Hair Brush Guide
You probably have noticed the wide range of hair brush shapes and designs available. Some are designed for different hair types while others are designed for certain types of styling. Hairbrushes can help detangle smooth, shape and style the hair. Brushing can aid in removing dead skin cells and hair product build-up. Brushing can also increase blood flow as well as encourage cuticles to lay flat.
Natural Bristles
Natural bristles are made from keratin (a fibrous protein that forms hair). These types of bristles are gentle and best used on dry hair for reducing static. Natural bristles are less effective on wet hair when compared to plastic and nylon.
Plastic, Nylon and Wire Bristles
Brushes made from plastic, nylon and wire tend to be more versatile and effective on wet hair. These types of bristles can also stand up to heat when using blow dryers.
Flat or half round brushes
Flat brushes are designed for all aspects of wet or dry hair-styling as well as blow-drying. The brush can create straight smooth styles. This brush usually comes with nylon bristles with a rubber base. Wider space and thicker bristles are more effective for longer hair.
Tip: If your hair is prone to breakage, make sure to use a softer bristle.
Paddle brushes
If you are trying to blow dry wavy hair into straight hair then broad and flat paddle brushes work best. The rubber cushioning on the end is not only designed for comfort but to also reduce static.
Pneumatic brushes
These brushes have a domed air conditioned rubber base. Designed so that every individual tuft penetrates through the hair to the scalp. A larger quantity of tufts on this type of brush ensures that the scalp is stimulated whilst the hair shaft is polished. These brushes are anti-static and ideal for medium/long hair.
Vent brushes
Vent brushes are made for detangling and smoothing even coarse or thick hair. These brushes usually have hollow centers that allow for airflow when blow drying. The special bristles or pin patterns are designed for detangling wet hair.
Circular or radial brushes
These brushes are circular or semicircular in shape. With close-set bristles these brushes grip the hair more tightly. With wide set bristles more air will enter to remove tangles. When used while blow drying the brush is effective at smoothing hair during blow drying. The brush can also be used like a large roller. This is done by wrapping hair around the brush during blow drying and then leaving the brush in the hair as it cools.
Dressing out brushes
These brushes are narrow in shape with only a few rows of bristles. Designed for back brushing hair at the roots for creating lift and volume. These brushes can also come with a slender pin tail which can be used for sectioning hair.
Hair Brush Maintenance
All brushes should be cleaned by removing hairs and washing in warm, soapy water, then rinsing thoroughly. Natural bristle brushes should be placed bristle-side down and left to dry naturally. If you use a pneumatic brush with a rubber cushion base, block the air hole before washing.