Tangles and knots can be painful and detrimental to hair health, which is why it is so important to find the best hair brush to prevent breakage. Brushing your hair is a part of everyday life, but the way you do it and the brush you choose to use can lead to split ends and damage over time.
One of the main causes of hair breakage is how you style your hair. Things like excessive heat styling, not using heat protection, aggressive brushing or combing hair, or in fact, lack of brushing hair can affect your hair health. Sleeping on wet hair or rough fabrics that create friction and wearing your hair in too-tight styles can also cause hair breakage.
The best hair brush to prevent breakage at a glance:
Even though we're all guilty of the above at times, choosing specific style hair brushes can help to minimise hair breakage. Detangling brushes are some of the best, designed to detangle hair with minimal breakage with flexible, widely-spaced bristles. Ball-tipped paddle brushes are also a great choice, with the wide surface area covering more hair, making it easier to brush, while the ball-tipped bristles are gentle on the scalp. And with boar-bristle brushes providing natural conditioning, this variety of brush is ideal for fine hair and one the best hair brushes for damaged hair, caring for fragile locks.
You can scroll down to read more about the different types of hair brushes suitable for preventing breakage, but for now, we've rounded up the best hair brush to prevent breakage and frizz and have considered all the hair types, from thick hair to thin hair. We've also included the best type of hair brushes that are eco-friendly and suitable for achieving your dream bouncy blow dry without causing too much harm to your hair.
Best hair brush to prevent breakage
Best best hair brush to prevent breakage overall
Tangle TeezerThe Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Hairbrush has earned a reputation as one of the best tools for reducing breakage and damage, with an impressive 59,000 reviews and an average star rating of 4.7 stars out of five on Amazon. Customers love how effortlessly it glides through hair, making detangling a breeze. Designed with two-tier flexible teeth, it gently works through knots with minimal resistance, helping to reduce shedding. Whether used on wet or dry strands, it offers an effective yet gentle way to detangle without excessive pulling or breakage.
One of its standout features is the ergonomic handle, which sets it apart from the original Tangle Teezer design. This addition allows for a better grip and more control while brushing, making the experience even more seamless. While the flexible plastic bristles may not be the softest on the scalp, they effectively smooth and detangle without tugging. Customers also appreciate its lightweight design, making it a practical choice for everyday use. If you're looking for a brush that ensures knots are taken care of effortlessly while minimising damage, this Tangle Teezer is a must-have.
Pros
- Effortlessly smooths out knots while minimising tension on the hair, helping to reduce breakage and maintain healthy strands
- Designed for use on both wet and dry hair, this brush features adaptable bristles that smoothly work through tangles with ease
Cons
- The bristles have a flexible design but, being made of plastic, they may not provide the softest sensation on the scalp
Best paddle brush to prevent breakage
Moroccanoil/AmazonPaddle brushes are great for detangling hair, especially if you have medium or long-length hair. Designed with ceramic and ionic technology, it distributes heat evenly, meaning faster drying time and a glossy, frizz-free finish. If you’re constantly battling knots, this brush glides through hair with minimal tugging.
Users love how sturdy yet lightweight it feels in hands, making styling a breeze. The cushioned design provides a little extra give, preventing excessive tension on strands. Many with fine or easily damaged hair rave about how much less breakage they notice compared to traditional plastic paddle brushes. While others with very thick or curly hair wished the bristles were slightly longer to reach deeper layers. Overall, users have found that this brush has sped up morning routines, keeping hair sleek and polished without breaking it during styling.
Pros
- Designed with ceramic and ionic technology, it distributes heat evenly to ensure hair stays glossy and frizz-free
- Cushioned design prevents excessive tensions on strands
- Glides through hair with minimal tugging on knots
Cons
- Those with thick or curly hair wished the bristles were slightly longer to reach deeper layers
Best value hair brush for breakage
Ninabella/AmazonIf you're after an affordable option to help detangle your hair, this Ninabella anti-split-end detangler brush can seamlessly eliminate tangles without pulling or tugging on your ends. Whether you’ve got thick, fine, curly or straight hair, this brush works like a dream on all hair types as it glides through knots effortlessly, not involving painful yanking or snapping, so it’ll minimise breakage and slip ends that can often be caused by brushing.
Designed with an ergonomic, flexible shape, it moulds to your scalp for a gentle, soothing brushing experience. Some customers with sensitive scalps have raved about how it detangles without discomfort, even on wet hair. There are a couple of comments in the reviews that mentioned that it took them a little while to get used to the curved design as it can feel a little flimsy. The curved design does mean that the brush is really lightweight to hold and as it’s crafted from sustainable materials, it’s great for both your hair and the planet.
Pros
- Flexible shape so it moulds to your scalp for a gentle brushing
- Glides through knots effortless so it won't yank or snap your hair
- Lightweight to hold
Cons
- Due to its more flexible design, some reviewers thought it felt flimsy
Best hair brush for breakage to use on thin hair
WetbrushFine hair is especially prone to breakage, so it’s essential to use a brush that won’t tug, snag, or cause unnecessary stress. This one is designed with 78 ultra-soft IntelliFlex bristles, which bend and flex effortlessly, allowing for smooth, painless detangling from root to tip, so no more wincing through knots. One of the biggest perks of this brush is its versatility. Whether your hair is wet or dry, it glides through without pulling, making it as great for detangling while you’re in the shower as it is for everyday styling.
Many customers rave about how it cuts down on breakage and leaves their hair feeling healthier over time. A few reviewers mention that while the soft bristles are great for fine hair, they can wear out faster with heavy use. Those who struggle with knots while washing their hair say this brush has completely transformed their routine, making detangling a breeze instead of a battle.
