We Found the Best Boar Bristle Brushes to Help Your Hair Grow
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Contrary to popular belief, not all hair brushes are created equal. Round brushes add volume to your blowouts, synthetic detanglers work wonders on fine hair , and classic paddle brushes make everyday smoothing a breeze. If the ELLE Beauty team had to rank them, though, boar bristle brushes would undoubtedly come out on top.
As the name implies, these brushes are made from natural boar hair, which has a similar texture and carries the same nourishing oils as our own. "That's what makes them so special," explains Julianne Goldmark, founder of Emi Jay . "The bristles gently move your scalp's natural oils down the hair, leaving it shiny, soft, and healthy-looking."
Shop the Best Boar Bristle Brushes in 2026
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Best Overall: Mason Pearson Pure Bristle Brush ,$400
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Best for Hair Extensions: Denman Boar Bristle Hair Brush ,$33
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Best Affordable: Wet Brush Shine Enhancer Hair Brush , $9
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Best for Combating Static: Oribe Flat Brush , $100
Boar bristle brushes are incredibly versatile, too. Attempting a sleek updo ? Grab a 100 percent boar bristle brush to slick back every little flyaway. Want to brush out your waves without creating frizz? A mix of synthetic and boar bristle can detangle and smooth down your strands all at once. Plus, they work on every hair type and texture, and because they tug less, they're ideal for anyone focused on healthy, shiny growth . "It's one of those classic beauty tools that just works, and I love how it makes your hair feel instantly smoother and more polished without stripping or pulling," adds Goldmark.
At the end of the day, our conclusion is that everyone's tresses deserve a boar bristle brush—and we're here to help make the right choice for your particular hair type and needs. As a lover of slicked-back buns, I've personally tested dozens of options. I've also consulted four trusted hair experts, read through countless customer reviews, and asked my fellow beauty editors to share their go-tos. Below, shop the 15 best boar bristle brushes for silkier, shinier, and thicker hair.
Mason Pearson Pure Bristle Brush
We can't talk about boar bristle brushes without highlighting the most revered one of all time: the Mason Pearson Popular Pure Bristle Brush. Founded in 1885, the brand has been producing first-class brushes for nearly 140 years, and stylists and in-the-know hair care obsessives adore anything Mason Pearson creates. "It's a classic," says Tabb. "It smooths, shines, and feels incredible on the scalp." The Popular Brush is a dream to own and use with a comfortable cushion and firm yet flexible bristles. Purchase one, and you won't have to buy another for years—if ever.
Bristles:Boar, nylon
Best for:All hair types
Bluemercury rating:4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says:"For decades, I had seen Mason Pearson brushes on lists as a 'must-have' beauty item. I never really got the hype until I was gifted one of my own. Unlike other brushes, it is a glorious scalp massager; the combination of the boar and nylon tufts feel like firm fingers gently raking through my brain. Plus, it also works to gently detangle hair (for big knots, you'll need an actual detangler) and leaves my hair looking shiny, fluffy, and glossy. I'll never forget the first day I used my Mason Pearson brush, and a colleague stopped me in the hallway, saying, 'Your hair looks great. Did you do something different?' 'I brushed it?' I said, semi-embarrassed. I guess my lank, fine hair really needed a good brushing. I should note that it is on the more expensive end for brushes, but this is one of those rare 'forever objects'—something you can buy once and have for years. Many Reddit users talk about how they have had their Mason Pearson brushes for more than 20 years." — Kathleen Hou , ELLE beauty director
Denman D81M Style & Shine Brush in Boar Bristle
A solid paddle brush will cover all of your detangling and styling needs. This one from Denman is also gentle enough to take care of hair extensions and wigs without damaging them. Plus, no matter how much hair you have to brush out, your wrist won't feel like it's going to fall out, thanks to the brush's lightweight composition.
Bristles:Boar, nylon
Best for:All hair types
Amazon rating:4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says:"This brush glides easily through my hair and helps smooth frizz without pulling or breaking strands. It gives a nice shine and works well for distributing natural oils from root to tip. It's great for detangling, feels gentle on the scalp, and is easy to clean."
