UNbrush by FHI Heat: The detangling brush that changed millions of hair routines
Some hair accessories you buy without much thought. Then there are others that truly change the way you care for your hair.
The UNbrush by FHI Heat is one of those. Gone viral on TikTok with tens of millions of views, this American detangling brush has won over far beyond social media: it has become a benchmark in hair salons, in the routines of people with textured hair, and in the hands of everyone tired of battling knots with every shampoo.
At Colorful Black, we have selected the two iconic models currently available: the UNbrush Original and the UNbrush Plus. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why detangling is a step we too often underestimate
We talk a lot about shampoo, masks, leave-ins, and styling products. We talk much less about the brush—yet it’s the tool that, used incorrectly or with the wrong accessory, can undo all the benefits of a well-thought-out routine in a matter of seconds.
An unsuitable brush, overly rigid bristles, too rough a motion: the result is fiber breakage, fragile hairs ripped out, and disruption of curl definition or kinky hair structure. And you’re left with dry, static, and painful hair.
Detangling is a technical step. It deserves a tool designed specifically for it—not a generic hairbrush bought at a supermarket.
This is precisely what FHI Heat offers with the UNbrush range.
The UNbrush Original: The versatile benchmark for all hair types
UNbrush Original is the brush that launched FHI Heat's reputation. It's the one that went viral. It's the one that got hairdressers, hair content creators, and people with curly, coily, and kinky hair worldwide talking.
Its secret lies in its 105 anti-static DuoFlex bristles, arranged in two different lengths. The long bristles glide through knots and gradually untangle them. The shorter bristles assist in smoothing the hair and ensure a fluid passage without snagging.
This two-level bristle system is what makes the UNbrush Original not pull—it glides. You'll feel the difference from the very first use.
Its open, hexagonal design serves two functions: it speeds up drying time during a blow-dry with a diffuser, and it makes cleaning the brush easier after use.
It is suitable for all hair types—wavy, curly, coily, kinky, fine, or thick—and can be used on both wet and dry hair. Ultra-light (less than 45 grams), it won't tire your hand, even on voluminous hair that requires section-by-section detangling.
The UNbrush Plus: The version designed for fine, fragile, and sensitive hair
UNbrush Plus is the direct evolution of the Original, developed by FHI Heat to meet the specific needs of fine, fragile, or particularly sensitive hair prone to tangling.
It features 84 anti-static UltraFlex bristles arranged in a spiral on a slightly concave cushion. This curved arrangement is not accidental: it improves grip, offers better control of the brush during use, and allows for a more even distribution of pressure on the hair.
The UltraFlex bristles are more flexible than those of the Original. They yield slightly upon contact with a knot rather than forcing through it—which significantly reduces breakage and snagging. FHI Heat announces a 67% reduction in breakage compared to a classic brush.
Its swirl vent on the back of the cushion better diffuses air during drying and contributes to a faster blow-dry.
If your hair tends to break easily, if detangling is a painful ordeal, or if you are in a transition phase, regrowth, or post-coloring fragility—the UNbrush Plus is the version made for you.
Original or Plus: how to choose?
This is the question we are most often asked in our Paris store, and which we are happy to answer. Here is the logic we apply at Colorful
Choose the UNbrush Original if:
- You have thick, resistant, or very curly/kinky hair.
- You are looking for a versatile brush for the whole family.
- Your hair tangles a lot, and you need a brush that "gets through" dense knots.
- You primarily use it on wet hair after
Choose the UNbrush Plus if:
- Your hair is fine, fragile, sensitive, or prone to breakage.
- You are in a regrowth phase, hair transition, or post-chemical treatment.
- Detangling is a painful step or one you dread.
- You are looking for maximum softness, even at the expense of a little "detangling power."
In doubt? At Colorful Black, we are here to help you decide. Visit our store or contact us via chat.
How to use your UNbrush correctly for effective and breakage-free detangling
The brush does half the work. The technique does the other half.
Here's the method we consistently recommend at Colorful Black, regardless of the chosen version:
- Always work section by section. Don't try to detangle your entire head of hair at once. Divide your hair into sections and treat them one by one. It takes longer, but it prevents breakage.
- Start at the ends, work your way up to the roots. This is the basic principle of pain-free detangling. First, untangle the knots at the bottom, then gradually move upwards. Never the other way around.
- Apply a detangling conditioner or leave-in before brushing. The UNbrush isn't magic on dry, product-free hair. A little leave-in or water on the ends before brushing makes all the difference—the bristles glide better, and knots release more easily.
- Never force it. If the brush resists, the knot isn't ready. Untangle it by hand or with a wide-tooth comb first.
- On wet hair, use it just after conditioner, before rinsing, for maximum gentle detangling.
Brush care: how to keep it clean and effective
A brush that accumulates product residue and lost hair works less effectively—and can even become a breeding ground for bacteria. However, caring for the UNbrush is very simple, and its open design directly contributes to this.
- Remove accumulated hair between the bristles after each use, with a fine comb or your fingers.
- Approximately once a week, immerse the brush in lukewarm water with a few drops of mild shampoo, gently rub the bristles with your fingers or a small toothbrush, rinse, and let it dry flat.
- Do not leave the brush to soak for too long. The ventilated design facilitates quick drying.
Why buy your UNbrush at Colorful Black
You can find detangling brushes almost anywhere. What's rarer is a place where they genuinely explain which one is right for you, how to use it correctly, and how to integrate it into your existing hair routine.
That's what we do at Colorful Black—whether you visit our store in Paris or order from our e-shop. Our teams are familiar with both versions of the UNbrush, test them regularly, and can help you make the right choice based on your hair type, habits, and needs.
