The best hairbrush depends on your hair type.
When was the last time you actually thought twice about your hairbrush? Or maybe even you’ve been using the same brush for years and you’re not even sure you like it?
Studio 5 Style & Beauty Contributor Megan Moore takes you to hair school, helping you understand all of the different types of brushes so you can get the right one for your hair type.
The Importance of Bristle Material
One important aspect to consider when choosing a hairbrush is the bristle material. “The most common are going to be a boar bristle, which is a natural brush,” she said. “It’s going to distribute oil through the hair. It’s going to be soft, it’s going be great for shine.” On the other hand, synthetic bristles made of plastic or nylon are standard, but can cause static. Metal bristles are durable, but can be harsh on the scalp.
Understanding Bristle Type
Bristle type also makes a difference in the effectiveness of a hairbrush. “There’s a ball tip bristle, which has a ball on the very end. Then there’s just a needle type bristle that doesn’t have a ball,” Megan mentioned. Ball tip bristles are more massaging and can help lift hair for added volume, while needle bristles reach the scalp, but do not lift the hair.
Why Bristle Density Matters
Density refers to how close the bristles are together. “Density matters big time,” Megan said. “So a boar bristle brush… is so dense.” Dense bristles are great for smoothing and distributing products like dry shampoo, but may not reach the scalp. Brushes with spread-out bristles are better for detangling and separating curls.
Flexibility and Bend of the Brush
The flexibility of the bristles is important, especially for fragile hair. “If you’ve got fragile hair that breaks, you do not want a stiff brush,” Megan emphasized. “You want one that’s going to bend and be soft.” Flexible bristles are gentler on delicate hair, while stiff bristles are better for coarse, heavy hair.
Heat Considerations
If you use heat styling tools, choose a brush designed for heat. “I see women use a paddle brush that’s not designed for heat all the time,” Megan said. Brushes with airflow holes and materials like ceramic or tourmaline can help conduct heat and add shine.
Megan’s Favorite Brushes
Find the brushes Megan recommended on her website.
Megan shared some of her favorite brushes for different hair types. For curly hair, she recommended the Olivia Garden curly brushes, which come in several densities.
For blow-drying, she loves the Wet Brush, designed for airflow and heat conduction.
For fragile hair, she suggested the Wet Brush detangler with soft, flexible bristles.
Find more beauty recommendations from Megan on Instagram, @beautysnoop, or on her website, thebeautysnoop.com.
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