Editor’s tip: Before using, gently bend and flex the Manta in your hands—the more you work it, the softer and more flexible it becomes.
Bristle material: nylon
Best for Damaged Hair: Harry Josh Pro Tools Premium Oval Brush
Why we love it:The Harry Josh Pro Tools Premium Oval Brush features a mix of natural boar and nylon bristles, gently detangling while distributing natural oils for a smooth, glossy finish. “This brush has a lightweight design with nylon bristles that allow for easy movement without tugging,” says Boss. The flared bristle pattern helps refine shape and style, while the oval shape and ergonomic handle make styling effortless. This brush is pretty much the trifecta you need for fine hair: It reduces breakage, tames frizz, and enhances shine.
Editor tip: For fine hair prone to breakage, take it slowly and gently—starting at the ends and working your way up to avoid unnecessary tension.
Bristle material: nylon and boar
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a brush good for fine hair?
A good brush for fine hair should be gentle, lightweight, and designed to prevent breakage. You can’t go wrong with boar bristles. “Boar bristles are super gentle—they glide through your hair, spreading your scalp’s natural oils from root to tip, which helps boost shine and cut down on static,” says Boss. “They also create way less friction than other bristles, which is a big win for fine hair.”
Meanwhile, for detangling, she recommends nylon bristles, which are “soft and gentle and can work through tangles without pulling too hard.” And when it comes to blow-drying, ceramic brushes are a great pick: “They help retain heat, speeding up the drying process and reducing potential damage,” she says.
Flexible bristles or a cushioned base can also help prevent snags, making detangling smoother. “For a perfect blowout on fine, frizzy hair, I love to start with a ceramic brush with a soft bristle in order to get as much movement and volume as possible,” says hairstylist Dickson. “Once the hair is dry, I go back in with a boar-nylon combination brush to add extra smoothness and shine.”
She does this order because the boar-nylon combination can add too much tension on damp hair. So, if you remember anything, let it be this: Use soft or flexible bristles on damp hair and save the more rigid types for dry hair or restyling.
Is there a certain way to brush fine hair to minimize damage?
How you brush fine hair makes a big difference in preventing damage. “Always detangle slowly and gently from the ends to the root with a detangling brush designed for fine hair,” says Dickson. “It will have more flexible bristles.” This helps minimize breakage and tugging.