How to Detangle Without Tears: 6 of the Best Hairbrushes for Kids
If the words "time to brush your hair" send your child running in the opposite direction, you are absolutely not alone. Tangles, sensitive scalps, and the general chaos of getting kids ready can turn a simple morning routine into a full-scale negotiation, or worse, tears for everyone involved. The good news? The right hairbrush for kids genuinely changes everything and we're not just saying that. At Little Herberts, we use these brushes every single day in the salon on all hair types, from fine baby-soft curls to thick, knotty manes on tweens. Here's our honest guide to the ones we love and why.
1. Best for Sensitive Scalps: Toot Sweet Eco-Friendly Detangling Hairbrush
If your child has a sensitive scalp, or if you're simply trying to make more planet-conscious choices for your family then this is the brush we would recommend.
The Toot Sweet detangling brush is made from eco-friendly wheat straw, a biodegradable and renewable material that makes it a genuinely feel-good swap from plastic. But it's not just good for the environment; it's brilliant for little herberts too. The curved head gently hugs the scalp as you brush, giving a soft massage effect that kids love, while the dual-bristle design does the clever bit: longer nylon pins penetrate deeper to detangle and stimulate the scalp, while shorter boar bristles smooth the hair, add shine, and distribute natural oils all the way to the ends. The result is tangle-free and glossy locks all without the tugging, the static, or the drama.
This brush is a firm favourite here in the Little Herberts salon. We use it on all hair types, wet or dry (just not with a hairdryer), and it pairs beautifully with Punk Angel Detangling Spray if you want to make the whole process even easier. It also makes a wonderful eco-friendly kids hairbrush gift or anyone looking for a sustainable swap.
2. Best Budget Option: The Little Herberts Detangling Brush
Sometimes simple is best. This is our own Little Herberts detangling brush, the one we trust enough to put our name on.
Like the Toot Sweet hairbrush, it features a curved head that cradles the scalp (mini massage included), plus the same dual-bristle system: taller nylon pins to get deep into knots, and shorter bristles to smooth everything down without ripping or pulling. The soft, easy-grip handle won't slip out of your hand even when you're one-handedly wrestling a wriggling child at 8am in the morning 😄
The detail that genuinely surprises people? The magnetised bottom. It holds hair pins in place, freeing up both hands when you need them most. Practical, clever, and extremely satisfying. It leaves hair soft, shiny, and silky. Plus it's been tested on every hair type that comes through our door. Works wet or dry (not with a hairdryer), and pairs perfectly with Punk Angel Detangler for those particularly gnarly mornings.
Great value, genuinely effective, and a kids hairbrush Australian parents come back for again and again.
3. Best for Tangled Hair: The Wet Brush Original Detangler
If your child's hair is the kind that forms impressively complex knots overnight, this is the brush you need.
The Wet Brush Original Detangler is the world's number one detangling brush for a reason. Its patented IntelliFlex® bristles are designed to flex and glide through knots rather than forcing through them, which means up to 55% less breakage than a standard brush. That's not just marketing speak; it genuinely translates to less pulling, less pain, and far fewer tears. It's award-winning, and used and loved by stylists and parents alike.
The Wet Brush Original is available in bold, fun designs; leopard prints, rainbow swirls, checked patterns, music graphics and love hearts to name a few, all designed so kids actually want to pick it up. It works on all hair types, wet or dry, and is perfect across the age range from kids to tweens to teens.
You might have spotted the Wet Brush in Chemist Warehouse or Priceline, but at Little Herberts you'll find the full range with specialist advice on which design and style suits your child's hair best. That's the difference between a generic shelf and a place that actually knows kids' hair. 🙌
4. Best for Making Hair Time Fun: Disney x Wet Brush Collection
Here's a little secret: when a child is excited about their hairbrush, hair time gets about ten times easier.
The Disney x Wet Brush collection brings together all the detangling science of the Wet Brush Original - IntelliFlex® bristles, up to 55% less breakage, works on all hair types wet or dry, and wraps it in the magic of Disney Princess designs. Ariel, Belle, and more: if your little one has a favourite, chances are she's on a brush.
Watching a child who used to fight every brush stroke pick up their Disney princess hairbrush and start brushing their own hair? That's the kind of win that makes the morning feel manageable. These are also a lovely kids hairbrush gift idea, pretty enough to feel special, practical enough to use every single day.
5. Best for Kids Who Want Something Different: Harry Potter x Wet Brush Collection
For the kids who've outgrown princess brushes (their words, not ours) but still want a brush with some personality — look no further than Hogwarts.
The Harry Potter x Wet Brush collection features all four house designs; Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin with the same trusted IntelliFlex® bristles for up to 55% less breakage on all hair types, wet or dry. There's something brilliant about telling a child to "embrace their inner magic" before school, and actually meaning it.
These are also a genuinely brilliant kids hairbrush gift for any Harry Potter fan for all ages 6 to 46, honestly. A thoughtful, useful present that you won't find on a supermarket shelf.
