This review dives into the Denman D38 brush, exploring its effectiveness on 4B/4A hair. The author, inspired by a YouTuber's enthusiastic praise, purchased the brush hoping for a gentle yet efficient detangling solution for their thick, sensitive hair. This review will detail the author's experience using the D38, comparing it to other brushes they've previously used, including the Crave Naturals brush. The assessment will focus on the brush's performance on both wet and dry hair, highlighting its ability to navigate through tight curls and sensitive areas without causing pain or breakage. Expect a thorough examination of the brush's ease of use, durability, and overall value for money.Beyond the brush itself, the review also includes details on the author's current hair color (As I Am Curl Color in Emerald Green), a pre-poo treatment (African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe and Coconut Water Pre-Poo) that significantly improves detangling, and a comparison to other detangling methods and brushes. This comprehensive review aims to provide a realistic assessment of the Denman D38's capabilities and determine whether it truly lives up to the hype as a game-changer for those with 4B/4A hair types.
Pros And Cons
- Silky and smooth.
- Long-lasting color.
- Doesn't flake or leave residue.
- Helps detangle hair easily.
- Leaves hair soft and silky.
- A little goes a long way.
- Can sell out quickly at stores.
- Worked well for shorter hair.
- Got through hair better than a Tangle Teezer.
- Doesn't work as well on longer, thicker hair.
- Teeth are shorter than Denman D38, causing snagging.
- Can bend out of shape over time.
- Gets through big sections of hair easily.
- Doesn't bother tender-headed individuals.
- Detangles hair effectively with minimal pulling or tugging.
- Provides good curl definition.
- Sturdy and durable.
Read more: 10 Best l'ange Hair Brushes: Our Top Picks
The Hype and the Purchase
I'd been seeing the Denman D38 brush pop up everywhere, especially in videos by African Haircut, a YouTuber whose live streams I really enjoy. He raved about how gentle yet effective it was, even on tender-headed clients. This was enough to convince me to purchase my own.
I was impressed by a demo video where he used it on a client with sensitive hair; she didn't flinch. The brush effortlessly glided through thick sections, and that's exactly the kind of performance I was hoping for with my own hair.
Hair Product Spotlight: As I Am Curl Color
Before diving into the brush review, I wanted to quickly showcase my current hair color. I'm using As I Am Curl Color in Emerald Green. This product is different from other wax-based hair paints; it washes out like a conditioner.
It leaves my hair unbelievably silky, with no crunchy residue, and the color lasts remarkably well. Even after wearing my hair in buns for two weeks, the color remains vibrant, demonstrating exceptional longevity and staying power.
I've been using it for two weeks, even slept with my hair in buns, and the color is still rich and even. No flaking or residue! I plan to review two other colors from this line soon.
African Pride Pre-Poo: A Detangling Essential
For effective detangling, I rely on African Pride Moisture Miracle Aloe and Coconut Water Pre-Poo. It's a game-changer for my hair. This pre-shampoo treatment is incredibly effective at softening knots and tangles before I even begin detangling.
It adds incredible slip to my hair. My knots and tangles practically melt away as soon as I apply it. It is truly a lifesaver for anyone with thick, tangled hair.
I can't recommend it enough. It's amazing for preventing breakage during detangling and makes the whole process so much smoother. I usually find this at Walgreens.
Denman D38 Brush: The Detangling Demo
Finally, the moment of truth: the Denman D38 brush demo. I started with the front section of my hair since it’s the thickest and most challenging to detangle. I usually start from the back, but the front is ideal for showcasing the brush's effectiveness.
I applied the African Pride pre-poo, and even without wetting my hair, the Denman D38 glided through effortlessly. I experienced absolutely no pulling or tugging, a huge win for my sensitive scalp and edges.
The brush effortlessly detangled even my edges, which are usually extremely sensitive. I'm stunned by how effectively it removes tangles without causing any discomfort. This is a massive improvement over other brushes I've tried.
Comparison with Other Brushes and Final Verdict
I've tried several brushes before, including knock-offs of Denman brushes and the Crave Naturals brush. While the Crave Naturals brush was good for shorter hair, it struggled as my hair grew longer and thicker.
The Denman D38, however, surpassed all of them. Its longer, more flexible teeth effortlessly detangled my 4B/4A hair without snagging or causing pain. It's also noticeably sturdier than the Crave Naturals brush, which has started to show wear after a year of use.
The Denman D38 is a worthwhile investment despite its price tag. It's a significant upgrade that delivers on its promises, offering a gentle yet effective detangling experience that caters to the needs of thicker, curlier hair.