longer bristles, which means it gets to the roots of kinky strands more easily. The tiered bristles make sure that no strand goes untouched, and it’s great for clumping wet curls in the shower.

Price at time of publish: $13

Shape: Oblong | Bristle Material: Plastic | Wet or Dry: Both

Amazon

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What We Like

Wallet-friendly
Creates 70 percent less detangling time
Results in 80 percent less damage
Sturdy rubberized handle provides comfortable control

What We Don't Like

Flimsy to some

This brush may not be the first to introduce flexible free comb arms, but it is definitely one of the best. This budget-friendly option makes it easy to catch every kink, with users experiencing an average of 80% less damage. It can be used vertically or horizontally depending on your needs, and the ergonomic handle lessens the weight on your arms and wrists. Users are shocked with how quickly this brush detangles rebellious tresses.

Price at time of publish: $10

Shape: Rectangle | Bristle Material: Flexi-plastic | Wet or Dry: Both

Amazon

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What We Like

Gently separates knots and tangles
Comfortably fits in the palm of hand
Bristles bend easily

What We Don't Like

Bristles might be too flexible

No need to overthink it—this classic brush has gained a loyal cult-like following for a reason. It features IntelliFlex bristles that move and bend as they glide through your hair, making it ideal for stubborn kinks and tangles. It’s also made to specifically be used on wet strands, which is great for 4c hair that shouldn’t be detangled while dry. The results? Pain-free, simpler detangling.

Price at time of publish: $13

Shape: Round | Bristle Material: Ultra-Soft IntelliFlex Plastic, Nylon | Wet or Dry: Both

Always begin by brushing your hair at the ends and work your way to the roots in order to prevent creating more tangles as you go.

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What We Like

Eco-friendly: handle made from sustainable wood
428 bristles with 32 different heights apply correct pressure
Minimizes hair breakage

What We Don't Like

Could be more durable

This brush is praised by all textures for being sturdy enough to glide through difficult tangles, yet gentle enough to reduce breakage and shedding. Users say that it glides through thick strands and makes the detangling process much easier. With over 428 bristles at 32 different heights, it distributes product evenly throughout your hair for better curl definition.

Price at time of publish: $20

Shape: Round | Bristle Material: Plastic | Wet or Dry: Wet

Nordstrom

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What We Like

Intelligent teeth flex over tangles rather than pull
Sturdy 2-tiered bristle teeth
Easy grip handle

What We Don't Like

Might be flimsy to some

If your arms have ever begged for mercy as you detangled, this is the brush for you. The difference is in the teeth, which are two-tiered to glide through tangles and knots with minimal shedding. Users experience significantly less shedding and say that the large paddle and comfy handle make detangling, dare we say it, enjoyable.

Price at time of publish: $15

Shape: Rectangle | Bristle Material: IntelliFlex Plastic | Wet or Dry: Wet

Detangling while in a rush can lead to split ends and breakage, making it harder to retain length. So it’s important to take time and care when separating your 4c strands.

4.8

Amazon

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What We Like

Sculpted round-ended nylon pins create softer movement
Anti-static brush pad
Adds volume

What We Don't Like

Tad pricey

The Denman brush is an OG when it comes to popular brushes in the natural hair community—and with good reason. It’s ideal for clumping and defining wet curls or for smoothing your hair along the curved edge as you blow-dry. The design is lightweight yet sturdy to withstand even the tightest of coils, making it a go-to for tangle-free defined curls.

Price at time of publish: $22

Shape: Rectangle | Bristle Material: Nylon | Wet or Dry: Wet

Amazon

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What We Like

Only bonded on 3 sides for fluid movement
Widely spaced bristles provide a smooth glide
Comfortable, steady handle gives good grip

What We Don't Like

Could be more durable

This brush caters specifically to the needs of kinky hair, and it’s one of the original brushes designed with widely spaced flexi-bristles to glide through the hair without breaking or damaging your strands. Basically, it’s the blueprint. Users rave that this significantly reduces detangle time and shedding.

