Best Brushes for Hair Extensions
September 22, 2026 · 3 min read · by Justice Pallais
No brand paid to be included and there are no affiliate links. Product details come from each brand's own product page (or a major retailer's, where noted) as of September 2026; formulas and names change, so check the label before you buy.
The wrong brush is one of the quickest ways to shorten the life of extensions. Standard bristles catch on bonds, tape and weft tracks, and every snag puts tension on the attachment and on your own hair underneath. Extension brushes are designed to glide past the attachment points rather than grip them.
Every brush below is one its maker says is designed for, or safe on, extensions. Plenty of popular detangling brushes are not on this list simply because their brands do not make that claim.
How we chose
- The brand states the brush is made for or safe on hair extensions.
- Currently sold, checked on the brand's own site.
- A mix of types: loop brushes for detangling, paddle and boar brushes for smoothing and styling.
At a glance
| Brush | Type | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Perfect Locks Hair Extension Loop Brush | Loop | Everyday detangling, every extension type |
| The Hair Shop THS Loop Brush | Loop | Strand-by-strand methods like I-tips and bonds |
| Easilocks Paddle Brush | Anti-static nylon paddle | Smoothing long extensions |
| Easilocks Dream Brush | Boar and porcupine bristle | Polishing and teasing out tangles |
| BELLAMI Professional Boar Styling Brush | Round boar-bristle | Blow-drying extensions |
1. Perfect Locks Hair Extension Loop Brush
Looped bristles instead of straight ones, on a weighted handle. Perfect Locks lists it for tape-ins, wefts, fusion, clip-ins and natural hair, and says it is designed not to pull or snag.
Good for: a single everyday brush that works on any method. Brand page
2. The Hair Shop THS Loop Brush
Another loop brush, which The Hair Shop describes as a must-have for all extension types and especially strand-by-strand techniques, where each bond is small and easy to snag.
Good for: I-tip and keratin bond extensions. Brand page
3. Easilocks Paddle Brush
A lightweight paddle with anti-static nylon bristles and a rubber handle, which Easilocks says is designed to keep long hair extensions tangle-free.
Good for: smoothing long lengths once they are detangled. Brand page
4. Easilocks Dream Brush
A mix of boar and porcupine bristles, which Easilocks says glides through extensions and teases out tangles, and leaves hair static-free. It is a polishing brush rather than a loop brush.
Good for: finishing and shine. Brand page
5. BELLAMI Professional Boar Styling Brush
A round boar-bristle brush that BELLAMI says is designed specifically for styling and installing extensions. It comes in several barrel sizes and has a sectioning pick built into the handle.
Good for: blow-drying extensions smooth at home. Not a detangler. Brand page
How to brush extensions safely
- 1Start at the ends and work up, holding the hair above the section you are brushing.
- 2Hold the hair near the attachment point when you brush close to it, so the brush pulls against your hand, not your scalp.
- 3Brush before you wash, and gently again once it is mostly dry. Wet extensions stretch and tangle more easily.
- 4Brush at least twice a day, and always before bed, so knots never get the chance to mat at the attachments.
The habit matters more than the brush. Holding the hair above the section you are working on protects bonds and wefts with any brush.
More on aftercare in washing and sleeping in hair extensions, and on blow-drying in the best ways to make a blowout last. Considering extensions? See hair extensions or the best hair extension salons in Hermosa Beach.
Frequently asked questions
What is a loop brush?
A brush with small nylon loops instead of straight bristles. The loops slide over bonds, tape and wefts instead of catching on them, which is why they are the usual recommendation for extensions.
Can I use a regular brush on extensions?
Some regular brushes are fine through the lengths, but straight or ball-tipped bristles can catch at the attachment points. If the brand does not say it is safe for extensions, use it only below the bonds or wefts.
Should I brush extensions wet or dry?
Mostly dry. Detangle before washing, then brush gently once hair is mostly dry. If you must detangle wet, use a loop brush and start at the ends.
Hair Extensions
Length and fullness that looks and feels like your own hair.