- Affordable
- Bristles may feel stiff to some
Crown Affair The Brush No. 001
If you need a shortcut to smooth strands, this wooden brush is it. A few strokes through your hair, and you'll be left with enviable shine. Since it also stimulates blood flow and spreads out your natural oils, regular use improves the quality of your hair and encourages new and faster growth.
Bristles:Boar, nylon
Best for:Straight, wavy
Sephora rating:4.1/5 stars
An ELLE editor says:"For people who are afraid of the price of a Mason Pearson but still want the benefits of a paddle brush, I recommend the brushes from Crown Affair. Everything from the pistachio-colored packaging to the small, considered details (like a cloth bag that snugly fits your hairbrush for travel) feels unique. The brushes have a nice weight in the hand to feel special, and it has a similar blend of boar and nylon bristles to the Mason Pearson too. You'll notice that the brush has an oval-ish tufted shape (also similar to the Pearson in design), and great for delivering shine and soothing scalp tingles." —Kathleen Hou
- Gentle
- Some reviewers disliked smaller size
La Bonne Brosse N.01 The Universal Hair Care Brush
This hair stylist-beloved option oozes quality, from the detailed, ergonomic handle to the strategically placed natural bristles. For best results, La Bonne Brosse's founders recommend brushing through the lengths of your hair first and then paying attention to your scalp and roots.
Bristles:Boar
Best for:All hair types
The Detox Market rating:4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says:"This is by far the nicest hair brush I've ever used. Not only is it absolutely beautifully crafted, but it's also really good for your hair. Whenever I use this brush, I feel like I can go longer in between washes since it evenly distributes the oil from your scalp through the rest of your hair." — Katie Berohn , ELLE beauty editor
- Lightweight
- Not the best at detangling
Altesse Studio Beaute Classic Repair & Shine Brush
Thanks to the olive wood handle, this French-made brush from Altesse reduces static and frizz while also stimulating hair growth and promoting shine. The brand recommends running the brush through your strands 200 times a day—100 in the morning and another 100 at night. It sounds like a lot of work, but once you try it, you'll find that it doesn't take long and the results are well worth it. Also, if you have thicker hair, the brand has a similar brush specifically designed for thick and curly hair.
Bristles:Boar
Best for:Fine to medium hair
Bloomingdale's rating:4.8/5 stars
Our expert says:"I have a confession: I don't brush my hair nearly as often as I should. Because of how wavy my hair naturally is, I'm often loath to mess with my texture on days when I air dry. But when I do use this brush, I notice the difference; my strands feel more moisturized, my scalp feels less bogged down by my natural oils, and my hair somehow looks thicker than it actually is."— Carol Lee, beauty writer
- Adds volume and shine
- Anti-static
- On the pricier side
Wet Brush Shine Enhancer
Because of the waterproof handle, you can use this brush to detangle before, during, and after your shower. Each synthetic bristle has a cohort of boar bristles surrounding it, so the brush also smoothes your hair as it banishes knots and tangles.
Bristles:Boar, synthetic
Best for:All hair types
Amazon rating:4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says:"This has been my go-to brush for years. There are a variety of colors and patterns you can choose from. It is a perfect size, and is easy to use. The brush itself is soft and does not irritate or harm the scalp. As someone with curly hair, this is a perfect brush for my hair and helps it stay soft and smooth. Highly recommend."
- No-slip handle
- May not be suitable for very thick hair
Goody Styling Essentials Goody Boar Hair Brush
Renegar says, "Goody's small, 100 percent pure bristle paddle brush is super affordable but great quality." He states that it's perfect for creating those sleek slick back updos that are all the rage these days.
Bristles:Boar
Best for:All hair types
Amazon rating:4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says:"This is a small boar brush perfect for a purse or when on a trip and space is limited. Very well made—the bristles are firmly implanted in the wooden base. With normal use, it makes the hair feel silky and smooth."
