After 19 hours of research evaluating 55 products, we picked Kent Gentleman’s Hair Brush MG3 as our top choice.
It is tough to argue that many (not all) men equate their hair with their sexual attractiveness to women.
That’s why you need the best men’s hairbrush you can find.
No, that’s a joke. You need a proper men’s hairbrush because it’s good for your scalp as well as your style. Brushing stimulates blood flow and distributes the natural oils produced by your scalp through your hair.
Brushing also prevents split ends and naturally maintains the luster your hair should have. And while women are less inclined to worry about whether or not a man is bald, grooming and obvious signs of self-care are totally sexy.
What’s the bottom line?
Luckily, it is rather easy to get the hang of brushing; the trick is finding the best men’s hairbrush for your hair. There are more types out there than you might suspect, and you really do want to choose the best one.
Just think about it this way: caring for every part of your body probably will keep you looking and feeling amazing.
#1 Best Brush Overall
Kent Gentleman’s Hair Brush MG3
- Serious Kent quality that will last for a very long time
- Stiff, but still soft, bristles
- Offers a lovely scalp massage while fitting comfortably in your hand
Pros
Works across many different hair types and lengths, including beards; the stiff bristles are soft and soothing; plus, it’s wonderfully gorgeous to look at, which doesn’t hurt either.
Product Ratings
Features
9.5/10
Brush type: Oval military palm brush.
Handle: Being a military brush, it doesn’t have a handle, but it measures 5” by 2¾“.
The quality beechwood back is big enough that it fits in larger hands without becoming uncomfortable in smaller ones.
Bristles: This brush features stiff, but soft, ½“ pure white boar bristles.
If they’re a little too stiff, you can soften them by soaking them in soft water for a few minutes.
The bristles feature wider gaps for a better pull.
Value
9.5/10
This brush costs between $50 and $58, depending on where you get it from. On Amazon, you can get it with Prime shipping.
Now, we know that’s a hefty price for a brush, but it has the quality backing from the Kent brand. And, in most cases, this brush is returnable within 30 days.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
If you’re looking for a solid grooming brush that you may never need to replace, this should fall really highly on your list.
This super-high quality brush is also darn good looking and built to last for decades. The bristles do a great job of massaging your scalp and it’s remarkably comfortable in most hands.
Military style boar bristle brushes often work best with short and thin hair, performing equally well on straight as well as coiled and kinky hair. One reason we made this our top choice is that it also does an awesome job with thick and wavy hair – so basically everyone can enjoy it.
Unsurprisingly, it does a fine job keeping your beard in order too – perhaps even adding that bit of sheen you’ve been desperate to see coming through.
This is a grooming brush, not a styling brush, and has those gorgeous boar bristles – so you should never pull it through wet hair.
Kent brushes come with an instruction guide for cleaning and you should definitely follow that to the letter.
Yes, the price can be prohibitive, but it’s absolutely worth the splurge.
#2 Best for Short Hair
Uppercut Deluxe Quiff Roller Small Round Men’s Hair Brush
- Adds volume and great for styling
- Perfect diameter for short hair
- Quality brush and value for money
Pros
Excellent at grabbing hairs for easy styling and added volume; can be used on wet or dry hair; adds lift to short hair.
Product Ratings
Features
9.5/10
Brush type: Compact round brush.
Handle: The cushioned handle is a little smaller than we would like. The entire length is 8” and has a diameter of 1”. It’s compact; be warned.
Bristles: These are short nylon bristles with small red ball points at the tip for scalp comfort.
Value
9.5/10
This brush is rather reasonably priced at just $12. It does come with Prime shipping, but it’s not returnable. We think it’s definitely worth this price.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
We love this compact, quality-made brush for more than the volume it provides.
Round brushes, like this one, are made for styling hair and work especially well when combined with a blow dryer.
And, this brush definitely does that, but you can simply use it in a combing or brushing manner to detangle short hair as well. It just has everything in the right place (and it sells for a terrific price).
These brushes are usually best for longer hair, both thick and thin, coiled and straight (though not for curls).
