How to Choose a Hairbrush to Protect Your Hair From Damage

Searching for the right hairbrush might seem like a waste of time. But because we need to use it every day, it might have a big impact on the health of your hair. Using the right hairbrush will significantly improve the condition of your hair.

5-Minute Crafts explains which hairbrushes and combs you should use depending on your hair type and what effect you can achieve.

Paddle brush

Hair type: long, wavy, and straight hair without much volume

Use: It untangles and smoothes the hair while providing a scalp massage. The shape of the brush minimizes the damage. Such brushes might have different bristles. For thick hair, you need stronger bristles made of nylon, for example.

Oval brush

Hair type: straight (especially long) and wavy

Use: It untangles the hair without scalp irritation. This brush has small balls at the ends of the plastic bristles to help you get rid of knots. Don’t brush wet hair in order not to damage the structure.

Round brush

Hair type: any

Use: This is for hair styling. It’s great for straightening wavy hair, making locks more voluminous. The bigger the brush, the more volume there’ll be. Big brushes like these are the best choice for people with thin hair.

Rat tail comb

Hair type: any

Use: It will quickly make a clean part with its long, thin end. If you want to make 2 braids, part your hair with this comb.

Wide tooth comb

Hair type: any

Use: This untangles wet hair. The teeth are great for brushing wet hair. If you take a shower before going to bed, carefully use this comb and tie your hair.

Vented brush

Hair type: any

Use: This brush is for drying hair with a hair dryer. The holes on the back part of this brush let the hot hair through to make the process faster.

Boar bristle brush

Hair type: thin, curly

Use: This is for styling dry hair, making it wavy. Although they might not appear to be the most delicate on the scalp, the boar bristles are designed to gently glide through the hair (like a paddle brush) without snagging or pulling on the roots, making it a go-to brush for women who have fine hair.

Teasing hairbrush

Hair type: any

Use: This creates volume. Using a teasing brush is the easiest way to lift your roots to create the illusion of fullness. This brush is perfect for teasing your hair and creating texture to support it. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t tease your hair too often, as this process can be a bit harsh on your hair.

Mixed bristle brush

Hair type: very thick and medium hair

Use: This is for styling dry hair without heating it. The soft bristles smoothen the locks and spread the natural oil to make the hair shiny. The hard bristles get into the locks better and untangle them.

Loop brush

Hair type: any

Use: This is for brushing hair extensions and wigs. The unique looped bristles allow the brush to glide easily over wefts without getting caught or pulling them out.

Denman brush

Hair type: curly

Use: This detangles curly hair, giving it definition and distributing product from root to tip. It comes in many variations with different numbers of rows and bristles. However, all Denman brushes have a rubber base and nylon pins with rounded bristles.