- Affordable
- Bristles may be too soft for more textured hair
Machete Everyday Hair Brush
Detangling can cause breakage when done with the wrong tool or technique. The Everyday Hair Brush's nylon bristles, however, do it with such ease that you barely feel the knots give way. Cleaning the brush is simple: soak it in hot water and soap for ten minutes, let it air dry, and you're done!
Bristles:Boar, nylon
Best for:All hair types
Our expert says:"My hair is notoriously prone to frizz and flyaways. Recently, my unruly baby hairs left a professional photographer so distressed that they gave up trying to tame them and exclaimed, 'I'll just edit them out!' However, the Everyday Hair Brush is one tool I know can help calm my hair down; as the nylon bristles detangle, the boar bristles spread out my natural oils, smoothing my strands without weighing them down. Made with Italian acetate, the handle feels luxurious and sturdy—and looks downright gorgeous on my vanity."— CL
- Ergonomic handle
- Lightweight
- May need frequent cleaning
The Hair Edit Finish & Shine Boar Bristle Brush
We at ELLE.com love a good scalp massage, and this brush's boar- and ball-tipped synthetic bristles give you a mini version every time you use it. Additionally, it combats frizz and flyaways, killing two birds with one stone. Tabb loves it because it's "lightweight and great for adding shine on dry hair."
Bristles:Boar, nylon
Best for:All hair types
Ulta rating:4.3/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says:"After three weeks of use, my hair is much softer. I also realized I've been washing my hair too much because I wasn't distributing the oils down my strands. This brush does that, and my hair finally is balanced and healthy."
- Non-slip handle
- Affordable
- May not be able to detangle severe knots
Oribe Flat Brush
Oribe's shampoos, conditioners, and styling products are top of the line, and its brushes are no different."It's a mixed boar bristle brush, and it's very luxurious," Renegar says. The tool may be on the pricier side, but it's gorgeous and "makes your hair feel like butter," he adds.
Bristles:Boar
Best for:All hair types
Amazon rating:4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says:"You'd think it'd have to be special for the cost- it definitely is. Works wonders even when hair is wet! No frizz at all! Feels like a scalp massage every time with the excellent bristles! If you love taking care of your hair, you will not be disappointed."
- Comfortable handle
- May not be suitable for those with very thick hair
Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Double-Sided Bristle Brush
Why hold onto two brushes when one can do it all? Tracee Ellis Ross's hair care brand offers a multi-tasking brush that features detangling nylon brushes on one side and smoothing boar bristles on the other. Styling and slicking back your hair has never been simpler.
Bristles:Boar, nylon
Best for:All hair types
Amazon rating:4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says:"I actually fell in love with this brush, it is good on all types of hair and very beneficial for people with thick, coarse hair. You won't have a hair out of place once you use this."
- Affordable
- Suitable for a variety of textures
- Some reviewers noticed shedding
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Smoothing Paddle Brush
This brush detangles wet and dry hair with little to no effort. Because of its bigger size, you'll need fewer passes to achieve shiny, knotless lengths.
Bristles:Boar, nylon
Best for:All hair types
Beauty Pie rating:4.4/5 stars
A Beauty Pie reviewer says:"Firstly, the wooden handle feels lovely in your hand and adds a weight that makes the brush feel more expensive than it is. The brush itself is great—I have fine hair, but a lot of it, and it brushes though easily and leaves my hair smooth. My daughter, [who has] very thick hair, 'borrowed' my brush and has fallen in love with it too, so it looks as though I'll be buying a new one!"
- Can be used on wet and dry hair
- May not be suitable for very thick hair
Emi Jay Mini Boar Bristle Hair Brush
Hair emergencies don't only happen in the morning. Oftentimes, they come out of nowhere while you're on the go. However, no need to fret if you keep this mini brush from Emi Jay in your handbag. Small but mighty, it can transform a frizzy mess into a sleek, glossy do in minutes.
