Yes, Boar Bristle Hair Brushes Really Are Worth The Hype

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Though it's something we reach for on a daily basis, most people don't spend a lot of time considering the overall makeup of their hair brush. There's more to it than shape—round, oval, or rectangular, for example. When it comes to hair brushes and how well they detangle and style, the type of bristle—a synthetic material like nylon or a natural material like boar—matters, too.

Meet the experts: Ghanima Abdullah is a hairstylist in Chicago. Ebony Gordon is a hairstylists and owner of Hairista Studio in Hampton, Virginia. Emilio Uribe is a celebrity hair and makeup designer. Kenna Ehman is the co-founder and master stylist at Kenna Kunijo in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"Boar bristle hair brushes are made from natural bristles from boars, as opposed to the plastic variety of bristle brushes," says Chicago-based hairstylist, Ghanima Abdullah. "They are made for smoothing the hair into sleek styles and for blow-drying curly, thick hair."

These brushes have been a staple in healthy haircare regimens for hundreds of years because boar hair is strong, extremely dense, and holds its shape over time, explains Ebony Gordon, hairstylists and owner of Hairista Studio. Boar bristle hairbrushes offer an array of benefits for hair care, too, says celebrity hair and makeup designer Emilio Uribe. "Their natural bristles effectively distribute the scalp's oils, providing a natural conditioning that moisturizes dry hair, reduces frizz, and adds shine," he explains. "Boar bristles are also known for their frizz-eliminating properties, leading to smoother, more manageable hair."

Sound like something worth exploring? Below, stylists recommend the best boar-bristle brushes of all shapes and sizes to suit your styling needs.

Handy Bristle and Nylon Brush

Offering the best of both worlds (natural boar and nylon bristles), you really can't go wrong with the Cadillac of all hair brushes. It's a luxury pick for sure, but one that hairstylists like Uribe say is worth the expense. It not only looks chic, but it's well-constructed and holds up to the rigors of daily brushing.

Rave review: "I bought this in 2015 and it's still going strong. I have very fine hair and all other brushes pretty much torture it. This is a great purchase. Heaven forbid I lose it, I'll for sure order another!"

Semi Oval Boar Wood Brush

A flat, oval-shaped 100 percent boar bristle brush, like this one, is ideal for smoothing both men and women's hair, says Abdullah. "On men, these are used to create waves on afro hair," she explains. "On women, they help create sleek looks and puffs."

Rave review: "I use this brush daily along my nape and hairline to distribute sebum and smooth flyaways. Feels lovely on the scalp, and sheds very, very minimally."

Turbo Vent Oval Twin & 100 Percent Boar Hair Brush

Though sleek and modern-looking, this round brush is made of 100 percent real boar bristles by a brand that Kenna Ehman, co-founder and master stylist at Kenna Kunijo in Charlotte, North Carolina, says manufactures high-quality, durable brushes. The bristles aren't too tight, either—a must, she says. "If they are too tight, you won't be able to get the hair in it, and only part of your section will get smooth."

Rave review: "I love this brush! Have used the same brand/type for years. It is excellent for my styling needs—blowouts and just brushing."

Full Keg Boar Bristle Round Brush

Because the boar bristles are so close together, this brush does "an excellent job" straightening thick, curly hair with a blow dryer, says Abdullah. It grabs strands gently, but with enough tension to nail the look.

Rave review: "This bristle brush is amazing! It's great for quick styling. Every strand of hair is carefully trapped by the boar bristles. This is ideal for people with thin or thick hair and is fantastic for setting angles and adding volume to hair."

Flat Brush

Though pricey, Ehman says this brush is among her top choices for those who want a marriage of quality and aesthetic. Sure, it has a steep price tag, but that's because the brush is made out of a special Italian resin that not only offers a sleek look, but also makes the handle more ergonomic and lends a more balanced weight overall.

Rave review: "Best brush for hair extensions! No static or frizz and detangles your hair nicely—worth the splurge."

Double-Sided Bristle Brush

Stylists love this brush for its two-sided design. "It’s an ideal tool that cuts down the chance of transferring unwanted build up, because of the double-sided feature gives stylists more bristles to work with," says Gordon. One side offers soft nylon bristles to smooth flyaways, the other has stiff boar bristles for slick, tight styles.

Rave review: "I like this brush. It is a bit heavy but I got used to the weight. I like that it's two brushes in one because of the different texture bristles. Not too rough, not too soft. It works fine for my 3b/3c hair."

