Like shoes, there are different brushes for all different hairstyles and types. We have all seen the multiple selections of brushes sitting at our stylist’s workstation. The various sizes, shapes, bristles and thicknesses all have a purpose.

If you’ve been struggling with your hair, you may be using the wrong brush for your hair or style. Let’s take a look at which brushes and hairstyle should go together.

About Brushes

  • Detangling Brush: It is best to use this brush with damp or wet hair. Detangling brushes are designed to easily go through tangled hair with little to no breakage or damage. The bristles are flexible, soft, thick and spaced out. This makes them perfect for detangling.
  • Vent Brush: A vent brush is designed to spread hot air from your blow dryer throughout your hair to reach every piece of hair. It cuts down on drying time. It is best used to dry one section of hair at a time, continuously brushing rom the root to the tip.
  • Paddle Brush: This is the all-around brush. It can be used on any hair length and thickness. It is not the smallest brush so is the best for simple, everyday grooming. This is a great brush for that last minute tidying up, or detangling. Those with fine hair, long hair and even wet hair, would do well with a paddle brush. It won’t twist or pull the hair.
  • Round Brush: A small round brush is good for sweeping layered looks. It is great to use on a variety of bangs. Large styles of this brush are used to create volume. While drying, constantly roll this brush while the hair is rolled around it. This will create volume with very little work.
  • Smoothing Brush: This brush does exactly what its name says. It smoothes all the hairs into place. It is great for up-dos! An easy way to use it is to spray hairspray on the bristles, then smooth it lightly onto the hair. Smoothing brushes also add shine to your hair.

There are other brushes you may see at the salon or even own. They are: the teasing brush (to add volume for all types and lengths of hair by backcombing at the root,) the mixed bristle oval brush (for post-styling blending of hair into seamless layers) and the looped bristle brush (for wigs and hair extensions.)

A Small Bit on Bristles

Keep in mind; thick-haired individuals should stick with bristle brushes. There isn’t as much static with synthetic, as there is with natural. Stiffer bristles make detangling easier. Soft bristles (or natural) move oils around and create a wonderful shine. Mixed bristles do just that; they mix the benefits of both synthetic and natural bristles.

With this new knowledge about brushes, you should feel more confident when choosing the right brush for your hair. Think of your hair, your style, and what you want to accomplish. As always, your hairstylist will be able to answer any brush question in depth.