Bristles:Boar, bamboo
Best for:All hair types
Sephora rating rating:4.5/5 stars
Our expert says:"I love the Emi Jay Mini Boar Brush because it's compact enough to throw in your bag or keep on your desk, so you can smooth your hair anytime, anywhere. The boar bristles give that polished, healthy shine, and the acetate backing adds a little extra luxe while keeping it lightweight and durable. "— Julianne Goldmark, founder of Emi Jay
Ibiza B4 Round Brush
"This is my number one," says Tabb. The Ibizia B4 Round Brush makes voluminous blowouts a breeze. "It's lightweight, adds lift at the roots, and doesn't pull on the hair," she adds. The blonde boar hair and nylon bristles add shine and texture while being gentle enough for fine and color-treated strands.
Bristles:Boar, nylon
Best for:Fine, color-treated hair
Amazon rating:4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says:"I rarely write reviews, but i felt compelled to let you know that this is the holy grail of brushes! This brush is amazing! My day four hair looks just as good, if not better, than my day one hair. The bristles are large and thick enough to grab and hold large sections of hair. The grip is great and gives you the hold you need without slipping. I'm really impressed with this brush. "
- Grips large sections of hair easily
- Not ideal for thicker hair
Diane Best Curved Brush
When it comes to slicked-back styles, there's no better feeling than perfectly smoothing down your strands without a single bump or flyaway. To make smooth updos even easier, try the Diane Curved Smoothing Brush, designed to follow the curved shape of your head. "It fits the scalp nicely and spreads oils evenly," says Tabb.
Bristles:Boar
Best for:All hair types
Amazon rating:4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says:"Great Brush! Firm enough to get a perfect slick back but not hurting you. Definitely adds shine to the hair and helps with fly aways."
- Great for slicked-back styles
- Bristles are too flexible for some
Drybar Flat Mate Boar Bristle Brush
Depending on your hair type, blowing out your hair to be straight and frizz-free can be quite the challenge. However, Tabb says the Drybar Flat Mate Boar Bristle Brush is "awesome for quick smoothing and taming frizz during a blowout." A blend of boar and nylon bristles add shine as you go, while the flat paddle shape helps keep hair straight.
Bristles:Boar, nylon
Best for:All hair types
Amazon rating:3.9/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says:"Great brush! My hair is full and shiny. Best brush I've ever owned and worth the money!"
- Smooths down frizz
- Bristles feel too sharp for some
Meet the Experts
Cody Renegar is a celebrity hairstylist who splits his time between Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Arkansas.
Flore Des Robert and Pauline Laurent are the founders of La Bonne Brosse .
Julianne Goldmark is the founder of Emi Jay .
Kristina Tabb is a hairstylist and the co-owner of Tabb and Sparks Salon in Santa Monica, CA.
What factors should you consider when shopping for a board bristle brush?
Renegar underscores the need for one with firm bristles that can "properly stimulate the scalp." Additionally, "you also want to make sure the shape of your brush contours to your head. A nice handle with a good grip is also a plus," he adds.
What hair textures should use boar bristle brushes? Are there any that should avoid them?
According to our experts, everyone should be using one—it's all a matter of technique and frequency of use. "A 100 percent boar bristle hair brush is ideal for normal, fine (even fragile), straight, or soft hair. Used in the morning, the brush regenerates while detangling and styling, while at night, it offers complete care and rids the hair of impurities before bed," says Flore Des Robert and Pauline Laurent, the founders of La Bonne Brosse . They recommend those with curly or thicker hair use boar bristle brushes in the evening rather than the morning to avoid affecting curl definition and level of volume, depending on the look you're going for that day.
Renegar also warns that overbrushing damaged or fragile hair can cause further harm. However, you can still reap all the benefits of utilizing a boar bristle brush; just make sure to pay attention to the condition of your strands and don't overdo it.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Emma Aerin Becker spoke with trusted hair experts about boar bristle brushes. She also searched the internet for boar bristle brushes, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.
How We Chose
For this piece, beauty writer Emma Aerin Becker spoke with trusted hair experts to learn all about boar bristle brushes. She also asked ELLE editors to share their favorites, tested out several popular options, and perused customer reviews, evaluating each product on their unique features.
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