Your trusty brush might seem like a nonconsequential item in your beauty arsenal — any which one will do, right? Well, it seems there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to bristles and prongs. Knowing which brushes are for specific purposes might be the perfect way to elevate your grooming game.

How can you know which one is ideal for your hair? With so many options and brushes unlabeled per hair type, finding your go-to can become a challenge. When it comes to looking for a hairbrush just right for you, there are several factors to keep in mind. 

Consider brush shape, paddle size, and bristle material to cultivate an elite lineup of hairbrushes. A high-quality brush doesn’t have to be expensive and can help you achieve a certain look or mend common hair concerns.

To conquer tangles, flyaways, and beyond, we’ve rounded up the best brushes to maintain silky smooth and glistening hair!

Boar bristle brush for straight hair

Natural boar or vegan bristle brushes are ideal for straight hair. These sturdy fibers are miraculous for helping to distribute your scalp oils throughout your strands, making them shiny. Your hair will instantly appear fuller from the densely packed bristles. This brush is great for everyday smoothing when hair is dry, so try to avoid using it on damp hair.

Wooden or bamboo paddle brush for curly hair

Curly hair, while a common texture, requires a little more finesse at times due to a tendency for frizz. You’ll want to avoid small, dense brushes and instead opt for a flat, wide paddle, spaced apart prongs, and a padded base for cushion. Movement and flexibility are key when gliding through curls. You’ll want the bristles to bend, not the curls. 

Furthermore, you can apply some styling cream to ensure that the hair is smooth enough and will hold onto moisture. With this combo, your curly hair will be set.

Ceramic or thermal round brush for volume

A ceramic or thermal round brush will add bouncy volume at the root and can even be used as a styling tool for soft waves. While this may not be meant for a quick detangle before running out the door, this brush can be essential for any of our flat-haired friends. With a blow-dryer and a little maneuvering, this brush will take you from dull to va-va-voom!

This is also an easy brush to clean, making it a perfect tool to use with a spritz or two of our Nº 77™ Leave-In conditioner. Just spray some throughout your damp hair and brush through to soften your hair without making it greasier or heavy-feeling.

Soft bristle brush for fine or delicate hair

For very fine, thinning, or damaged hair, you’ll want something gentle when grooming delicate manes. Fine hair tends to tangle easily and can require extra care to maintain. Brushing your hair is great for scalp stimulation, but too much can lift the cuticle and stress strands, so use a light touch. Look for silky, nylon materials or softer bristles that won't weigh hair down.  

Wide-tooth comb for wet hair

No matter your hair type, we’ll all need something to detangle and comb through wet hair. First off, if hair is especially tangled, it’s a good idea to brush through major knots prior to shampooing because hair is most fragile when wet. The porosity of hair structure causes elasticity of the strands, which can stretch and snap if tugged too firmly. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently work through your hair in small sections. You can start at the bottom and work your way up.

Final thoughts

If the idea of tossing out your years-old hairbrush makes you bristle (pun intended), then this is your sign-your hair deserves a much-needed upgrade! Treat yourself and invest in a quality brush. However, once you have your tried-and-true favorite, it can be all too easy to wistfully brush away. There is such a thing as over-brushing, so just remember- less is always more when it comes to keeping your hair neat and polished.