These Are the Only Brushes That Work for My Super-Coarse, Curly Hair

Woman with curly hair

(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)

I'm a huge believer that the simplest tools like your hairbrush can make or break your routine. This is especially true if you have coarse, thick, or curly hair. Certain brush types just don't work for those of us with a generous head of hair, because the bristles are sometimes too thin or get stuck in your strands while brushing. Sigh. It's a hard life.

Recalling my struggle also brings to mind that scene in The Princess Diaries when Mia breaks the stylist's brush due to her very thick, coarse strands. I won't lie to you; I felt seen when watching that unfold because same. I too am guilty of breaking several brushes because my hair is extremely similar to Mia's (at least I'm not alone).

Needless to say, finding the right hairbrush for me required a lot of trial and error. While it hasn't been easy, I'm writing this in the hope that it'll save someone else a lot of time, energy, and money. For the best brushes for coarse, thick, and curly hair, keep scrolling. I'm sharing them below along with a few more key products in my routine that keep my hair healthy and happy.

Woman with curly hair

(Image credit: @spiritedpursuit)

Like I said, choosing the right brush is important, but it's equally important to select the products for your hair that are going to detangle, hydrate, and define your coarse curls. The products below are a few favorites that make brushing my hair that much easier.

The Best Brushes for Coarse, Curly Hair

Best Overall: Denman Curly Hair Brush D3

Best Drugstore: Cantu Ultra Glide Detangling Brush

Best Luxury: La Bonne Brosse N.04 The Miracle Detangling Brush

Best Paddle Brush: Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush

More Brushes I Love for Coarse, Curly Hair

Explore More:
Associate Beauty Editor

Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.