Be honest, when was the last time you thought about your hairbrush? While it might be easy to overlook in favour of the latest styling product, hair tool or colour trend, choosing the right brush is one of the most important things you can do for your ‘do.
Trust me on this one.Really.
So by now you might be asking yourself, where do I start? Knowing the differences between brush types is a vital step in selecting one that’s optimal for you. Choosing the right one based on your hair type will give you the best results – like less breakage and more good hair days, not to mention all the amazing styling hacks the right brush can deliver with a simple swipe. But the wrong brush can create frizz, knots and even break your hair. Yikes.
RELATED: This is how to determine your hair type
RELATED: The best and worst brushing habits for healthy hair
Have the right tools on your bathroom vanity, and you’ll get better results in the morning, without heat or products. Convinced yet? Excellent. Now let’s go find you a new brush!
THE BRUSH: Bristle paddle brush
PERFECT FOR: Fine, thin hair that’s prone to breakage
The bristles in this brush stimulate and massage the scalp, and work to spread your hair’s natural oils down the shaft to promote healthy, shiny, manageable hair without static and fly aways.
bh recommends: Moroccanoil Boar Bristle Paddle Brush, Lady Jayne 100% Boar Bristle Brush, Michel Mercier Professional Detangling Hair Brush in Pink for Fine Hair, Mason Pearson Large Extra Pure Bristle
THE BRUSH: Round metal brush
PERFECT FOR: Drying and styling short hair and fringes
The natural bristles are ideal for styling shorter strands, but be wary that the dense bristles create a good amount of tension and pull on the hair. Once you master it, the result is salon-perfect.
bh recommends: ghd Natural Bristle Radial Brush, Freestyle Brush Collection Freestyle Natural Bristles, Pure Hair Food Round Brush
THE BRUSH: Vent brush
PERFECT FOR: Speed-drying short to medium lengths, and hair that is susceptible to static
A very popular brush back in the 90s, today it takes more of a backseat, however it is still ideal for styling short cuts, particularly pixies. The wide distribution of bristles detangle and style, sans the fluff and pouf.
bh recommends: Avon Vented Hair Brush, Lady Jayne The Essentials Vent Brush, Scunci Brushology Vent Brush
THE BRUSH: Wide tooth comb
PERFECT FOR: Detangling wet hair
We all know it’s a big no-no to brush your hair when it’s wet – only this comb is the one exception. Created as an alternative to finger-brushing, it has similarly spaced teeth as your fingers. It’s designed to be used in small sections, starting from the bottom of your hair and working your way up.
bh recommends: MODELS PREFER Detangling Comb, Lady Jayne De-tangler Comb, ghd Detangling Comb, Mason Pearson Comb Rake
THE BRUSH: Teaser brush
PERFECT FOR: Adding volume to the hair
Do yourself a favour, and invest in a teasing brush, pronto. A good one will have different levels of staggered boar bristles, which allows you to get the best volume. Gently backcomb, then brush over for a smooth, but volumised finish.
bh recommends: Moroccanoil Boar Bristle Teasing Brush, evo tyler teasing brush
THE BRUSH: Tail comb
PERFECT FOR: Creating the perfect part
Use the pointed end to draw a line down your scalp where you want your part, and your hair will separate perfectly without a strand out of place. A little tip: The faster you part, the straighter it will be. Go slow and you risk getting the wobbles.
bh recommends: Lady Jayne Tail Comb, ghd Tail Comb
