The 7 Best Boar Bristle Brushes for Smooth and Slicked-Back Hair
Keep reading if you want the smoothest hair ever.
For years, I solely used a cheap drugstore hair brush, complete with clumps of loose strands and softened bristles that no longer had the ability to smooth down my ponytail. And once I switched to a high-quality boar bristle brush, my hair was forever changed. Whether I’m styling a slicked-back bun or a bouncy blowout, a boar bristle brush is an absolute game-changer and time saver.
Our top picks for the best boar bristle brushes
I know, splurging on a brush might seem like a superfluous purchase, but trust me, a good boar bristle brush makes all the difference in your hair routine. They gently brush through the hair to prevent damage, stimulate follicles on the scalp, and help distribute natural oils to naturally moisturize strands. So, if you’ve been on a hair journey with scalp serums and hair- growth shampoos, or you just want a solid brush to create a perfectly sculpted updos (without wrestling with your flimsy comb), Cosmo editors tested dozens to find the best boar brushes on the market.
Ahead, find all the best boar bristle brushes for healthy and smooth hair. Plus, tips on choosing the best one for your specific needs, according to professional hairstylists.
Why we love it: This stunning brush from Oribe is my desert island hair brush. The mix of boar and nylon bristles makes this ideal for gently combing out my hair and untangling any knots, but also for smoothing any styles (like half-up, hald-down, or high buns). When I’m on day two or three hair and looking a bit oily at the scalp, I use this to slick my hair into a high pony, and it takes literally less than one minute for a smooth and easy finish.
One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve been obsessed with Oribe’s luxury shampoos and conditioners for years, but I was a newbie to their hair brushes. And not to be dramatic, but the way I do my hair was completely changed after using this flat brush. First of all, the marble detailing is beautiful, and the handle is super easy to work with, which is a must when I’m trying to create the perfect ponytail. It’s the perfect blend of firm yet soft, so it brushes through my strands easily, and can also be used to smooth any updos.”—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Why we love it: Not only does Emi Jay make the prettiest hair accessories around, but they also make incredible hair brushes. This boar bristle brush is super soft, thanks to the mix of boar and nylon bristles, so it’s great for softening and brushing through any hair type, and it’s especially gentle on thin or fine hair. This flat brush is ideal for everyday use, but if you want something extra smoothing for a slicked ponytail, try the mini version.
One Cosmo editor says: “I started using a boar bristle brush a few years ago (something random from Target, probably) when a hairstylist recommended it for my oil-prone scalp and fine hair. I upgraded to this one from Emi Jay a few months ago, and it's quickly become a necessary brush I have to use every day. I even travel with it! There's no tugging at my fragile baby-like hairs. Plus, this also already helps lightly detangle and smooth my hair after I curl it."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Why we love it: While this doesn’t have the same high quality bristles as the other options on this list, for $15, it gets the job done. The wood is curved to mimic the shape of the head
One shopper says:
Pros
- Comes in a bunch of different colors
- Different styles for different hair types
Cons
- It's a splurge
Why we love it: This French brush is a luxury accessory in itself—seriously, when I went to Paris a few months ago, girls were flooding into beauty stores to snag this souvenir. Who needs an Hermès leather appointment when you can get more use out of this chic brush that’s comprised of natural bristles filled with keratin to mimic your hair health?!
The sleek handle also comes in a bunch of colors, so you can find the perfect match that would look extra glamorous sitting atop your vanity. And there’s a few different versions with varying bristles, so no matter your hair type, there’s a brush to fit your hair’s needs.
One Cosmo editor says: “Unfortunately this nearly-$200 brush has completely transformed my hair. I use the soft bristles of the No.1 to massage any serums into my scalp and all my natural oils soften my hair as I brush it. And I love the No.3 version for a mix of smoothing and detangling. If you’re really committed to your hair journey, this luxe brush is the best splurge-worthy addition.”—JH
Why we love it: This dual-sided paddle brush has nylon bristles to smooth the hair, and boar bristles for tightening and sculpting slick-back styles. It’s ideal for all hair types, but is specifically designed with curls in mind. Plus, it’s just a fraction of the price of the other options on this list, and you get two brushes in one.
