This Iconic Hairbrush Was Created 84 Years Ago—Here's Why Stylists Still Love It
If you've been TikTokin' around on the beauty side of that app, we know you've seen videos highlighting the Denman brush. The Denman brush hashtag has amassed 419.7M views and has likely piqued your interest if you have curly or coily hair. Of course, some social media trends can err on the side of weird, but this is one we say is a winner. But only when the 84-year-old hair tool is used correctly.
What Is a Denman Brush?
The Denman brush—created by John Denman Dean in the 1930s—is an iconic tool with durable nylon bristles that can shape curls. The brush is also a great multitasker as it can be used for blow drying the hair too.
What Is the Difference Between a Denman Brush and a Regular Brush?
You may think a brush is a brush, but that's not the case with a Denman. A regular brush can be used to detangle depending on the width of the bristles. But the Denman is solely used for styling, and it was crafted with curly hair in mind. Additionally, you can remove rows from the Denman brush to fit your unique curl needs.
What Do Denman Brushes Do for Curly Hair?
For starters, Ona Diaz-Santin, curl expert and owner of New Jersey-based, 5 Salon and Spa, wants to emphasize the Denman brush is not a detangling tool. That being said, there are specific brushes she recommends for styling curly hair types. "There is a 5, 7, and 9-row Denman brush that is used as a styling brush for a blow drying and shingling method," she says. But she does note: "If you already have a healthy amount of shrinkage, the Denman brush will definitely add to the shrinkage."
Additionally, Atlanta-based celebrity hairstylist, Deaundra Metzger, says before you start, "only use the brush on fully saturated and detangled hair for which you have applied a leave-in conditioner, moisturizing foam, or cream styler [and] carefully brush through your hair in a downward motion."
Now, keep reading to find your perfect Denman!
Metzger notes that every curl type has different needs. For example, she shares that curl type 2 can be finer and less dense, so having the hairpins closer together on your Denman is essential to promote more curl definition. Her Denman brush recommendation? "The Denman Brush D3 or D4 is very suitable for this, depending on the length of your hair."
And 4-type curls can also use this tool even if their coils are closer together, but Metzger recommends detangling with a wide-tooth comb first. (I personally use the Felicia Leatherwood Detangler Brush). As for your perfect Denman brush match, the rows should be far apart, making D31 your match. "If you find that you can't get the brush through your hair correctly, you can remove some extra rows. This way, your hair will not get tangled in the brush and will not break off. Then, take small sections and define the curls using the D31 brush," she says.
Shop These Haircare Products for Curly Hair
Curly hair needs a good leave-in, too. In this case, this clean hemisqualane (which gives the smoothness that silicone does but is a plant-based emollient that smooths and strengthens), niacinamide, and lemon protein-infused formula doubles as a heat protectant too.
Applying a foaming mousse locks in moisture and takes your wash day the distance. We love this new mousse on the scene because it's crafted with hydrators, marshmallow root, and castor oil, and it's a multi-tasker that can be used for everything from wash-and-gos to protective styles.
Using oils on the hair can be controversial, but I am all about them when they're lightweight and penetrate the hair cuticle (and, in this case, smell amazing thanks to the jasmine). Adding a pump to wet or dry hair helps smooth the cuticle, but I also use this as an overnight pre-poo.