But, the compact size of the head makes this an excellent brush for short hair – anyone with longer hair should be careful with this brush.
And, if you’re not into styling, but prefer a brush for grooming, we suggest looking at the brushes on this list that suit your hair thickness – or our top choice brush.
However, if you’re like many modern men these days, and you want some lift for your locks, combine this brush (which can be used on wet hair) with a little product and a hair dryer and you’re on your way.
#3 Best for Medium & Long Hair
Mason Pearson Medium Mixed Bristle Brush
- Unbelievable and totally worth the money
- Leaves hair soft, shiny, and healthy
- Detangles and offers a scalp massage at the same time
Pros
Healthier, glossier, softer hair; detangles and offers a scalp massage at the same time; great for everyone except those with really thin or fine hair.
Product Ratings
Features
9.5/10
Brush type: Full-size oval brush.
Handle: While the original Mason Pearson brushes were made with wooden handles, today’s are made with hand-polished Cellulose Acetate. And, they’re superbly comfortable in the hand. That said, men will want to opt for the medium size, not the handy size, for a better fit.
Bristles: The combination of stiff boar bristles and nylon bristles gently massages one’s scalp without scratching (thanks to the air pocket). They’re a little too stiff for very fine hair.
Value
9.0/10
Not everyone is going to splurge on this brush, it’s $170. Yikes!
It does come with Prime shipping and it is returnable, though few people that run a Mason Pearson through their hair find any need to let their brush go.
Overall Editor Score
9.3/10
Mason Pearson brushes are little pieces of luxury you can hold in your hands and some people, rightly, call them magic.
While women flock to these brushes, men should not rule them out as they do an incredible job of making hair soft and shiny.
Indeed, users find that they experience less hair loss and better hair health after a few weeks of using this brush. Everyone is into that.
While you may be all sorts of concerned when you look at the price of these brushes, nearly everyone finds them to be a total value for the money.
They’re especially good for longer or thicker hair, though just about everyone except those with the thinnest hair will find brushing an absolute joy (no matter how many tangles you have).
Keep in mind, however, that these aren’t styling brushes – they’re only for grooming and should never be used on dry hair. And, given the price, you should make sure you care for your brush as the manufacturer directs (yes, you get info on that).
Seriously, if you can afford this brush, do it – you’ll never look back.
#4 Best for Curly Hair
Denman 9-Row Cushioned Nylon Brush
- Does an amazing job with curly hair
- Detangles like a dream
- High quality at a great price
Pros
- The anti-static nylon pad does a fair job
- It’s awesome with curls and can be used on wet hair
- Does a good job with detangling and grooming as well as styling
Product Ratings
Features
9.5/10
Brush type: Rectangular, with a classic Denman shape.
Handle: The handle is sturdy, albeit plasticized, but it is on the short side. Now, when the head of the brush is this good, it’s something you’ll overlook.
Still if you have rather large hands, this might be a problem for you.
Bristles: There are 9 rows of stiff but smooth nylon pins that do an awesome job of detangling. They are long enough to get through thicker hair.
And, there 5 and 7-row brushes available.
Value
9.5/10
While the MSRP is closer to $15, you’ll often find it on Amazon for just over $11, which makes it one of the most cost effective brushes on this list.
It does come with Prime shipping, but it is non-returnable.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
Besides being incredibly affordable, this brush is very sturdy and gets the job done.
The funny thing about this brush is that it shouldn’t actually be good for curls; the style is more suited for straight hair – maybe waves at a push.
But after reading the reviews of users (of all hair types and lengths), we’re absolutely sold on this as a brush for guys with curly hair as well. That said, if your hair is really thin, you may want to try a thin boar bristle brush instead.
And, you’ll be surprised at the detangling ability of this brush, it’s very solid on this front and yet it’s remarkably gentle.
We also like the anti-static pad, though we would change the handle length if we could.
But, you can definitely use it to brush wet hair and it’s easy as pie to clean.
Add to that the price of this brush and you’ve got yourself a solid deal that you don’t want to pass on.
