The Ultimate Hair Brush Guide
Welcome to the ultimate guide to hair brushes! Whether you’re a professional stylist or someone looking to improve your at-home hair routine, this guide will walk you through the different types of brushes, which hair types they work best for, and how to use them to achieve your desired style.
With over 12 years of professional experience, I can confidently say: when it comes to brushes, size matters! The right brush can make all the difference in creating a flawless finish that highlights your hard work—and leaves your client (or yourself) feeling amazing.
Let’s start with the basics. All hair brushes can be divided into two main categories:
Flat Brushes: Ideal for smoothing and flattening the hair.
Round Brushes: Designed to add bend, body, and curl.
The amount of curl depends on the brush’s diameter—the smaller the brush, the tighter the curl. Your hair length also plays a role: it determines how many times your hair can wrap around the brush, influencing everything from a slight bend to a full curl.
Yes, you can even straighten your hair with a round brush! Using a large round brush while blow-drying works especially well on short to medium hair.
Another key factor is bristle type. widely spaced bristles offer less tension, making them ideal for fine or normal hair. Tighter bristle patterns—like those on a boar bristle brush—provide more tension and help smooth coarse or thick hair, resulting in added shine.
1. The Bamboo Paddle Brush
This is perhaps the most common brush found in bathrooms. It’s perfect for detangling wet or dry hair and is suitable for all hair types—though wider paddles work better on long hair. With widely spaced bristles, it offers minimal tension, making it better suited for wavy hair than very curly textures.
[Purchase HERE on SNXDO]
2. The Ceramic Round Brush
A hairstylist’s favorite—and for good reason. The ceramic coating over metal allows the brush to heat evenly, working like a curling iron while protecting hair from burning. Remember to keep the brush moving to avoid overheating. Use with a heat protectant for best results. Plastic bristles help add shine and smooth the cuticle. Great for all hair types!
[Purchase HERE on SNXDO]
3. The Boar Bristle Round Brush
Ideal for taming frizz and smoothing coarse or thick hair. The dense bristles provide strong tension, which can be too much for fine hair. It creates soft, loose curls and offers a salon-quality finish. I love using a large boar bristle brush on long curly hair to create voluminous, red-carpet-ready styles.
[Purchase HERE on Amazon]
4. The Mason Pearson Brush
In a class of its own. Mason Pearson brushes are handmade with a mix of nylon and natural boar bristles, offering unparalleled smoothness and shine. The bristles glide effortlessly through hair without causing breakage. This investment piece lasts a lifetime and works on every hair type.
[Purchase HERE on Amazon]
5. The Denman Brush
My go-to for short hair. This versatile brush fits perfectly in your hand and can be used for straight styling, adding volume, or creating definition. It does take some practice but is well worth the effort. It’s also popular in the curly community as a detangling tool.
Pro tip: Use it in front of the blow dryer and brush in the direction you want the hair to lie once it’s 85–90% dry.
[Purchase HERE on Amazon]
6. The Backcombing Brush
A hidden gem for volume! This brush is perfect for backcombing and creating lift for updos or special events. It’s most often used on fine to normal hair. For best results, apply a little hairspray at the roots before backcombing.
[Purchase HERE on Amazon]
7. The Fine Tooth Comb
While not technically a brush, it’s an essential tool. Perfect for detailed work like cutting hair or creating clean parts—especially for men with short hair. Not suitable for blow-drying, but a must for sectioning and smoothing.
[Purchase HERE on Amazon]
8. The Wide Tooth Comb
The safest detangling option—especially for wet hair. With zero tension, it gently removes knots without breakage. Ideal for medium to thick long hair. Use it in the shower with conditioner to prevent tangles.
[Purchase HERE on SNXDO]
Final Tips
As a client, pay attention to the brushes and products your stylist uses. Notice how they make your hair look and feel. With the right tools and a little practice, you can recreate that salon-fresh look every day.
Remember: practice makes perfect!