If Silky, Smooth, Shiny Hair Is on Your 2025 Bingo Card, You Need To Start Using This Product

I have naturally thin hair that’s prone to dryness, breakage, and split ends, so I’m always hyper-focused on hair health. I sleep on a silk pillowcase, I use hair masks religiously, and I’ll go weeks without touching any heat tools (but when it’s time to turn back to my flat iron, I always make sure I use heat protectant). I also use boar bristle brushes.

If you’re asking yourself why that last part matters, I get it. How much of a difference can a hairbrush really make? Surprisingly, the answer is a big one. Take it from me. After switching out my traditional hairbrush for a boar bristle version, I’ve noticed a visible improvement in my hair—it seems stronger, smoother, and shinier. I’m not the only one who’s noticed what a boar bristle brush can do. Hairstylists love them too!

Below, find the best boar bristle brushes to incorporate in your routine, plus everything stylists want you to know about the underrated staple.

The Best Boar Bristle Brushes, Listed

1. Mason Pearson Popular Mixture Hair Brush
2. Emi Jay Mini Boar Bristle Brush in Pink Sugar
3. Emi Jay Flat Brush in Pink Sugar
4. La Bonne Brosse N.03 the Essential Soft Hair Brush
5. Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Hair Brush
6. Ibiza B4 Boar Bristle Round Hair Brush
7. DryBar Full Keg Boar Bristle Brush
8. Urtheone Mini Boar Bristle Hairbrush
9. Wet Brush Pro Shine Enhancer
10. DryBar Texas Tease Teasing Brush
11. The Hair Edit Finish & Shine Boar Bristle Brush
12. DryBar Flat Mate Boar Bristle Brush
13. Pattern Double-Sided Bristle Brush

The 13 Best Boar Bristle Brushes of 2024

1. Mason Pearson Popular Mixture Hair Brush

2. Emi Jay Mini Boar Bristle Brush in Pink Sugar

3. Emi Jay Flat Brush in Pink Sugar

4. La Bonne Brosse N.03 the Essential Soft Hair Brush

5. Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Hair Brush

6. Ibiza B4 Boar Bristle Round Hair Brush

7. DryBar Full Keg Boar Bristle Brush

8. Urtheone Mini Boar Bristle Hairbrush

9. Wet Brush Pro Shine Enhancer

10. DryBar Texas Tease Teasing Brush

11. The Hair Edit Finish & Shine Boar Bristle Brush

12. DryBar Flat Mate Boar Bristle Brush

13. Pattern Double-Sided Bristle Brush

What Is a boar bristle brush?

“A boar bristle brush is a styling brush made from the hairs of boars,” explains Scarlett. Hence its name! Some brushes feature 100% boar bristles (these are denser and typically used more for smoothing flyaways and slicked-back styles), while others use a mix of boar and nylon bristles for more detangling benefits.

“They are more gentle on the hair than other artificial bristles,” adds Scarlett. That said, if using boar hair to smooth your own mane gives you pause—totally fair!—you can find vegan versions that use synthetic bristles. One way bristle brushes are better is that

Benefits of Boar Bristle Brushes

According to hair expert Lulu Pierre, founder of Boho Locs, boar bristle brushes are beneficial for multiple reasons. “Boar bristle brushes are great for smoothing and moisturizing hair. They actually lift away the dust and debris that your hair collects throughout the day while redistributing the scalp’s healthy natural oils from root to tip. They also help prevent breakage during brushing because the bristles are so soft and gentle,” she says.

The redistribution of oil is key (and the reason boar bristle brushes can actually improve the health of the hair). They take the natural oil that collects at the scalp and carry it down the lengths of the hair. This effectively moisturizes dry, breakage-prone ends.

They offer these benefits whether they’re used alone or in conjunction with heat tools. Take it from Scott, who says, “Boar brushes don’t get too hot and burn your hair like metal brushes. You can get close to the root and get so much tension with boar bristles. They are great for setting the hair (using them as rollers), and they get hot and cool down quickly so you can get lots of volume and bounce to the hair.”

Any Disadvantages?

To be clear, “Any type of hair texture is good for boar bristle brushes,” Scott says. “Fine hair is great when using a smaller, less-dense boar bristle brush. Coarse and curly hair is great when using a little bigger and denser boar bristle brush.”

That said, those with curlier hair textures might not want to use it on their whole mane (unless you’re opting for a slicked-back style). Anyone can use a boar-bristle brush to smooth down flyaways and create sleek buns, but when it comes to detangling, “It works best on straight to wavy hair to add smoothness and volume,” says Scarlett.

How to Use a Boar Bristle Brush

Powell recommends using boar bristle brushes before showering or before bed. “You can use it whenever your hair needs a refresh as long as it is not wet. Using a boar bristle brush on damp or wet hair can cause damage to both your hair and the brush. Also, don’t forget to brush in sections and take your brush all the way from root to tip so that the oil is distributed evenly!”

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This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.