Looking for a new brush? No matter what type of hair you have, several types of hairbrushes would suit you. Knowing when to use each type of hairbrush and finding which brush is right can be daunting. We did our research and put this guide up just for you.
We have put together a list of the types of hairbrushes and information on when and how to use each one. Whether your hair is curly or straight, long or short, thick or thin, there is a brush for you. You even have choices for an easy do or when you want to style your hair. Here is the list of the types of hairbrushes we will cover:
- Boar Bristle Brush
- Nylon Bristle Brush
- Paddle Brush
- Curved Brush
- Round Brush
- Hair Dryer Brush
- Straightening Brush
- Cushion Brush
- Detangling Brush
- Vented Brush
- Shower Hairbrush
- Teasing Brush
- Loop Brush
- Wide Tooth Comb
- Rat Tailed Comb
- Massage Hairbrush
Please keep reading as we delve into which brush is best for various hair types and styling methods. We'll even provide an example of each brush, so you'll know exactly what to look for when you browse the beauty aisle.
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1. Boar Bristle Brush
Brush bristles come mostly in either synthetic or boar bristle. Boar bristle brushes are best in handling the natural scalp oil, distributing these oils over the hair, making the hair look shiny and lustrous but not oily. The bristles are gentle on your hair and pliable yet sturdy enough not to break. A well-made boar bristle brush can last a long time, making your hair looking beautiful all that time. The one caveat is that the boar hair bristles do nothing to reduce static electricity.
Check out this boar bristle brush on Amazon.
2. Nylon Bristle Brush
Most brushes have a choice for the type of bristles. The advantage of a nylon bristle brush is it is easy to care for and prevents static electricity. The bristles can be soft. It is great in dry weather since it helps reduce static electricity. Eliminating that fly away hair look. It is the best kind of brush to use on wet hair or in the shower since it can dry quickly.
Check this nylon bristle brush on Amazon.
3. Paddle Brush
This type of brush is best for long flowing hair; it is a square and wide brush. The brush can come in any combination of materials. You can choose the type of bristles according to your needs and preference. It is a simple wide brush that can cover a lot of ground, therefore streamlining your brushing. This brush will keep the hair nice and smooth, looking luxurious. The boar bristles will make your hair look shinier, while the nylon bristles will help eliminate static electricity.
Check out this paddle brush on Amazon.
4. Curved Brush
A curved brush is similar to a wide brush but curved to follow the head's contour better. This kind of brush is usually made from synthetic materials. It is often vented to help hair dry quicker when used in combination with a hairdryer. It is very useful when short of time. A curved brush can be used in the shower or on the go. It is a brush of comfort and convenience.
Check out this curved brush on Amazon.
5. Round Brush
Like its name, it is a narrow, round brush. A round brush is mostly used for styling and can be used with any type of hair. Often made from thermal, heat-conducting materials to conduct the heat when used with a hairdryer. It will tame the frizz and add body to any hair type. It is a versatile brush that can be used to straighten hair and enhance wavy or curly hair.
Check out this round brush on Amazon.
6. Hairdryer Brush
Like a round brush, a hairdryer brush is used for styling all hair types. Usually made with ceramic coating and provides ionic heat. Since it generates its own heat, a hairdryer brush will dry the hair faster and with less damage than a round brush hairdryer combo. It can also be easier to use than the combination of holding a hairdryer in one hand a round brush in the other.
Check out this hairdryer brush on Amazon.
7. Straitening Brush
This is another option for a hair drying brush. It is best with hair that needs some straightening, easy to use, and eliminates the need for a straight iron. It looks like a paddle brush but is electric. Like the hair drying brush, it eliminates the need for a hairdryer, and since it generates its own heat will dry your hair faster and with less damage than the brush hair dryer combo.
Check out this straightening brush on Amazon.
8. Cushion Brush
These brushes are used when a round brush is not an option. A good all-around brush that can be used gently or to stimulate the scalp. It can also be used in the shower on wet hair. Since it is used in the shower, it usually has nylon bristles and a plastic handle. With the added benefit of reducing static electricity, they are a great all-around simple brush—best for sensitive scalps and fragile hair.
Check out this cushion brush on Amazon.
9. Detangling Brush
A detangling brush is a brush that will be gentle on your hair. It is made to help detangle knots without harming the hair. The bristles are soft and spaced well apart so they can glide on the hair and gently pull strands apart. This brush is usually made from synthetic materials, although you can get a detangling brush with boar hair bristles. The brush does not have a long handle, so you can hold it comfortably close to your hair while working out those tangles.
Check out this detangling hairbrush on Amazon.
10. Vented Brush
A vented brush is good for use with a hairdryer. The vents allow the warm air to pass through easily, so the hair dries quickly. They are best for thick hair that is otherwise hard to dry. Being vented and used with the hairdryer, it is made from heat-resistant materials. It is useful for drying long hair.
Check out this vented brush on Amazon.
11. Shower HairBrush
While it is not recommended to brush your hair in the shower, there are times that the only way to rid yourself of those tangles is in the shower. A shower hairbrush will be a quick-drying detangling bush made of synthetic materials. Some will have the added feature of a hook, so you can hang them in the shower, thus letting them dry better.
Check out this shower hairbrush from Amazon.
12. Teasing Brush
A teasing brush is very useful in creating volume. You would use it for parting the hair and for adding volume. Some come with a rat tail so you can section the hair better. These are long, thin brushes. The rat tail variety also has a pointy handle. They come in various materials and are great for thinning hair, adding volume, or just a little touch-up. You might want to use them to fix bangs or a few strands of hair. The rat tail is very useful in sectioning the hair for braids.
Check this teasing hairbrush on Amazon.
13. Loop Brush
This brush is best for hair extensions, toupees, and wigs. With nylon bristles that loop, it will glide through your hair without catching. It is very gentle and can extend the life of your hair extensions, making your hair look and feel soft in the process. Because it does not catch and snag on the hair, it will take longer to detangle hair with this type of brush.
Check out this loop hairbrush on Amazon.
14. Wide Tooth Comb
While not technically a brush, a wide-tooth comb is great for the days when hair styling is not an option. It works best for a natural look, detangling the hair with minimized damage. It is a comb and can come in various materials that have large spacing between the teeth. A wide-tooth comb is good for all types of hair or hair length.
Check out this wide-tooth comb on Amazon.
15. Rat Tailed Comb
This comb is used for styling, sectioning, and teasing hair. The comb can be made from various products and can be a wide-tooth or fine-tooth according to the hair type and styling needs. It is easy to store in a purse or back pocket and therefore is great for a quick touch up as well.
Check out this rat tail comb on Amazon.
16. Massage Hairbrush
This brush is more of a feel-good brush than hair care. It feels good, relaxing, and just gives a general sense of well being. These hair brushes come in a variety of shapes and materials. The most convenient to use will be easy to hold and use in the shower, therefore made of fast-drying synthetic materials.
Check out this Massage hairbrush on Amazon.
In Conclusion
Taking care of your hair starts with finding the right brush for you. Choosing from a variety of materials that are right for your hair and your lifestyle. The guide above gave you a little run down on when to use which brush with what bristles.
For more about styling your hair, check out our articles "After Shower Hair Routine" and "Can I Condition My Hair Every Day?"