6. Best for Toddlers: Wet Brush Mini Detangler Collection
Little hands, big knots — this one's made for the toddler hairbrush stage and beyond.
The Wet Brush Mini is a compact version of the beloved Original Detangler, with the same IntelliFlex® bristles and up to 55% less breakage. The smaller size is perfect for little ones who are starting to practice brushing their own hair (independence is everything at this age), and it's light and easy to grip for small hands. It comes in bright, cheerful colours and playful designs that toddlers love.
Beyond the toddler years, the Mini is an absolute essential for on-the-go families — it fits neatly in a school bag, a swimming kit, a handbag, or a travel bag. If you've ever been caught post-swim-lesson with a head full of chlorine knots and no brush in sight, this is the solution. A toddler hairbrush Australia parents keep coming back for, at every stage.
FAQ: Your Hairbrush Questions, Answered
What is the best hairbrush for kids with sensitive scalps?
For a sensitive scalp, look for a brush with soft, flexible bristles that won't drag or scratch. The Toot Sweet Eco-Friendly Detangling Hairbrush is our top pick, its curved head gives a gentle massage effect, and the dual-bristle design works through tangles without any harsh tugging. The Wet Brush Original is also a great option for a gentle hairbrush for children, as its IntelliFlex® bristles flex rather than force through knots.
What is the best detangling brush for kids?
The Wet Brush Original Detangler is widely considered the gold standard for a kids detangling brush, its patented IntelliFlex® bristles glide through knots with up to 55% less breakage than a regular brush. For a more eco-conscious choice, the Toot Sweet and the Little Herberts Detangling Brush are both excellent detangling brushes for kids that we use in the salon every day.
Is the Wet Brush good for kids?
Yes! The Wet Brush is one of the best choices you can make for kids' hair. The IntelliFlex® bristles are specifically designed to flex and move through tangles rather than pulling against them, which means significantly less breakage and significantly less pain. The Wet Brush for kids Australia families love is available in a huge range of designs including Disney Princess and Harry Potter styles which helps make hair time feel less like a chore. You can find the full Wet Brush Australia range at Little Herberts.
What age can kids start brushing their own hair?
Most children can start attempting to brush their own hair from around age 3–4, though they'll need help with the back and any tangles for quite a few years after that. The Wet Brush Mini is ideal for this stage its compact size fits small hands perfectly and encourages independence. Expect it to be a work in progress until around age 8–10, when most kids can manage on their own.
How do you detangle kids' hair without tears?
A few things make a big difference: start with the right detangling brush for kids (the Wet Brush or our Little Herberts brush are both excellent), work from the ends upward rather than root to tip, and use a detangling spray like Punk Angel to soften knots before you start. Distraction helps too; an iPad, a favourite show, or even just a good conversation can take the focus off the brushing. And always try to brush regularly rather than leaving long gaps, as tangles get harder to manage the longer they're left.
Is it better to brush kids' hair wet or dry?
It depends on the hair type and the brush. All of the brushes in this guide work on both wet and dry hair (just not with a hairdryer). For very tangled or curly hair, brushing wet with a detangling spray often makes it easier, as the hair is more pliable. For fine, straight hair, dry brushing works well. The most important thing is to use a quality kids brush for knots, never try to drag a standard paddle brush through wet, tangled hair.
What is the best brush for kids with curly hair?
Curly hair needs a brush that works through knots gently without disrupting the curl pattern or causing frizz. The Wet Brush Original Detangler is one of the best brushes for curly kids hair, the flexible IntelliFlex® bristles glide through curls without breaking them up harshly. The Toot Sweet is also great for curly hair, particularly when used with a detangling spray. At Little Herberts, curly hair is our speciality, pop in and we can give you personalised advice.
Are eco-friendly hairbrushes good for kids?
Absolutely. Eco-friendly hairbrushes like the Toot Sweet are made from sustainable materials (in this case wheat straw) that are kinder to the planet, but they perform just as well as conventional brushes, if not better. The Toot Sweet brush in particular has been salon-tested at Little Herberts on all hair types and is genuinely one of our favourite detangling tools. An eco friendly hairbrush for kids is a great way to introduce sustainable choices to your family in a completely practical, everyday way.
Find the Right Brush for Your Child
Finding the right hairbrush for kids can genuinely transform your morning routine with less pulling, less crying and less stress for everyone involved. Whether you're after something eco-friendly, something that makes your Disney-obsessed four-year-old excited to brush, or simply the most effective kids hairbrush Australia has to offer, there's something in this list for every family.
If you're still not sure which brush is right for your child's hair type, we'd love to help. Pop into Little Herberts in West Perth's City West Centre and we'll point you in the right direction 💛
You can also browse our full range of kids hairbrushes and detangling tools online and order from anywhere in Australia. Because every child deserves a hairbrush that makes them feel good and every parent deserves a morning that doesn't end in tears.