The Ultimate Hair Brush Guide
Photo: Pol Baril
With the impressively vast array of brushes available in the beauty marketplace today, how to tell which kind is best for your hair type? And how many does one woman really require? Whether your mane mission is ‘70s shampoo commercial locks or sleek, no-iron-necessary smooth hair, here’s how to get brushed with greatness, with tips straight from the industry’s finest stylists. In no time, you’ll be equipped with all the right ammo for your very own Marcia Brady moment.
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Nylon/Boar Bristle Oval Brush
These feature a combination of bristles to smooth out hair, while blow-drying ends. They take a little practice to get comfortable using, but trust us: they’re worth the investment. Says L’Oréal Paris Celebrity Hairstylist Mara Roszak, “The Mason Pearson Popular is the perfect flat brush for smoothing, but be careful, as it’s not best for detangling.”
Ceramic Round Brush
Ceramic round brushes are used to help create body and volume as well as a bend or soft curl in the hair. Says Herbal Essences celebrity stylist Charles Baker Strahan, “The ceramic helps to hold heat from the blow dryer to provide greater levels of control and negative ions, which aid in smoothing the hair.” Use this brush for styling hard-to-control hair when creating a smooth, finished style. Roszak points out that these are best for fine, limp hair. “They can be dangerous as the metal part heats up helping with a fast blow out, so don’t hold the brush in one place for too long,” she advises. One to try: T3 Anti-gravity 3 Ceramic Brush.
Boar Bristle Round Brush
Roszak likes these for “a smooth blow-out on frizzy, thicker hair.” Baker Strahan notes that these are the “conditioning brushes” of the bunch. “The boar bristle is designed to move the sebum (natural oil created from the scalp) through the hair to condition the lengths of the hair,” he explains. They’re great for oily scalps and/or dry ends. If body is what you’re looking for, Baker Strahan points out that “These brushes give the hair a more natural, fuller appearance compared to the ceramic round brush.” One to try: Spornette Italian Collection Boar Rounder.
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Vented Brush
These plastic brushes are used to dry hair fast, regardless of length. Fantastic for thin-to-medium density hair that is straight or slightly wavy, the vent provides grip and control, all the while detangling without snagging. It is an excellent brush for when you’re short on time. One to try: Conair’s iteration.
Square Paddle Brush
Ideal for daily detangling or for nighttime use to distribute oils along the hair shaft, these are typically made of wood or plastic, with a rubber pad featuring plastic bristles. Good for all hair types, they’re strong enough for thick, curly locks and gentle enough for fine hair. Baker Strahan says to work from the ends up to reduce tangling when using this type of brush. “A square paddle brush is ideal to use before jumping in the shower, as it helps to remove build-up from products such as hairsprays, mousses or gels,” he says. “When styling with a square paddle brush, it helps to distribute anti-frizz products such as serums or oils through the hair to the ends.” One to try: Sarah Potempa Paddle Brush.
Teasing Brush
This skinny iteration is a good one to have on hand for special occasions. It pushes the hair down to the root with its tight bristles that are close together to add volume at the scalp that lasts. It works for any hair type. Says Baker Strahan, “The densely packed bristles create a softer ‘tease’ than a comb when back-combing for more even volume that detangles and brushes out easily.” One to try: Cricket Amped Up Teasing Brush.
Oval Paddle Brush
These are used for everything: detangling hair while wet, brushing hair while rough drying, smoothing hair before wrapping around a flat iron. Says Roszak, “The Sheila Stotts Removal Brush is my favorite. The metal bristles detangle and don’t snag or break the hair.”
