It’s an age-old question: Which hairbrush is the best for your hair?
With so many options to choose from, it can feel a little overwhelming… so we’ll start with a quick look at two very popular ones: The Denman Brush and the Wet brush.
With their ultra flexy bristles, they’re both designed to gently detangle hair – but which one does a better job? Is one more gentle than the other?
Let’s take a look at each!
What are the benefits of the Denman hair brush?
Denman hair brushes have been around since the late 1930's, but it wasn’t until renowned British hairstylist Vidal Sassoon used it to style the iconic asymmetrical bob in the 60's that it exploded in popularity with the public. Since then, the Denman brush has been a staple in bathrooms everywhere, helping ‘define and shine’ everything from thick, tight curls to fine, sleek locks!
Features & benefits of the Denman hair brush
- Nylon quill bristles (no ball-tips) – zero snags and cuts down on brushing time
- Air-cushioned pad – for flexible, tear-free/tangle-free brushing
- Proven design – defines natural hair shape and texture, creating a smooth, glossy finish
- Gently and evenly distributes products (such as conditioner) throughout hair
- Can be used on wet or dry hair, and helps shape and define all hair types – especially when used in conjunction with a hair dryer
- Ergo-friendly and higher-quality design – making it the typically more expensive option
What are the benefits of the Wet brush?
Designed in 2010 by Jeff Rosenzweig, a father of three daughters, the Wetbrush is a relatively new creation focused on detangling wet hair and saving the user from painful brush strokes and annoying breakage. After experimenting with all types of brushes, Rosenzweig found a common design theme: flexible bristles, floating cushions and ball-tipped bristles.
Features & benefits of the Wet brush
- Patented IntelliFlex (thin, strong) ball-tipped bristles
- Air-cushioned pad
- Designed for use on wet or damp hair
- Detangles hair with minimal breakage
- Evenly distributes products throughout hair
- Lightweight design – making it the often cheaper choice
Key differences between the Wet brush and the Denman brush
Overall, both of these hair brushes offer users a gentler way to smooth tangles out of hair, but there are a few key differences, including:
Due to its lack of ball-tips (which can occasionally snag hair) and overall bristle design, the Denman hair brush is the gentler option compared to a Wetbrush
The Denman brush is a better styling tool as it works well to build shape and definition
The Denman hair brush can generally be more expensive, but it is, we think, better designed and better made.
The bottom line: Denman brush versus Wet brush
In our books, the Denman hair brush is the better choice for safe hair brushing. We’ve tried a ton of brushes and, in our opinion, nothing comes close to how the Denman hair brush performs both in gentleness and styling! Not only does it offer gentle, tear-free detangling, but it also helps create more shape and definition – no matter your hair type and style!
It's why we choose to sell it at HAIRLOVE. You can buy our Denman hair brush here.
However, regardless of whichever brush you prefer, you’re going to notice a big difference with detangling your hair. If you're still unconvinced as to which option is best, we encourage you to try out both types of hair brushes to see which brush works best for you.
FAQs: Wet Brush Versus Denman Hair Brush
Is the type of brush you use really that important?
Using the right type of brush can be extremely important if you have thinning, brittle, or otherwise damaged hair. The right type of brush will glide through your hair easily, without tugging or pulling on the locks of hair. This tugging and pulling is what causes damaged hair to break or fall out, so a simpler, easier glide is important if you’re worried about losing hair when you brush.
Should I brush my hair while it’s wet or dry?
This is heavily dependent on your hair type. When your hair is wet, it’s more fragile, but many people with curly or coily hair need to wet their hair down in order to brush it at all, as wetting down the hair softens the curl shapes. That means if you have straight or wavy hair, you’ll probably be best served by brushing your hair when it’s dry, but if you have curly or coily hair, you might need to brush your hair when it’s wet. Regardless of when you brush your hair, start at the ends, using a wide-toothed comb for detangling, before you move to a brush.
How often do I need to brush my hair?
Most people should brush their hair twice a day, in the morning and night, to distribute hair oils and reduce the likelihood of severe tangling. If you have very long hair, especially if your hair is long and straight or wavy, you may want to brush three times a day. Those with very oily hair also typically brush more frequently, as brushing can distribute the oils and reduce excess oil production on the scalp. People with very curly and coily hair often don’t brush their hair at all once it’s dried, saving brushing for “wash days.” Listen to your hair, and if you’re confused, don’t be afraid to talk to a hair stylist about getting personalized suggestions.
