The 5 Best Brushes for Men

Hair can be a blessing and a curse. Those of us with luscious locks get to enjoy a wide range of choices in how we style it. Plus, a head of hair protects our scalp from the sun. However, hair also requires constant maintenance lest our locks run wild as the weeds. Fortunately, there are hair brushes for every type of hair known to man. With so many different options, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect pick. That's why we've whittled things down to the very best of the best. Here, we list our top five favorites, from the budget buy to the premium pick.

Boar Bristle Hair Brush for Men & Women, Best Detangling Brush, Boar Bristle Brush, Bamboo Wood

A beauty of a brush

With a fair price, a quality construction, and a reputable name, this pick from Beauty by Earth wins Best Overall by leaps and bounds.

Best Overall

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This boar bristle brush from Beauty by Earth is like the Swiss army knife of hair brushes. Every type of hair, whether fine or coarse, thin or thick, will benefit from this particular pick. For example, the boar bristles are ideal for those with thin or very fine hair, since they actually comb and condition each strand. And for those with thick, hard-to-manage locks, the boar bristles each surround sturdy nylon pins to detangle indignant knots. Even better, the 100% natural bamboo handle is derived from sustainable sources so it’s also eco-friendly. And though the pictures and product description seems to be marketed towards women, who cares? This versatile brush kicks butt for men, women, children, and everyone in-between and beyond.

Pros

Sturdy bamboo handle
Real boar bristles
Versatile design

Cons

Not ideal for thinning or short hair

Diane Men’s 100% Boar Bristle Medium Military Style Brush

The Five Buck Brush

Costing a grand total of seven dollars, this affordable option from Diane Men's is ideal for those with short hair and shorter budgets.

Best Budget

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You don’t need to be in the military to reap the benefits of their handy brush design. Especially popular among those with frizzy hair that can be combed into waves, this pick from Diane Men’s is as well-made as options twice the price. For one, it’s constructed out of a sturdy natural wood that’s easy to grip. In fact, the military-style design actually gives greater maneuverability around the head and comes in clutch when it’s time to pack up and hit the road. This brush also features real boar bristles that are the ideal length for short- to medium-length haircuts. And while there are indeed options out there that cost three dollars or less, this five-dollars-plus-shipping brush is built to last a long time, so it’s easy to squeeze into a tight budget.

Pros

Affordable price
Portable design

Cons

Bristles are blend of plastic and boar bristle

GranNaturals Mens Boar Bristle Hair Brush, Natural Wooden Club Style Wave Brush for Men, Fine, Thin Hair

Goin' back to our roots

With its sturdy handle, soft bristles, and penetrating length, this gentle brush is the perfect pick for any man with thin or thinning hair.

Best for Thin Hair

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The thinner the hair, the more we value each and every strand of it. As the years go on, men’s hair usually gets thinner, even if they don’t have male pattern baldness. Although it’s no cause for despair, there are a number of ways to bolster the health of your hair for a thicker appearance. That’s why we recommend this boar bristle hair brush to any men with finer or thinner hair. The medium-soft strength of the boar bristles is perfect for gently combing natural oils from the roots to the ends without tearing or tugging. Plus, the length of these bristles is ideal for reaching the scalp and increasing circulation. Remember: the thinner the hair, the gentler the care.

Pros

Sturdy wooden handle
Real boar bristles
Hand-crafted

Cons

Not ideal for long or very thick hair

Spornette Classic German Cushion Porcupine Boar & Nylon Bristle Oval Hair Brush #25 with Wooden Handle

A premium brush for a premium price

Those with long locks are going to need something with a little extra oomph. This premium pick from Spornette is the pinnacle of hair brushing technology, featuring 100% German boar bristles and high-quality craftsmanship.

Best Premium

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Germans are known for their high-precision engineering and their boars. Okay, most people don’t recognize German boars as producers of particularly durable hairs but Spornette aims to change that. This premium pick features German boar bristles and a highly-effective porcupine design. It’s called “porcupine” because the boar bristles surround stiffer nylon bristles from a rounded flexible rubber cushion. It kind of looks like a porcupine and produces a pain-free brushing session for those with thick or coarse hair. And if your hair is long, this boar-and-nylon bristle blend is super effective at distributing oils throughout your locks while simultaneously detangling. That being said, this brush works for all hair types. Though the price may be steep, this versatile brush is a worthwhile investment for those looking for the best of the best.

Pros

Versatile design
High-quality materials
Sturdy wooden handle

Cons

Expensive

4-Piece Set, Paddle Hair Brush, Detangling Brush, Hair Comb Set for Men and Women

Four brushes, endless possibilities

This affordable option comes with a paddle brush, a styling brush, a wide tooth comb and a tail comb, so you can sport a different style for every day of the week.

Best Complete Set

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This brush and comb set has everything you need to get started on your private bathroom barbershop. With a detangling brush, a paddle hair brush, a tail comb, and a wide tooth comb, you’ll never be on the hunt for the right brush or comb again. That means no matter what new hair style finds itself on your head, you’ll always be prepared. And although only a few men sport the length and thickness to necessitate the detangling brush, the other pieces come in handy on the daily. The paddle brush is wide and the bristles spacious, so it makes for a gentle grooming experience. Plus, Balon is known for their high-quality combs and this kit is no exception to their reputation.

Pros

High value for the price
Anti-static materials

Cons

Not ideal for very thin hair

Frequently Asked Asked Questions

What are the differences between men and women’s hair brushes?

Although all hair brushes can be used by anyone, there are some features that can make a difference for those with short hair or thinning hair. Almost every man will experience some degree of hair loss and even those that didn’t inherit the bald gene will lose follicle strength as they age. That’s why we generally recommend hair brushes that have fine, soft bristles, because these are easier on the scalp and won’t pull out any hair. Such fine, softer bristles also help to stimulate the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.

What are the benefits of boar bristles?

Boar bristle brushes (try saying that five times fast) have been used for centuries due to their unmatched benefits. For one, boar bristles do an excellent job of evenly spreading our bodies’ naturally-produced oils throughout the hair. And, unlike plastic bristles, boar bristles are less prone to building static charge. These properties, as well as their strength and softness, make boar bristles the ideal material for male hair brushes.