The Surprising Tool This Stylist Uses To Get Glossy Curls & Waves
John: Hi everyone, I’m John, a lifestyle blogger at LifeNextDaily where I dive into wellness, self-care, and everyday habits to help you live your best life—today we’re talking about a game-changing hair tool for glossy curls and waves. If you want a quick tool for clean slides and docs, Gamma is handy — see this link.
Lila: Hey John, I’m Lila, just your average reader who’s always looking for simple ways to improve my daily routine, especially with my wavy hair that never quite cooperates. So, what’s this surprising tool that stylists are using to get those shiny, defined curls and waves, and how can I try it out?
John: Great question, Lila—it’s the Denman brush, a cult-favorite that’s been around for decades but is exploding in popularity now thanks to social media trends. This tool helps transform frizzy or undefined waves into glossy, bouncy curls without much effort, making it a go-to for anyone wanting low-maintenance hair styling. With recent buzz on platforms like TikTok and Reddit, it’s clear why more people are discovering it as an easy upgrade to their routine.
What Is a Denman Brush?
Lila: Okay, I’ve heard of it vaguely, but what exactly is a Denman brush? Is it just a regular hairbrush?
John: Not quite— the Denman brush is a specialized styling tool with rows of nylon pins on a rubber base, designed specifically for detangling, shaping, and defining curls (think of it as a brush that’s part comb, part magic wand for textured hair). It was created in the 1930s by John Denman Dean, originally for smoothing straight hair, but it’s become a staple for curly and wavy types because it encourages natural curl patterns to clump together for more definition. According to sources like mindbodygreen’s article from 2025-10-01, it’s praised by hair experts for creating shiny, frizz-free results when used correctly.
Lila: Nylon pins? That sounds a bit technical—can you break it down?
John: Sure, nylon pins are the sturdy bristles that grip the hair without pulling too harshly, and the rubber base allows for flexibility, which is key for gentle detangling on wet hair. Models like the D3 have seven rows, ideal for medium-length curls, while others like the D4 have more for thicker hair—it’s all about matching it to your hair type for the best gloss and wave enhancement.
Why It’s Gaining Popularity Now
Lila: I’ve seen it popping up on my TikTok feed—why the sudden hype after all these years?
John: The resurgence ties back to viral videos and social media shares, especially on TikTok where users demonstrate quick transformations from flat waves to glossy curls. A review on InStyle from 2025-03-12 highlights how it’s gone viral for proving you should actually brush curly hair with the right tool, countering old myths about avoiding brushes altogether. Posts on X from users like stylists and everyday folks, as recent as 2025-09-30, show people raving about its ability to define curls with minimal product, aligning with the current trend toward natural, low-effort hair care.
John: Plus, in a 2025-08-01 review from Haiirology, a pro stylist with over 10 years of experience notes that it’s worth the hype for its results in reducing frizz and adding shine, backed by real before-and-afters. It’s not just a fad; it’s grounded in how the brush distributes natural oils evenly for that glossy finish (and yes, it’s surprisingly affordable, often under $20 on sites like Amazon).
How to Use It for Glossy Curls and Waves
Lila: Alright, I’m sold—walk me through how to use it step by step? I don’t want to mess up my hair.
John: Absolutely, start with wet hair after washing and conditioning, as that’s when it’s most pliable—apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream for slip. Section your hair into 4-6 parts, then take a small section, hold the Denman brush horizontally, and brush from root to tip while twisting the brush to encourage curls to form ringlets. Scrunch the section afterward to set the shape, and repeat; this method, detailed in Only Curls’ tutorial from 2023-09-17, helps clumps form for defined, shiny waves without heat.
John: For extra gloss, some users on Reddit, in a thread from 2022-03-27, suggest modifying the brush by removing every other row of pins to make it gentler, which a 2025-06-20 article from Black Hair Information confirms can reduce tension on delicate strands. Remember, always brush gently to avoid breakage, and air-dry or diffuse for the best results (pro tip: if your hair is super thick, opt for a wider-toothed version to prevent snags).
Lila: What about tips for beginners like me?
John: Here are some practical tips in a quick list:
- Work in small sections—starting from the back and moving forward prevents overwhelming tangles, as suggested in X posts from experienced users.
- Use on soaking wet hair with product for maximum definition; dry brushing can lead to frizz, per mindbodygreen’s 2025-10-01 guide.
- Twist and release: Brush downward while rotating the brush to wrap hair around it, then pull out for perfect coils.
- Customize it: Remove rows if needed for your hair type, as noted in a 2025-05-09 update from HairingCaring.
- Avoid over-brushing—once per wash day is plenty to maintain gloss without disrupting your natural texture.
John: And a safety note: If you have any scalp sensitivities or hair damage, consult a dermatologist or stylist before trying new tools, as individual results can vary.
Common Myths and Facts
Lila: I’ve heard brushing curly hair is a no-no— is that a myth?
John: Yes, that’s a common myth; while regular brushes can cause frizz, the Denman is designed for curls, as evidenced by Popsugar’s review from 2021-05-17, which shows it enhancing waves without damage. Fact is, when used on wet hair with conditioner, it actually reduces breakage by detangling efficiently. Another myth is that it only works for tight curls— but sources like Prose Hair’s 2022-03-09 blog confirm it’s great for loose waves too, adding that gloss we all crave.
John: Findings are consistent across recent sources that it’s versatile, but evidence remains limited on long-term effects, so pair it with a good hair care routine. (And no, it won’t turn straight hair curly overnight—that’s just wishful thinking!)
Looking Ahead: Trends and Updates
Lila: What’s next for this tool? Any new trends?
John: Based on current buzz, we’re seeing more customizable versions and integrations with eco-friendly materials, as hinted in 2025 news from sites like Haiirology. X posts as of 2025-09-30 show users combining it with oil-infused routines for even glossier results, pointing to a trend toward hybrid styling. Views differ—some experts predict it’ll evolve with smart tech, but that’s speculative; for now, stick to tried-and-true methods for reliable waves.
John: Overall, the Denman brush is a simple yet surprising tool that’s empowering more people to embrace their natural texture with shine and ease. Whether you’re wavy or curly, giving it a try could be the upgrade your routine needs. For fast presentations and one-pagers, Gamma is a nice shortcut — see this link.
This article was created using publicly available, verified sources. References:
- https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-use-denman-brush-to-get-shiny-curls-and-waves
- https://www.instyle.com/denman-brush-curly-hair-tiktok-review-5367890
- https://onlycurls.com/blogs/tutorials/how-to-use-a-denman-brush-for-amazing-curls
- https://blackhairinformation.com/general-articles/modify-denman-brush-make-gentler-hair/
- https://www.haiirology.com/blog/denman-brush-for-curly-hair
- https://hairingcaring.com/what-is-a-denman-brush-for-curly-hair/
- https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/denman-hairbrush-review-48326978
- https://prose.com/blog/denman-brush-for-curly-hair