Choosing the Right Hairbrush for Your Hair
Your hairbrush matters more than you think…
We spend so much time choosing the right shampoo, conditioner and treatments for our hair, but how much thought do we give to the brush we use every day?
One brush definitely does not suit every head of hair! So which brush is right for you?
For fine or delicate hair
If your hair is fragile or prone to breakage, look for a brush that has soft and flexible bristles. You might want a gentle detangling brush for removing knots or a soft natural/mixed bristle brush to add shine to your hair.
Remember! If you have knots, don't attack them from the root! Start at the ends and gently work upwards.
For thick or long hair
If this is you, you'll benefit from a paddle brush or a good detangling brush.
A paddle brush is brilliant for longer hair because it can cover larger sections of hair. If you've got very thick hair, keep a look out for brushes with strong nylon pins or mixed bristles if you're looking to add more shine to your hair.
Struggling to brush your thick hair? Divide into sections instead of trying to brush everything at once.
For wet hair
This is where you're going to want to take extra special care, as when your hair is wet, it's more vulnerable to breakage.
Before using a comb or brush, apply conditioner or leave-in product first. Then use a wide tooth comb or flexible detangling brush to gently work through the ends before moving to the roots.
For curly or textured hair
A wide tooth comb or detangling brush can work beautifully through wet and conditioned curls.
However, bear in mind that some curl patterns may benefit from avoiding brushing when dry to keep frizz away.
Remember to work with your natural curl pattern rather than fighting it!
For a smooth and glossy finish
If you're after a salon-style finish, look out for a paddle, smoothing or mixed bristle brush. These are the brushes that are going to distribute your natural oils the best, which is what smooths the surface of the hair.
Natural brushes are great for creating shine and mixed bristles give the extra benefit of detangling your hair.
For blow-drying
When thinking about a blow-drying brush, it's best to think about the end results. This is where your brush is going to become a styling tool!
Round brush - perfect for volume and bounce! The bigger the barrel, the softer and larger the movement.
Vent brush - great when you want to speed up the process. The vents of these brushes allow warm air to pass through and reach more of the hair in the process.
Paddle brush - ideal for smooth and straight finishes, especially on hair that's long or naturally straight.
How to brush your hair
Ignore the old myth of 100 brush strokes a day! When you're brushing your hair, it's important to brush gently. We can brush aggressively without realising which has huge long term stressful impact on the hair.
When dealing with knots, start at the ends, work upwards gradually, and hold your hair above the knot. Use small and gentle strokes, and most important of all, take your time!
Looking after your brush
A reminder to clean your brush! This can be such an easy one for us to forget, but your brush will be collecting hair, product, and dust over time. Make sure you clean yours regularly to keep getting the best from your brush.
There isn't one universally amazing hairbrush for everyone (unfortunately!) So when choosing a hairbrush, you will have to think about your hair type, length, density, and the finish you want to achieve.
And if you're not sure which brush is going to be right for your hair, ask at your next appointment! We can recommend brushes for you and we can also show you how to use them. Click here to see some of my favourite brushes.
Has this post helped? Do you feel more confident in picking your next hairbrush? Let me know if you'd like me to cover anything else in future blog posts.
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