A good hairbrush should do far more than just brush hair, but buying the right one can be very confusing. There are two important factors to consider: finding the appropriate brush for your hair type and styling regimen and making sure you get a quality brush
The Styler “salon favourite”
“Denman or Vess” is a brand name often used to describe this type of brush. They have no vents and a solid cushion backing. The bristles are on one side only and form a slight half circle bend. They are available in two sizes, 7 row and 9 row. They are best used on bob shape cuts and mid length hair using a “wrap dry” technique to achieve a little root lift and to smooth and straighten the lengths and ends of the hair.
Vent Brush
A vent hair brush could be either cylindrical or flat but its specialty is that it contains holes or small openings on its base. It could be either concentrated to only the middle or it could be spaced out throughout the brush. This provides ventilation for the hair letting air to pass through the brush which speeds up the blow drying process; hence, the name. For this very same reason, its bristles are also widely spaced. This brush is also great for adding volume and shaping the hair.
Round Brushes
The name “round brush” describes itself but the most important thing to realise about it is that it’s not just for creating curl. The more open bristle type is used for achieving maximum height and lift. The densely packed real bristle round brush is great at smoothing and straightening your hair with the tension needed for hair that naturally has a wave or curl. The size of the brush you need depends on the length of your hair and the effect you want. The basic rule is that the smaller the round of the brush the tighter the curl.
Thermal Brush
Not a brush type but a version really, these come as vent or styler types. If time is your concern then a thermal brush could be what you need. They work by using a metal or heat conductive material at the center of the brush; this gets hot using the heat from your hair dryer. Therefore as you increase the heat that is drying your hair it will be working not only on the surface of the hair, but internally as well. You can get effects that are rather like setting your hair on rollers when you get really good with one of these! You most commonly find round thermal brushes but they also come as vent or styler types.
Paddle Brush
Great for straightening medium to long hair, a paddle brush smooths as it lengthens. As opposed to the round hair brush, this style encourages hair to lie flat and is better for hair which is not layered too much: Made for medium to long hair, this brush is a daily brush that massages the scalp and can perform the same duties as the half-round brush.
Here are some additional hairbrush tips:
Look at a good brush like an investment. If it’s high quality and well taken care of, a good hairbrush will last for years.Clean your hairbrushes regularly. Oils and greasy hair residue take away from their performance. Rub another brush into the bristles to lift and loosen trapped hair. Gently soak your brushes in warm water with a little shampoo.
