The Best Brushes to Detangle Wet and Dry Hair

karli kloss — @harryjoshhair / Design by Zackary Angeline

Brushing your hair should be pretty straightforward. However, thanks to one too many passes with the flatiron, an overdose of color, or even just the normal wear and tear, it may easily turn into a painstaking task. Because there aren't just snarls and grimace-worthy tangles to contend with: We also live with an irrational fear of losing a more than normal amount of hair every time we work a brush through our vulnerable strands. Remember the days circa 1999 when we'd go for the full 100 strokes? Well, those days have long since passed, and now we put much more thought into our tools and brushing techniques.

Luckily for us—and our poor hair—so many new brushes and tools have hit the market, and they're specifically designed to tackle even the most stubborn of wet or dry tangles without the snapping and breakage we used to associate with our brushing routines. And since our strands are so precious, we decided to roll up our sleeves and conduct some research. The objective? To find the best brushes to effortlessly detangle both wet and dry strands.

Curious to see which brushes made the cut? Keep reading for our top picks for wet and dry hair.

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Wet Brush The Wet Brush Original

Wet Brush The Wet Brush Original $14.00

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This do-it-all brush detangles both wet and dry hair, and it also works amazingly on every texture, whether your strands are ultra-thick or ultra-thin. According to the brand, its signature Intelliflex bristles dissolve tangles with ease, and the brush is also designed to expertly navigate around extensions. Bonus: It's also available in plenty of pretty color options.

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Tangle Teezer Detangling Hair Brush

Tangle Teezer Thick & Curly Salsa Red Detangling Hair Brush $13.00

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We've been using this palm-size brush for years, and our admiration has only intensified over time. So you can imagine our excitement when Tangle Teezer came out with a brush catering specifically to thick and curly hair. It uses the same strategically ergonomic technology as the original, but the teeth are instead designed to be stronger, more flexible, and just a bit longer. Plus, the Firmaflex technology nixes frizz without deflating your hair's natural bend and curl, according to the brand.

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Diane x Fromm No-Knot Detangler

Diane x Fromm No-Knot Detangler $7.00

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True to its name, this pretty-in-pink brush slickly maneuvers wet or dry hair and banishes knots in a flash. The key is in the variety of bristles: It features three lengths meant to prevent the damage and pesky breakage inflicted by brushes past.

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Cricket Ultra Smooth Detangling Brush

Cricket Ultra Smooth Detangling Brush $16.00

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In addition to its cool, sleek structure, this brush from According to the brand, Cricket is also infused with a nourishing blend of oils (think argan and olive), and the bristles are made from keratin-enriched plastic for shiny, strong, and tangle-free strands. Use it on wet hair post-shower or for a midday touchup on dry.

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Verb Detangling Brush

Verb Detangling Brush $20.00

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Considering how obsession-worthy their haircare is, it's not surprising Verb would come out with an easy-to-grip brush for detangling wet or dry hair. It works through knots without wreaking havoc on brittle ends and is the ultimate step pre-blowout.

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Drybar Super Lemon Drop

Drybar Super Lemon Drop $20.00

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The bright lemon shade is an instant mood boost, and the beloved brush also features Drybar's expertise when it comes to bouncy, shiny, voluminous hair. It can be used on wet and dry hair alike, in addition to extensions. Plus, the bristles are extra flexible to ensure zero tugging and pulling. It's also ridiculously lightweight, which comes in handy after the arm workout required by an at-home blowout.

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T3 Paddle Brush

T3 Paddle Brush $35.00

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Though this brush is great for every hair type, it's especially helpful for those with lots of hair, thanks to the wide, paddle shape. Essentially it covers more ground in less time while still being kind to fragile locks. Nylon bristles make it easy to work through either dry or wet strands, and just a few strokes will lend a satiny finish. Consider this brush from T3 the PIC to your favorite hair dryer.

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Christophe Robin Detangling Paddle Hairbrush

Christophe Robin Boar Bristle Detangling Paddle Hairbrush $76.00

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Handmade using 100 percent boar bristle and natural wood, Christophe Robin's paddle brush gently detangles hair. It's great for any hair type (straight, wavy, curly, etc.) and thickness. Plus, it leaves strands extra shiny.

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Michel Mercier Ultimate Detangling Brush

Michel Mercier Ultimate Detangling Brush $15.00

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With 428 points of contact, Michel Mercier's detangling brush is detail-oriented, to say the least. And as such, it claims to cut brushing time in half. Plus, it comes in different varieties based on hair type.

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Mason Pearson Detangler Nylon Brush

Mason Pearson Detangler Nylon Brush $130.00

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Definitely more of a splurge, Mason Pearson's detangler will stand the test of time (the brand's been around since 1885). A fantastic option for both wet and dry hair, the brush uses ultra-soft nylon bristles. And, it just feels good to use. While this brush is frequently sold out, we recommend the Denman D81M Medium Style and Shine Brush ($36).

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Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush

Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush $31.00

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A classic design, AVEDA's wooden paddle brush gets the job done. It's lightweight and ventilated, making it easy to use when it comes to tackling those knots and snarls. It also claims to add shine.

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Bestool Detangling Brush

Bestool Detangling Brush $8.00

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With its unique design, Bestool's detangling brush is particularly great for curly or natural hair. Lightweight and gentle, it gets through kinks without pulling. It's also comfortable and easy to use.

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