Goody Smoothing Hairbrush with Natural Boar Bristles for Fri

The Verdict

Let’s be blunt: most drugstore brushes are disposable junk. The Goody Smoothing Hairbrush, however, punches well above its price point — and 215 Amazon reviewers averaging 4.3 stars seem to agree. But is it actually a luxury-level tool or just another overhyped hair accessory? Here’s the real breakdown.

What You Actually Get

The brush features a cushioned oval pad layered with natural boar bristles and interspersed nylon ball-tipped pins. That combination matters. The boar bristles do the smoothing work — they’re the same material used in brushes costing three times as much. The nylon pins add detangling power while the cushioned pad flexes to follow your scalp’s contour.

The handle is ergonomically curved with a rubberized grip. It feels substantial in hand, not hollow like cheaper brushes. As shown in the product image, the bristle layout is dense but not overcrowded, which is the sweet spot for distribution.

Real-World Performance

I tested this on medium-thickness, wavy hair prone to frizz, plus gathered feedback from reviewers with different hair types. The results were surprisingly consistent.

The boar bristles do exactly what they claim: they pull natural sebum from your roots down the hair shaft. After about a week of daily use, my flyaways noticeably decreased — without adding any product. One reviewer put it well: “I was skeptical a brush could replace my serum. It didn’t completely, but it cut my frizz serum usage in half.”

The cushion pad is the unsung hero. It absorbs pressure so you’re not scraping your scalp, and it makes the brush work well for quick tension styling at the crown.

Where It Falls Short

Here’s the honest downside: the bristles are stiff out of the box. Multiple reviewers noted this, with one saying, “First week felt like brushing with a wire brush. Give it time — it softens up significantly.” If you’re impatient, this could be a dealbreaker.

More critically, this brush is not for everyone. If you have thick, coarse, or tightly coiled hair, the boar bristles simply won’t penetrate. You’ll just be smoothing the surface while the under-layers stay tangled. Several reviewers with curly hair reported it pulled and snagged. This is a fine-to-medium hair tool.

Also, cleaning is annoying. Boar bristles trap oil and product residue, and you’ll need to wash it weekly with mild shampoo to keep it effective. That’s maintenance many shoppers don’t expect.

Who Should Buy This

• Fine to medium hair: You’ll see the biggest frizz reduction and shine boost
• Straight to wavy textures: Ideal for distributing oils and sleek blowouts
• Frizz-prone but product-averse: This genuinely reduces reliance on serums and oils
• Budget-conscious shoppers: You’re getting 80% of the performance of a $40+ Mason Pearson at a fraction of the cost

FAQ

Is this brush good for wet hair?
Yes, but detangle with a wide-tooth comb first. The nylon pins handle wet hair fine, but boar bristles on sopping hair just slide without gripping.

How often should I clean it?
Weekly. Remove hair, then swish bristles in lukewarm water with a drop of baby shampoo. Lay it bristle-down on a towel to dry.

Does it actually reduce frizz or just flatten it?
It redistributes natural oils, which conditions the hair shaft over time. That’s a real reduction, not just temporary smoothing. Expect visible results in 1-2 weeks of consistent use.

The Verdict

Buy it if you have fine-to-medium hair battling frizz and flyaways, and you want a low-cost entry into boar bristle brushing. It’s a legitimate tool, not a gimmick.

Skip it if you have thick, coarse, or highly textured hair — you’ll need a wider-spaced brush with longer bristles, and this will frustrate you.

Rating: 4.2/5 — It’s not perfect, but it’s the rare drugstore brush that performs like a professional tool. The break-in period and maintenance requirements are real tradeoffs, but the frizz control results justify the effort for the right hair type.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.