#5 Best Men’s Hair Brush for Fine or Thin Hair
Kent OS11 Dual Timber Rectangular Hair Brush
- Amazingly soft and gentle bristles
- Perfect for thin or thinning hair
- Serious quality; well worth the price
Pros
- The bristles are super soft and just the right length for thin haired men
- You can absolutely give this brush as a gift
- A gorgeous brush made from top quality materials
Product Ratings
Features
9.5/10
Brush type: A rectangle paddle brush – and one of the best at that.
Handle: The base is made from beechwood, though the back is a beautiful satin wood – and both have been treated to draw out their natural beauty.
The handle is comfortable and the entire brush measures 7.5”.
Bristles: The ¾“ pure white boar bristles are exceptionally soft – like the kind of soft that you’ve never known before.
Value
9.0/10
The MSRP for this brush is $92, though you’ll find it cheaper on Amazon much of the time – usually for under $85, and it comes with Prime shipping.
That’s still quite a hefty price tag, but it is a Kent brush and totally worth the price (especially when you think of all you’ll spend on thinning hair treatments).
Overall Editor Score
9.3/10
The Kent company has been around for well over 200 years and they’re more or less the standard for high quality brushes. Still, we know that the price is going to scare some people away.
But if you have thin or thinning hair, this is the brush for you.
The boar bristles are just the right length and super, almost deliciously, soft. You’ll definitely appreciate the way it feels on your scalp – and that it doesn’t tug at your hair.
The shape of the brush makes it most appropriate for straight hair, which we won’t dispute. But, it’s those beautiful bristles which will incidentally improve your scalp health and are perfect for thin or fine hair.
But, because of the bristles, you should never use this on wet hair and it’s definitely a grooming brush, not a styling brush. What’s that mean for you? You won’t want to put this brush anywhere near the heat of a hair dryer.
You can expect a terrific presentation if you’re planning to give it as a gift, and yes, you’ll find care and cleaning instructions alongside your brush.
#6 Best Men’s Hair Brush for Thick Hair
Conair Velvet Touch Paddle Hair Brush
- Great for thick, long, and curly hair
- Sturdy and well-sized
- Gentle, doesn’t pull even seriously tangled hair
Pros
Its state-of-the-art super sharp blades produce an even trim every time. It has amazing control and glide for convenient, relaxed trimming. It’s suitable for all skin types and particularly gentle on overly sensitive skin.
Product Ratings
Features
9.5/10
Brush type: A paddle brush created from man-made materials – but good ones, especially given the price.
Handle: The velvet touch handle offers solid control and is well-sized for men’s hands.
Bristles: The ball tipped nylon bristles are designed to detangle your hair.
Value
9.5/10
This sells for less than $5 as an add-on item at Amazon. At that price, you shouldn’t expect the company to allow returns – and they don’t. We think it’s a proper steal.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
The price is right, and the brush is both solid and not bad looking. We dig that.
Paddle brushes such as this one are designed for longer hair and if you’re a guy with long thick hair, we think you’re going to love this brush.
But, even if your hair isn’t that long, we don’t want you to walk away yet. There are plenty of guys that like it on their shorter dos.
The brush is well made and the flexible cushion base makes it comfortable on your scalp. Better still, it’s awesome at detangling and can work through wet hair, so it’s great for the day after a big night (whatever that means to you).
Now, you can scoff at the price or you can scoop up this brush with your next Amazon order (it’s an add on item), but you know what we’re going to say about that right?
We think it’s absolutely worth the try if you’re in the market for a new brush. Seriously.
#7 Best for Scalp
Bass Classic Men’s Club Style Brush
- Excellent for both head and facial hair
- Sturdy and long lasting
- Perfectly stiff (but comfortable) bristles
Pros
- A durable brush that’s just the right size for both daily and travel use
- Massages the scalp as you brush
- Works with just about every hair type and length
Product Ratings
Features
9.5/10
Brush type: Rectangular club brush.
Handle: The handle really is stunning; it’s made from 100% natural bamboo and hand finished.
