Whether your baby is born with a full head of luscious locks and requires a haircut ASAP or is just coming into their full head of hair in their first months, a baby brush is a newborn essential. They're specifically designed to be gentle on your little one’s scalp and promote healthy growth.
Many newborns will also develop cradle cap and brushing is a great way to help treat this. There are some great baby hair brushes out there that are specifically tailored to treat and minimise cradle cap, alongside baby hair shampoo, from three-step systems to easy bath time brushes – there really is a brush for every baby’s needs.
What to look for in a baby hair brush
Bristle type
For a newborn, you should be looking for ultra-soft bristles, these can be synthetic or natural, like boar or goat. We recommend soft nylon bristles for a delicate brush.
Hair type
Babies have different hair types just like adults and finding the right products and brush for their hair is just as important. Most babies will have fine hair when they are born, but some are born with full heads of locks, consider this and what hair type you’re expecting your baby to have. Curly and thick hair will be better managed with a detangling brush.
Cradle cap
If your little one has developed cradle cap, look for a brush specific to treating or managing this, for gentle exfoliation and a soft brush at the same time!
Shop our pick of the best baby brushes, from gorgeous personalised ones perfect for gifting, to detangling ones that are ideal for thick or curly locks.
Best baby hairbrushes
Best brush and comb
A great starter kit with the essentials you’ll need to get started from day one. This set from Tommee Tippee contains a soft-bristled brush and comb, both suitable for delicate scalps and use from birth.
Pros: Soft bristles and non-scratch comb teeth
Cons: Some parents thought they looked a little basic
Review: “I’ve bought this brush for both of my children when they were born, and it is a must buy! Both my children had quite bad cradle cap in the first few months and this brush gently removed all the scales (after using Vaseline on the scalp overnight) and is very easy to wash. They also last a long time, I used this for my daughter’s hair until she was 3!”
Best personalised baby hairbrush
www.notonthehighstreet.com
This beautiful hairbrush has super soft bristles that will help to leave your baby’s hair soft and silky, styling their hair while stimulating their scalp. As well as personalising it with your child's name, you also have the option of having your little one's birth flower included as part of the design.
Pros: Made from premium materials that are non-toxic and safe to use
Cons: Cannot be personalised with names longer than 12 characters
Review: "I love the individuality of this gorgeous hair brush such a beautiful gift and so well made."
Best natural baby brush set
All natural! These brushes use soft goat hair for the bristles, bamboo, beech wood and pear wood for all the hairbrushes and comb. Handmade with love and perfectly safe for newborns, toddlers and kids. The use of soft natural premium-grade goat bristles helps to evenly distribute hair oil for a healthier and cleaner scalp. With daily scalp massages, it can help to prevent or reduce cradle cap from building up.
Pros: You get three different types of brush in one set
Cons: Some people may not be comfortable using a brush with bristles made from animal hair
Review: “I got these for my baby girl - the main brush is so soft, I love it! The comb and brush are going to so useful in the long run when her hair starts to grow and the wood feels really sturdy and soft, and I think it's amazing. Highly recommend this set!”
Best baby hairbrush in a gift box
Keep those adorable little hairs in place with the Molylove Baby Hairbrush, made with soft nylon bristles gentle enough for newborn hair. Crafted from sturdy wood and presented in a box, it makes a lovely present for a new arrival.
Pros: Helps reduce cradle cap while protecting their soft spot
Cons: Some reviews mention the bristles start to fall out after a while
Review: “Lovely quality, stylish little brush with polished wooden handle and soft inset bristles. Ideal gift for either a baby girl or boy; comes in its own little gift box.”
Best for thick and curly hair
I’m sure you’ve already heard of Tangle Teezer, and as good as they are for our hair, they’re also great for babies and tots. This brush specifically designed for thick and curly hair is perfect for little ones born with a full head of curly locks, as it’s gentle on curls and knots and great for detangling!
Pros: The firm-flex teeth will reduce breakage and add shine
Cons: May feel too harsh to use on babies and toddlers who have fine hair
Review: “My daughter has very curly hair that knots and matts constantly, I'd tried all the usual stuff, combing when wet with conditioner or using products etc but nothing worked. Bought this as a last resort and I'm very glad I did! It works a treat, best when I brush her hair in the bath, but still great dry too. My son has autism and has taken to brushing his hair with this too as he loves the feel!”
Best brush set for cradle cap
www.boots.com
If your new arrival is dealing with a bit of cradle cap at the moment, then this special hair brush is perfect. Give flakes the brush off with this Flake Fixer - the first three-step system specially designed to fix the cradle cap flake situation. First lather with the sponge, then loosen with the brush and finally lift with the comb to get back to a baby with more cradle, less cap. Super effective and still gentle on your little one!
Pros: An all-in-one solution to cradle cap
Cons: We can't think of any
Review: “I never write reviews however I felt like I need to praise how amazing and worth the money this is! I used this for the first time using Johnston’s cradle cap oil and massaging their head for 10mins with the brush before a bath. I washed their hair twice as oil can be stubborn to get out. Once out the bath I used the comb and it genuinely was coming off gently! I was a bit sceptical at first however the amount that came off their head was amazing. It will take a few times to get everything off however it is extremely gentle to the scalp.”
Best baby hairbrush for bathtime
Soft against baby’s skin and still effective to brush away any cradle cap or dry skin, this baby hair brush is perfect for a gentle cleanse during bath time.
Pros: Massages and soothes at the same time
Cons: We can't think of any
Review: “Used this on my newborns hair, and he clearly enjoyed it with the smile and instant relaxed feeling in his face. Cleans gently too!”
Best baby healthcare kit that includes a hairbrush
www.boots.com
If you’re getting ready for your new arrival, then this starter kit has a lot of the essentials you’ll need! Organised in one handy pouch you’ll be super prepared to welcome your newborn.
Pros: Comes in a carry case so you can easily carry it when you travel
Cons: Some parents thought it was expensive
Review: “I bought this for my new grandson, well a little add on gift for his parents I suppose. It has all those little important things you need with a new baby and I love the fact that they are all there in a lovely little case.”
www.boots.com
This budget-friendly set includes both a brush and comb for your little one. The handles have been shaped so that they're comfortable to hold and use plus the softest bristles for the baby brush so it's suitable for using on your baby's delicate hair.
Pros: Purse-friendly option
Cons: May not be suitable for really thick hair
Review: "The brush is soft but still strong enough to actually brush through babies hair. Comb is good if you ever find little knots (hold the hair and untangle from the bottom). Really pleased with these."
FAQs
When can you start brushing your child's hair?
There is no set age for you to start brushing your little one's hair. In fact, you can start brushing your baby's hair from birth. Brushing your little one's hair early on in life can help them to establish a good relationship with hair brushing. It'll get them used to the regular routine of grooming too. Using a soft-bristled brush to gently massage their scalp will also give you a good opportunity to bond with your bubba.
How do you brush a child's hair without them crying?
As your child's hair becomes thicker and longer, they may not enjoy having their hair brushed anymore. Here are some hints and tips to help make hair brushing a calm and happy experience for everyone involved.
Use brushes like Tangle Teezers which do not pull on the hair.
Try a long-handled brush or comb for long hair, especially at the back.
Use thicker or wide-handled brushes which are easier to grip.
Try using a detangling hair product.
Brush firmly and rhythmically.
Count to 10, sing a song and clap your hair to distract your child.