Pros
- Designed specifically for fine hair as it has ultra-soft bristles that bend and flex through the hair
- Can be used on both wet and dry hair so it's versatile
- Customers have reported their hair has felt healthier over time since using this brush as it reduces breakage
Cons
- Some reviewers found the bristles can wear out over time with heavy use
Best hair brush for breakage for thick hair
CantuDesigned with extra-long bristles, this Cantu Longer Bristle Paddle Brush will glide through dense, textured hair, making detangling a breeze without causing excessive shedding or snapping strands. Whether you’re prepping for a blowout, stretching your curls, or just looking for a daily go-to brush, this one will make styling thick hair effortless without pulling or breaking the hair.
Users with thick, curly and coily hair love how this brush smooths and detangles without painful tugging. This is because of the long bristles that reach through every layer, getting rid of knots without breaking up natural curl patterns. A few reviewers thought the handle of this brush could be a little sturdier, especially for those with ultra-thick hair that needs some serious detangling. That being said, many say it’s helped reduce split ends and overall breakage, keeping hair healthier and more manageable over time.
Pros
- Extra long bristles that are designed to reach through every layer of the hair for effortless brushing
- It'll get rid of knots wihtout breaking up natural curl patterns
- Made for thick, dense and textured hair for styling without painful tugging
Cons
- Some reviewers of extra thick hair felt the brush could be a little sturdier for extra detangling power
Best hair brush for breakage for blow drying
evoIf you love a sleek, salon-worthy blow-dry but dread the split ends and breakage that come with it, the Evo Bruce Natural Bristle Radial Brush is here to save the day. Designed with 100 per cent natural boar bristles, this brush will minimise damage while still delivering a smooth, voluminous finish.
The bristles gently grip the hair without tugging, making it easier to style without unnecessary tension. Customers rave about how effortlessly it glides through strands, reducing frizz and leaving hair looking shiny and healthy. Those with fine or damaged hair especially love how gentle it feels, even when paired with a powerful hairdryer. Something to keep in mind is that because the bristles are natural, they can wear down over time but if your main concern is protecting your fragile hair, the Evo Brush is a fantastic choice. The wooden handle is lightweight and a dream to hold, even for those long styling sessions.
Pros
- Designed with 100 per cent natural bristles, it'll minimise damage while delivering a smooth, voluminous finish
- Feels gentle on the scalp
- Lightweight wooden handle that's a dream to hold
Cons
- Bristles can wear down over time because the bristles are natural
Best eco-friendly hair brush for breakage
Vista/AmazonLooking for a hairbrush that’s kind to both the planet and your hair? Consider the Vista Bamboo Hairbrush. It’s made from sustainable bamboo and is designed to glide through your locks, tackling tangles without the drama of snagging or snapping. The smooth bamboo pins work wonders on the scalp and give it a little gentle massage while you brush, boosting circulation and encouraging healthy hair growth. The bristles also help to distribute natural oil from the top of your hair to the very tip to combat frizz and add shine.
Customers with thick hair love how easily it detangles without pulling while those with finer strands appreciate the way it minimises breakage, so it’s a good all-rounder for different hair types. It is on the larger side, so it might not be one to pop into your handbag. It’s still lightweight though, so it won’t feel heavy to hold while styling.
Pros
- Made using bamboo so it's kind to the planet and your hair
- Pins give a gentle massage while you brush to boost circulation and encouraging healthy hair grow
- Detangles without pulling
Cons
- On the larger side so you probably won't be able to pop it in your handbag to use on the go
What is the best hair brush to prevent breakage?
Choosing the right hair brush can help prevent breakage and promote healthier hair. Here are some types of brushes that are often recommended for minimising breakage:
Wide-tooth comb: Best for detangling wet hair, this can help reduce tension and breakage, especially for curly or textured hair.
Boar bristle brush: Ideal for fine to medium hair, the boar bristles help to reduce frizz and breakage by distributing natural oils from the scalp to the ends of the hair, providing natural conditioning.
Flexible bristle brush: Suitable for all hair types, the flexible plastic or nylon bristles are gentler on the hair.
Detangling brush: Specifically designed to detangle hair with minimal breakage, it usually has widely spaced and flexible bristles.
Paddle brush with ball-tippled bristles: The wide surface area covers more hair, making it easier to brush. The ball-tipped bristles are gentler on the scalp, helping to reduce breakage.
What causes hair breakage?
Hair breakage can be caused by a number of reasons, here are some common ones:
Excessive heat styling: Frequent use of heated styling tools such as hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage the hair cuticle, leading to breakage. High heat weakens the protein structure of the hair.
Chemical treatments: Chemical processes like hair colouring, bleaching, perming, and relaxing can weaken the hair shaft, making it more prone to breakage.
Overwashing and harsh shampoos: Washing your hair too frequently or using shampoos with harsh detergents can strip the natural oils from your hair, making it brittle and more susceptible to breakage.
Tight hairstyles: Wearing your hair up in tight hairstyles such as plaits and ponytails can exert excessive tension on the hair leading to breakage at the roots or along the hair shaft.
Lack of moisture: Dry hair is much more likely to break. Not enough moisture in the hair can result from a lack of conditioning, exposure to dry or low-humidity environments, or certain hair care products.
Nutritional deficiencies: A diet lacking essential nutrients, especially protein, biotin, and vitamins, can lead to weak and brittle hair.
Environmental factors: Exposure to harsh environmental conditions like strong winds, UV rays and extreme temperatures can damage the hair cuticle and lead to breakage.
Age: As people age, the hair naturally becomes more fragile and susceptible to breakage.
Medical conditions: Certain health issues, such as thyroid disorders and alopecia, can contribute to hair breakage. Some medications, including those used for chemotherapy and certain acne treatments can have side effects that cause hair breakage.
Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Yours. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle, three cats and a tortoise called Bobby.