One Cosmo editor says: “Sometimes my slick back needs two different types of bristles, one to snatch it into place, and then one to smooth it out and touch it up once it’s finished. And I love having both of those bristles on each side of this paddle, making it a much easier styling session, and the need constantly to constantly swap my brush out is gone (because there’s nothing worse than the arm pain you endure during a session of slicking an updo).”—JH
Why we love it: A round boar bristle brush is a must-have for a blowout, and this one from Sisley will help you get that voluminous and bouncy look. It helps create curls and waves sans the pulling or tugging that damages the hair. It’s also super lightweight and ideal for handling a blow dryer at the same time.
One Cosmo editor says: “The difference in my hair when blow drying with this boar-bristle round brush compared to one with metal or plastic bristles is remarkable. My hair is waaaaay shinier, and my curls and bends seem to last longer, too. I also never have any issues with the bristles creating knots or tangles in my hair.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Why we love it: Crown Affair is the no-frills haircare brand that all the long hair- lovers have been obsessed with recently. And while boar bristle brushes are typically best for smoothing the hair and blowing it out, this one is actually great for detangling thick hair, thanks to the addition of flexible nylon bristles.
One Cosmo editor says: “I don’t typically use a boar bristle brush right out of the shower, but Crown Affair’s is the exception. It’s great for sectioning out my wet hair and smoothly brushes through my thick and chest-length strands without any pulling.”—JH
Why use a a boar bristle brush?
There are a ton of benefits when it comes to using a boar bristle brush to style your hair, including:
Gentle on hair
Like hairstylist Leigh Hardges mentioned, boar-bristle brushes are super gentle on fine and course hair by gently detangling strands without excessive pulling. Plus, it takes advantage of the natural oils in the scalp to take the slicked-backed look to a whole other frizz-free level.
Promotes healthy hair growth
The bristles of the brush gently massage the scalp while using which is a win-win for us not only because it feels good, but because it promotes blood flow to the hair follicles to aid with overall hair growth.
Cleans hair strands
Boar-bristle brushes will help you go longer between wash days. The bristles grab onto build-up, hair product, dust, oil, lint, and skin flakes so it's not just sitting on your scalp. If your hair gets greasy, the use of a boar-bristle brush will also help distribute and take away excessive natural oils from your roots.
What is a boar-bristle brush made out of?
A boar-bristle brush is made with just that: a boar's bristles. They are similar to the makeup of human hair, filled with keratin, making them ideal for brushing our hair. "The bristles are both durable and pliable, so they last for a long time without showing much sign of wear," says Maine. This type of natural bristle is great for creating tension when brushing your hair, yet it's also soft and gentle, which means it won't tear or splinter the hair strands, Hardges adds.
Not a fan of using actual boar bristles? No worries; not all boar-bristle brushes are made with 100 percent natural bristles, in fact, some feature a mix of natural and synthetic bristles, while others are entirely vegan.
How to choose the best boar-bristle brush:
Determine what kind of look you're going for
Determining the specific boar-bristle brush you should invest in depends on what kind of hairstyle look or everyday use you are going for. Shorter explains that a stiff bristle brush, is a great choice for smoothing ponytails, buns,and other sleek hairstyles of the sort.
However, if you're looking for more of an everyday brush, "there are boar-bristle brushes that are much wider, on a flat head, that grip the hair and smooth it," she says. Shorter also notes that flat brushes provide more room for the hair to filter out so that it dries quicker and easier. However, if you're looking for a boar-bristle brush for a bouncy blowout, Shorter recommends a round brush version.
Meet the Experts:
- Tippi Shorter is the Mizani global artistic director, L'Oreal color artist, and celebrity hairstylist whose clientele includes Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Kelly Rowland, Jennifer Hudson, and more.
- Joseph Maine is a celebrity hairstylist, the artistic director at ColorWow Hair, and the co-founder of Trademark Beauty, a line of fun, affordable, and easy-to-use beauty tools and products.
- Leigh Hardges is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, IL, and a curly hair expert.
Why trust Cosmo?
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan who covers all things hair—from the latest celebrity cuts to all the best products for your hair routine. For this story, she, along with team Cosmo tested dozens of brushes and narrowed them down based on price, bristle quality, ease of use, and results.
Chaise Sanders is a NYC-based writer with a knack for all things lifestyle, beauty, entertainment, and style. Her work has graced the pages of Cosmopolitan, Country Living, InStyle, and more. When she's not busy crafting words, you can find her on Instagram roaming the streets of New York City, hunting down the best food spots, hidden gems, and deals.
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