Bristles: The advertising on this suggests 100% boar bristles, but there is a big question mark next to that. It appears that there is a blend of boar and nylon bristles.
That certainly accounts for the price difference between this brush and other boar bristle brushes.
Value
9.5/10
This brush has a MSRP of $24, but you should find it a little closer to $20 which we believe is a perfectly reasonable price given the truction.
It also comes with Prime shipping which is always a bonus.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
Let’s get the out of the way first. With this brush, the culprit is the bristles. They’re advertised as 100% boar bristles and it appears that they’re not. It could be that the natural bristles are 100% boar hair (as opposed to another animal).
It’s a concern when it comes to the marketing practices, but the performance of the brush isn’t compromised by the blend.
One other thing you should know about the bristles is that they are prone to shedding, though that does tend to stop. Your best bet is to deal with it upfront by gently banging the brush on a towel on the edge of a table.
But, simultaneously, one of the biggest positives of this brush is the bristles. The spacing and soft stiffness of the bristles is enticing and people that have tried to move on from this brush come back to it after finding nothing better.
And, while these brushes are designed for long hair (style) and thinner hair (boar bristles), it could just be the blend of bristles that allows this brush to do a fantastic job on a complete range of lengths and hair types – including beard hair.
It’s absolutely enough to look past the boar bristle marketing issue at this price.
#8 Best for High-Styling
Kent Gel Styler Brush
- Perfect for styling and cleans well
- Compact, great for gym bags and travel
- Long-lasting, quality brush
Pros
- This styling brush doesn’t gunk up with product, so you can definitely enjoy using it
- Works with a range of hair types and lengths
- Very well made and comfortable in your hand
Product Ratings
Features
9.5/10
Brush type: Classic rectangular styler.
Handle: The sturdy handle is beautifully finished and comfortable to hold. Overall, the brush is nicely weighted and measures 7.9” long.
Bristles: The 9 rows of quills are made from andesite quartz which is supposed to release negative ions to stimulate the scalp and create a healthy environment for hair growth.
Whether they do this or not (there are those that don’t believe it) almost doesn’t matter; the bristles are darn comfortable.
Value
9.5/10
The MSRP is $22.50, and the price does tend to fluctuate on Amazon. If you can find it for under $20, snag it immediately.
It’s another item that’s available through Prime.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
Kent isn’t just good at traditional grooming brushes and this particular one proves it.
Besides being totally reasonably priced for the brand and product, it’s a very nice-looking and comfortable brush to work with.
What sets this brush apart from other stylers is the way the product seems to stay in your hair rather than transferring it to your brush. You won’t have to tantly clean it.
And, it’s very good at defining comb-overs and setting up pompadours, but even if you only use it to distribute product for your messy style, it’s worth it to get your hands on this brush.
Being a styling brush, you can use it on wet hair as well as dry and it won’t melt under the heat of a hairdryer.
Though it might be a little surprising, this brush performs equally well with both short and long hair, as well as thick and thin hair. It’s perhaps not the best for tight, tight curls, but it can enhance natural waves.
Whatever you do, don’t mistake this for an ordinary dollar bin drugstore brush; it’s anything but.
#9 Best Budget Men’s Hair Brush
Diane Double Sided Men’s Club Brush
- High-quality at a great price
- Amazing bristles (both sets)
- Great for beards
Pros
- Surprisingly well made in most cases
- Good for both thick and thin hair types, as well as long and short lengths
- Not bad looking and travels well too
Product Ratings
Features
9.5/10
Brush type: A double-sided club brush.
Handle: The wooden handle is comfortable, even if it is on the shorter side.
Bristles: There are medium (or rather, soft) bristles on one side of the brush and stiffer nylon bristles on the other. There are a few boar bristles tucked in on this side, but not many – and if you look closely, they’re not advertising 100% boar bristles on both sides.
Both sides are comfortable, though you’re more likely to use the soft side for facial grooming unless you have exceptionally fine scalp hair.
Value
9.5/10
It’s a little more than $6. To be fair, it’s not the cheapest brush on the list, but this cuts across hair types and is really two brushes in one, so…
It’s also available with Prime shipping. Always a plus.
