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6 best hair brushes for thin hair that boost volume and prevent breakage - starting from £7
Time to brush up on your bristle knowledge
As young girls, we may have dreamt of having locks like Rapunzel, but some of us are giving Homer Simpson's two strands a run for their money. Okay, okay... maybe we have more than *two* strands, but when you're going through a phase of intense shedding, it can certainly feel like that's all you'll end up with!
Whilst there are more clinically-proven and medically-approved ways of maintaining and boosting volume (like using medications such as minoxidil), hair brushes are key in maintaining the hair you do have (although likely to a less noticeable difference).
How do hair brushes help thin hair?
Some hair brushes are designed to be more delicate on your strands and help prevent breakage, which in turn, helps keep shedding to a minimum and leaves your lengths feeling and looking as healthy as possible. Brushing your hair can also act as a way to massage your scalp, stimulating blood flow and distributing your natural oils.
Are the types of bristles important?
The short answer is, yes! The bristles do the bulk of the work when it comes to detangling, unknotting, and smoothing hair, so making sure they are gentle is the best way to protect your lengths. As a result, natural bristles tend to be the safest option. Professional hair stylist Amiee Sillis says "boar bristle is great for finer hair" as it's gentle on the hair itself. These types of bristles are "great to help promote healthy scalp and hair growth".
Indulging in a beauty tool that you will use as frequently as a hair brush will not only make you feel good, but it guarantees to leave your hair smooth and shiny, and gives you the opportunity to appreciate and take pride in your locks. Which is why we've rounded up some of our favourites, so you can give your barnet a little loving boost.
Best hair brushes for thin hair
Pros
- Soft flexing teeth
- Ideal for wet hair
Cons
- Doesn't work with heat
Tangle Teezer are masters of their craft, so it's no suprise they've created a great hairbrush for thinner hair. The teeth are softer than their original Ultimate Detangler, meaning they flex with greater ease, leading to less chance of breakage.
Customer review: "I’ve always used a tangle teaser, I absolutely love them. I’ve started using this one for general day to day as my hair has become more fine and fragile since going through the menopause."
Pros
- Tooth-handle makes this brush a 2-in-1 product
Cons
- Could lead to tangles if not used correctly
Denman is another iconic brand in the hairbrush game. Known for their quality, you can't go wrong with a Denman, and this backcombing brush is perfect for anyone with thinner hair. Used in the right way, you can easily boost volume at your root by brushing your hair towards your scalp.
Customer review: "Works surprisingly well without needing to use anything else and gives my hair an extra lift."
Pros
- Silicone bristles provide gentle exfoliation
Cons
- Can lead to tangled hair
Healthy hair is nothing without a healthy scalp! Massaging brushes like help reduce any product buildup or excess skin cells. They also help stimulate the hair follicles and increase blood flow to the scalp, all of which are beneficial for hair growth and health.
Customer review: "I struggle with scalp buildup and this helps me really cleanse my scalp but not in a harsh way. So gentle and effective!"
Pros
- Detangles AND massages
Cons
- Expensive
If you're going to splurge on a hair brush, let it be a Mason Pearson. The brand is a haircare institution, having been around for over 130 years. Made with pure boar bristles, this brush is designed with finer hair types in mind, promising to gently ease out tangles whilst still reaching the scalp and distributing natural oils throughout your lengths.
Customer review: "As someone with fine hair this brush is so gentle on my hair. I don’t experience the tugging and pulling when brushing out knots."
Pros
- Massages scalp
- Promotes shine
Cons
- On the pricier side
Kent brushes are made from real satinwood and beechwood which makes it feel weighty and luxurious in your hand. The bristles are thick and natural, crafted with the intention to reach your scalp and distribute your scalp's oils throughout your lengths, providing natural nourishment and encouraging hair growth.
Customer review: "A beautifully soft brush ideal for my fine hair. My hair is definitely benefiting from a daily brush, it shines, feels soft and has more body."
Olivia Garden Olivia Garden Expert Blowout Speed – White & Grey - 45 - Ceramic Coated Round Brush with Extra Long Barrel for 25% Faster Blowouts
Pros
- Stylist approved
- Great for blowdrying
Cons
- Pricey
Those with thin hair will know how important a good blow dry is. The added volume you can get from your hair dryer and a round brush is second to none, and these Olivia Garden brushes are industry favourites. Take it from Tim Scott-Wright, expert hair stylist, who says that "if you are blow drying for volume, brushes that retain heat are great... Olivia Garden round brushes are professional brushes made for stylists, and you won't regret buying one"
Customer review: "Best hairbrush I’ve ever used. Completely changes hair drying experience."
Pros
- Gentle
- Comfy to hold
Cons
- Not great for stubborn knots or tangles
The original MANTA hairbrush was created because the founders’ wife’s hair was thinning due to illness, so it was literally created for protecting the hair and scalp while shedding. The Original is really gentle while detangling and is suitable for all hair types.
Customer review: “I never thought I would say wow about a hairbrush but I have to with this one. I saw it on a TV programme and thought it looked great. You definitely lose less hair when brushing, I would say at least 50% less. For me though the biggest benefit has been the condition of my hair. I would definitely recommend this brush, don’t be put off by the price as its worth every penny.”
Amy May Ellis (she/her) is the SEO Manager for Cosmopolitan UK, Women's Health UK, Men's Health UK, and Runner's World UK. Her love for all things beauty, fashion, and wellness is evident in her work with these lifestyle and fitness brands. Providing content recommendations for everything from new gut health supplements to the latest fashion trend, Amy has a keen eye for detail and loves to spot trends before they fully flourish. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
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