Shape: Rectangle | Bristle Material: Flexi-Plastic | Wet or Dry: Wet

Amazon

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What We Like

Comfortable grip
Helps hair find each other for definition
Removable bristles so you can remove hair
Handles detaches and has hang hole

What We Don't Like

Peels a bit

If you’re looking for a tool to help your curls clump for your wash-and-go, you’re in the right place. The sturdy handle and hang hole make it a solid brush to keep in your shower to gently rake through your hair as you condition. We also love that the rubber pad slides out so you can deep-clean your brush to remove any leftover hair.

Price at time of publish: $17

Shape: Rectangle | Bristle Material: Flexi-Plastic | Wet or Dry: Wet

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What We Like

Extra-long prongs shape, add volume and elongate
Revives hair in the morning
Handle is easy to hold

What We Don't Like

Prongs could be more durable

When your curls need a little volume, this pick is the solution. Its unique design stands out from the crowd for its easy-to-hold handle and extra-long prongs. While you might not initially think of a pick as something you need for detangling, you can feel good using this tool knowing that it’s not snagging or tangling your hair as you fluff.

Price at time of publish: $9

Shape: Rectangle | Bristle Material: Flexi-Plastic | Wet or Dry: Dry

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What We Like

Rolls back and forth to gently loosen
Lessens breakage
Slip-on brush cover makes it travel-friendly
Soft-tip teeth protect the scalp

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Detangling takes a bit longer

An electric detangler sounds pretty intimidating for someone with 4c hair, but tons of reviews can assure you that this styling tool actually lives up to its name. The brush’s teeth rock back and forth to loosen knots and tangles instead of snagging them, making for significantly less shedding. While it might take a little longer for some to complete the detangling process, most users say that the lack of fallout is worth it.

Price at time of publish: $21

Shape: Rectangle | Bristle Material: Plastic | Wet or Dry: Both

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What We Like

Non-slip grip
Rounded wide-teeth are gentle & glide easily
Hang hole on handle creates easy storing

What We Don't Like

Hang hole doesn't fit all shower caddies

We all need a good comb in our arsenal, and this one checks off all the major boxes. Precise parting? You’ve got it. Non-slip grip? Absolutely. And we also love the non-committal price tag. This comb has rounded wide teeth to go easy on your scalp and glide easily through curls and kinks without snagging. The hang hole also makes it a great option to keep handy in your shower.

Price at time of publish: $6

Shape: Rectangle | Bristle Material: Plastic | Wet or Dry: Wet

What to Look For in Detangling Brushes for 4c Hair

Long Bristles

When it comes to the high texture of 4c hair, you first and foremost want bristles that are long enough to go straight to the roots. In addition to long bristles, some models will feature various additional lengths that help distribute product at all levels as you work the brush through your hair.

Quick-Dry Materials

One of the cardinal rules of detangling 4c hair is to do it while the hair is wet, meaning you should be looking for a brush made from quick-dry materials such as plastic or hard rubber. This also helps distribute product more evenly.

Special Features

While most brushes work fine on all lengths of hair, the time and effort it takes to fully detangle longer hair can be daunting. Some of today’s top detangling brushes are made with such features as ergonomic handles or two-tiered teeth to reduce shedding and provide a smoother detangling experience.

FAQ

What kind of brush do you use for 4c hair?

Instead of a typical brush, those with 4c hair are better off seeking a detangling tool specially designed for such hair. Made with long bristles at various lengths, they are intended to easily glide through hair’s kinks and texture, distributing product while detangling without snagging.
What does 4c hair look like?

4c hair is naturally coily, kinky, and voluminous, and can be styled into a wide variety of looks. It also needs a great deal of moisture and regular gentle detangling to keep it healthy.
What is good for detangling 4c hair?

The basic setup you’ll need for detangling 4c hair includes a proper detangling tool, a detangling product to help moisturize hair as you detangle, a spray water bottle, and hair clips. Beyond that, you’ll need time, as it can be a time-consuming process, and rushing it could lead to damage.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

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