Overall Editor Score
9.5/10
We’re not going to hide it, this budget brush was made in China. But the price is a deceiver; the quality is much higher than you would initially suspect.
The cost offers even more value when you ider that there are actually two different sets of bristles on this brush – one softer side and one stiffer side. Both have their merits.
Don’t dismiss this brush believing that you only need or will use just one side. For example, the soft side is terrific at managing side burns and new beards.
And while the stiff-bristled side seems like it’s the more appropriate for head hair, keep in mind that men who rock a shorter style often find their regular brush is a little too much right after a haircut.
(That got you thinking, right?)
Of course, it’s not a styling brush and you need to remember that because, while this is remarkably well made for the price, it’s not going to withstand heat, nor will it be good for hair fresh out of the shower.
Sure you can run the stiff nylon side through damp hair, but it’s best to hold off.
Hair Brush Buying Guide
When shopping for new products to spoil your ‘do,’ hairbrushes usually get, well, brushed off in favor of fancier products like styling gels, waxes, and pomades. But you can’t achieve the perfect quiff (or any other hairstyle, for that matter) without the tools to back you up—and that includes a reliable hairbrush.
If you’ve ever tried to style your hair a specific way but ended up with underwhelming results, it’s probably because you didn’t have the right grooming gear to achieve your goal.
And while the world of men’s hair grooming isn’t as elaborate and complicated as that of women, knowing which particular type of hairbrush is best for your mop will work wonders. Trust us, gents. It makes a world of difference.
In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about men’s hairbrushes—from all the different bristles and brush types to usage tips and maintenance techniques. Ready to roll? Let’s go!
Different Types of Bristles: Which One Is Right for You?
Men’s hair brushes don’t only differ in size and shape. Various bristle options are also available to cater to different needs. Below are the most common bristle types that you’ll find in the hair care aisles.
Synthetic bristles are usually made of nylon and are relatively stiff. If you have super thick hair, the synthetic kind is better for you since stiff bristles are better armed to easily penetrate and detangle your mane.
Boar bristle brushes feature fine-yet-dense bristles that are excellent for distributing your hair’s natural oils from the scalp to the ends. Anyone can use boar bristle brushes, but they’re recommended, especially for those who have fine and straight hair.
Mixed bristles are made up of a blend of synthetic and boar bristles. It’s a great middle-ground if you want to enjoy both the detangling magic of a synthetic brush and the shine delivered by boar bristles.
Wooden bristles are durable yet gentle to the hair. Because the individual bristles are wider, they’re less likely to break your hair strands during use. Wooden bristles also feel extra good on the scalp and are excellent at promoting blood circulation.
Different Types of Hair Brushes
Round brush – Perhaps one of the most recognizable types of hairbrushes, a round brush sports a barrel-like shape and is frequently used in conjunction with a blow dryer. It’s a great tool for adding lots of volume and taming thick, unruly hair. What’s more, men with medium-length or long locks will find a round brush extremely helpful if they want to add curls to their hairdo.
Paddle brush – Although paddle brushes are most recommended for men with long hair, anyone will actually be able to benefit from using it. A paddle brush will massage the scalp and help add shine, especially those that are fitted with boar bristles. Obviously, paddle brushes are also much more efficient at detangling the hair owing to its larger footprint.
Vented brush – If you think that the whole process of drying your hair in the morning is way too taxing, using a vented brush will help solve your dilemma. It greatly speeds up the drying process because it lets your blow dryer reach more hair strands at any given time. That said, using a vented brush will also minimize the time that your head is exposed to heat—something that anyone who worries about heat damage will surely appreciate.
Wet brush – We’ve all gotten this advice at one point: don’t brush your hair while it’s still wet. However, hairbrushes that are specifically designed for detangling wet hair have been developed in recent years. That means you no longer have to use a wide-tooth comb post-shower if you don’t want to.