Boar Bristle Round Hair Brush

No matter your preference—round or paddle—celebrity hairstylist Cody Renegar says Ibiza brushes are a solid choice. "They are of such quality and last forever," he says. "I have a few I’ve had for over 20 years, and they still look brand new." They're gentle on hair, too. The bristles have plenty of flexibility, so they don't break hair. And, because they're made of cork, they don't overheat the same way a metal brush might, he says.

Rave review: "Normally have difficulty finding a brush that doesn't pull my hair out or get tangled around the bristles. This one doesn't do that. Effortless blowout. No product needed to hold the lift."

D81M Black Style & Shine Medium Hairbrush

For smoother, shinier strands, reach for this combo brush from Denman. The synthetic and boar bristles work together to glide through tangles without the excess tension that can lead to breakage.

Rave review: "I've been using the brush for a few days now and I absolutely love it. It defines my curls so well and I can't imagine styling my hair without it."

Styling Essentials Boar Hair Brush

It doesn't get more affordable than this, especially considering the brush is made with 100 percent boar bristles. It's a nice, portable size, too, so you can stash it in your gym bag, purse, or carry-on for styling on the go.

Rave review: "This is now my favorite brush! It’s a little smaller, lightweight and easy to hold. I like the consistency and density of the bristles, not too many and not too few! A nice little brush!"

Finish & Shine Brush

The Hair Edit's Gold Finish & Shine Boar Bristle Brush is a high-quality brush at a moderate price point that'll do the trick for both detangling and styling. It boasts a combination of boar and nylon bristles—the nylon ones are ball-tipped to gently detangle hair and massage the scalp—plus has a lightweight, comfortable handle that's easy to use.

Rave review: "This brush is great at untangling my hair but it also gives it incredible shine. Plus it's so pretty and such a great price for a quality boar bristle brush."

XL Mixed Bristle

Generally, experts don't recommend using boar brushes on wet hair, since it can lead to damage, but this brush is an exception. It's specifically designed to be ultra-flexible, so it moves with hair as you detangle, preventing breakage and minimizing discomfort.

Polish & Shine Oval Brush

For salon-quality shine, turn to the aptly-named Polish & Shine brush from T3. The bristles are made of a blend of nylon and boar hair, which helps to tackle tangles without pulling or damaging the hair.

The Intuition Glosser Boar Bristle Brush

Made with 100 percent boar bristles, this brush is extra gentle on both your hair and scalp. The brush uses a combination of longer and shorter bristles to get the job done—the longer pins massage the scalp, while shorter ones add the tension you need to detangle and style. It also features and ergonomic handle to help you get a better grip.

Rave review: "I have long really thick hair and decided to spend a little extra for a better brush. Glad I did. I have been using for about a month now. No more pulling on my hair. It is shinier and is looking healthier since I am not tugging on it all the time to get tangles out."

Mini OG Dream Combo Bristle Brush

This pint-sized brush is perfect for on-the-go use, whether a gym bag staple or one you toss in your carry-on for a weekend away. It works just as hard as its larger counterparts, using a combination of natural boar and nylon bristles to massage the scalp, detangle, and style.

How we chose the best boar bristle brushes

For months, Women’s Health editors, including writer Brigitt Earley, have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated boar bristle brushes. Our team consulted multiple hairstylists for opinions, and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best boar bristle brushes for a wide range of needs and preferences.

What is a boar bristle brush?

Boar bristle brushes have bristles made out of 100 percent boar (a tusked Eurasian wild pig) hair rather than synthetics like nylon. They're suitable for all hair types, but Uribe says they're especially great for naturally textured hair, curly hair, and/or coarse hair, because regular use can enhance natural shine and volume by evenly distributing oils and gently lifting hair at the roots, resulting in a fuller and healthier-looking mane.

What are the benefits of boar bristle brushes?

These brushes are great for adding shine to dry hair, says Ehman."I love them for updos and smoothing back your hair." This is because boar bristle brushes work to evenly distribute the natural oils found on the scalp, she explains. "Boar bristle brushes also stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which can help with hair growth."

How to choose a boar bristle brush

When shopping for a boar bristle brush, consider the following:

• Materials: Not all brushes marketed as boar bristle brushes are made of 100 percent real boar hair. Though some may prefer the combination of synthetic and boar bristles, you'll reap more true benefits from a brush that's constructed entirely of boar hair.

• Density of bristles: You'll notice that boar bristle brushes have more bristles then plastic ones. This makes them gentler on hair, plus lends the smoothing properties you're looking for.

• Firmness of bristles: For proper scalp stimulation, look for a brush with firm, stiff bristles.

• Handle: The best boar bristle brushes come with wooden handles, says Abdullah. It also helps to look for one that's made ergonomically to help you get a better grip.

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