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Wet Brush Original Detangler Review: Would Users Buy It Again?

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test this brush in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of a hands-on comparison, brand and retailer ratings and user review themes, all listed at the end of this article. Our method.

Repeat

A gentle everyday detangler that many people rebuy

Users on Thing Testing rate Wet Brush 4.6 out of 5 across 135 reviews, with 95% recommending it, and the Original Detangler is its most-reviewed brush. The common theme is detangling without the pain and pulling of a regular brush, on wet or dry hair, for adults and kids. Woman & Home's side-by-side test found it a close match for the Tangle Teezer. The main complaints are bristle tips coming off over time, lint that is hard to clean out, and less impact on very thick hair. Several reviewers say they are on their second or third brush, which says a lot.

Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.

Buy it again if you…

  • want a gentle brush for wet or dry hair
  • are brushing a child's or a tender scalp
  • prefer a brush with a handle

Skip it if you…

  • have very thick hair and want a heavy-duty detangler
  • want a brush to use with a hot blow dryer
  • want a brush that is easy to clean

This review summarizes user experiences and is not medical advice. If you have a scalp condition or unusual hair loss, talk to a dermatologist.

The Wet Brush Original Detangler is an oval paddle-style brush with thin, flexible IntelliFlex bristles. The brand markets it for straight, wavy, curly and coily hair, wet or dry, and calls it the brush that started its line.

We looked at a side-by-side test, brand and retailer ratings and user comments to see whether people keep coming back to it.

What owners say, at a glance

4.6 / 5Wet Brush rating on Thing Testing (135 reviews)Thing Testing
95%of Thing Testing reviewers recommend itThing Testing
Wet or dryhair, all hair typesBrand listing
Gentle detangling
Strong praise
Comfort on the scalp
Strong praise
Kid friendly
Mostly positive
Bristle durability
Mixed
Easy to clean
Common complaint

Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.

The key details

BristlesThin, flexible IntelliFlex bristles with ball tips
ShapeOval head with a curved handle
HairWet or dry, straight to coily
Brand claimUp to 55% less breakage vs a leading competitor (brand testing, results vary)
CareRinse with warm water and a little shampoo, without fully soaking it

What users love

It does not pull.Thing Testing reviewers say it causes less pain and breakage than other brushes. One Walmart reviewer called it the only brush in the house that does not hurt their scalp.
Works across hair types.Users mention wavy and curly hair, and one wavy-haired reviewer said it defrizzes without flattening curls.
Great for kids.Reviewers on the brand site and Thing Testing often buy it for children or as a gift.
Comfortable handle.Woman & Home says the handle suits people who like to hold a brush, while the Tangle Teezer sits in your palm.

What users complain about

Bristle tips can come off.Brand-site reviewers mention ball tips falling off or bristles coming out of the base, sometimes within months.
Hard to clean.Lint and hair get stuck between the bristles, according to Thing Testing and brand-site reviewers.
Less effective on thick hair.One Thing Testing reviewer found it underwhelming on thick hair, and a few think the hype is overdone.
Not for heat.One reviewer said a hair dryer damaged the bristles even on a low setting.

How it holds up over time

Woman & Home's testers said their brushes stayed in good shape with regular use. The only breakage was a snapped handle in an overpacked suitcase. They noted the Wet Brush coating can chip or distort over time. Users report a similar pattern: the brush keeps working, but bristle tips can wear. Many simply replace it and buy the same brush again.

Tips from users

  • Start from the ends and work up to the roots on knots.
  • Keep it away from high heat to protect the bristles.
  • Clean it often with warm water and a little shampoo, but do not soak it.
  • Add conditioner or detangler on very knotted wet hair.

Pros and cons

What owners love

  • Gentle on tangles and the scalp
  • Works on wet or dry hair
  • Popular for kids
  • Comfortable handle
  • Many users rebuy it

What owners complain about

  • Bristle tips can come off over time
  • Lint and hair are hard to clean out
  • Less impressive on very thick hair
  • Not suited to use with heat

Other options users compare

These are the detangling brushes most often compared with the Wet Brush.

BrushStyleConsider it if…
Wet Brush Original Detangler (this review)Flexible bristles, with handleYou want a gentle, familiar everyday brushSee on Amazon
Tangle Teezer Ultimate DetanglerTwo-tier teeth, with handleYou like Tangle Teezer's tooth design but want a handleSee on Amazon
Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling BrushFlexible-bristle detanglerYou want another flexible-bristle option to compareSee on Amazon

Want a gentler way to brush out tangles?

Check current colors and prices on Amazon.

See it on Amazon →

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the Wet Brush on dry hair?

Yes. It is made for wet or dry hair.

Is it good for kids?

Many users buy it for children because it pulls less than a regular brush.

Is it better than a Tangle Teezer?

Woman & Home called them very close. Pick the Wet Brush if you want a handle, and the original Tangle Teezer if you prefer palm control.

Do the bristles fall off?

Some users report bristle tips coming off after months of use. Avoiding high heat may help.

Sources we analyzed

Figures reflect each source as of October 11, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.