Teasing brush – You’ve probably tried using a rat tail comb to tease your hair, but did you know that it actually damages your hair shaft? Try using a teasing brush with boar bristles instead. It gives your hair extra volume while being less damaging than a rat tail comb.
Oval cushion brush – Usually, the oval version of the classic paddle brush, this style is favored by stylists for detangling and smoothing coarse and dry hair. It’s also a great everyday brush if you have low-maintenance locks.
How Often Should You Really Brush Your Hair?
Nope, Marcia Brady totally missed it.
You don’t need to brush your hair 100 times a day to make it healthy. In fact, you only need to brush in the morning (as you’re getting ready for the day) and maybe once before bed—because while hair brushing has its benefits, overdoing it will do more harm than good.
Brushing Tips for A Healthy Head of Hair
- Use long and smooth strokes.
- Be gentle. Brushing your hair is supposed to stimulate your head, but that doesn’t mean you should ciously push down on your scalp. Doing so will damage your scalp and exacerbate hair fall.
- If you have long hair that is prone to knots, start brushing at your ends and work your way up. This way, you’re detangling the knots at the bottom without ripping your strands at the top.
- Brush your hair in multiple directions before styling it. Start from your hairline moving towards your nape, and then the other way around. This ensures that all tangles are taken care of before you maneuver your hair to the style you desire.
- Don’t rush it. To really get the most benefit out of your brushing routine, take your time while doing it. This maximizes the redistribution of oils in your hair. Plus, doesn’t brush your scalp feel oh-so-nice?
- Don’t brush your hair when it’s wet—except if you have a dedicated wet brush at your disposal.
How Often Should You Clean Your Hair Brush?
No one likes to admit it, but we all probably clean our hairbrushes less often than we should. In fact, some people never even clean their hairbrushes at all.
Remember: hair brushes distribute your scalp’s natural oils all over your locks, which means it gets its fair share of sebum while on the job. What’s more, if you frequently use your hairbrush with styling products like creams, clays, and pomades, then it’s bound to rack up even more dirt and residue. This makes it a prime breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and yeast, which could then lead to dandruff and all sorts of scalp infections.
Not to mention that a hairbrush that’s filled with hair doesn’t work as well as a clean one. So, how frequently should you clean your hairbrush?
At the minimum, experts recommend that you wash your hairbrush once every two weeks. If you have longer hair, then you should do it more frequently. Moreover, if you use styling products every day, it’s best to clean your tools every time you see any sort of buildup or residue on the bristles.
What’s The Proper Way to Clean a Hair Brush?
To really get in there and give your hairbrush a good cleaning, you’re going to need the following:
- a pair of scissors
- a rat tail comb
- mild shampoo
- a large bowl
- a towel
First, take your hairbrush and remove all of the stuck hair strands using the end of a rat tail comb. For stubborn strands that are way too challenging to remove, whip out a pair of scissors and snip away.
Prepare a mixture of mild shampoo and warm water in a large bowl. Dip the bristle side of your hairbrush in the water and swish it around. Next, gently rinse it with warm running water.
Place your hairbrush on a towel to dry, making sure that the bristle side is facing downwards. And you’re done!
Hair Brush Maintenance 101
In between cleaning sessions, try to do the following to keep your hairbrush in tiptop shape.
- Regularly remove loose hair from the bristles—ideally every other day. This will make the cleaning process so much easier because the longer your hair strands are left on the brush, the more likely they will wound up stuck in between the bristles.
- If you share your hairbrush with other people, use a sanitizing spray in between uses. You can make your own sanitizing spray by mixing one part of Barbicide and one part of water in a spray container. Ideally, you should never share hair grooming tools with anyone—but we know that this might be unavoidable for some people.
- For hair brushes with wooden parts, resist the urge to leave it soaking in water for too long. Whether it has wooden bristles or a wooden handle, water damage is a possibility if you don’t immediately dry your hairbrush off.
- If there’s a noticeable buildup of product on your brush, but you don’t have time to give it a good cleaning, you may opt to wipe the bristles with a damp cloth. However, keep in mind that this is just a temporary solution. Don’t hold off cleaning your hairbrush for too long!
