Any hair stylist can tell you that brushes are not “one size fits all”—each one is designed to carry out a particular function for a particular hair type. Use this guide to find the perfect tools for your hair, whether it’s thick and curly or fine and thin. You might be surprised by the difference a brush can make!
Full PDF here.
1. Choose Your Bristles.
Most hair types are compatible with a mixed bristle brush, but as the texture of your hair changes with age, it becomes more important to match your bristle type to your hair care needs.
Boar
Ideal for: distributing oils evenly, shiny blowouts
Hair type: soft enough for fine hair; brushes with “reinforced” boar bristle are strong enough for thicker hair
Nylon
Ideal for: gently detangling, distributing oils evenly
Hair type: medium to thick
Mixed-Bristle/Porcupine
Ideal for: brushing into a smooth finish
Hair type: all
Plastic
Ideal for: detangling and pre-drying hair, a great “first step” brush
Hair type: all, but especially great for medium to thick hair
Quick Tip: To get the most out of your brush, remove hair after each use, clean with warm water and shampoo every two weeks, and replace when bristles begin fraying.
![hairbrushes 101](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Hairbrushes101.FI_-1024x1024.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![hairbrushes 101](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Hairbrushes101.FI_-1024x1024.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
2. Find Your Shape.
The shape of your brush should coincide with both your hair type and your style goals. Each type is designed to assist with a certain “look,” from the sleek and straight to a chic chignon to soft curls.
Paddle (Flat) Brush
Ideal for: straightening hair, drying large areas for a smooth finish
Hair type: long, straight hair or short bobs
Round Brush
Ideal for: creating volume, body, movement, and curl
Hair type: fine
Quick tip: The size of the barrel will determine how much curl you will get. The larger the barrel, the straighter the style.
Fine-Tooth Comb
Ideal for: straightening and separating, detangling wet hair
Hair type: wavy or curly
Styling Brush
Ideal for: smoothing and styling, quick blowouts
Hair type: thick
Teasing Brush
Ideal for: adding height, supporting updos
Hair type: medium to thick
Quick tip: Avoid using a teasing brush if you have fine or fragile hair.
3. Select A Barrel.
Using the right barrel is key to managing dull, damaged, or curly hair and creating smooth, frizz-free shine. Here are some benefits of the most popular brush barrels.
Ceramic: best for daily use, maintains a healthy temperature during blowouts
Thermal: protects hair against heat during blowouts
Titanium: protects hair against heat with a ceramic coating, more lightweight than ceramic
Tourmaline (Ion): smooths hair and prevents static, great for winter months
Vented: smooths while detangling, distributes heat for consistent blowouts
Expert's Choice
Mason Pearson Hairbrushes, Available at The Cosmetic Market
![Mason Pearson Bristle Hairbrush](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Hairbrushes101.Bristle-1024x683.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Mason Pearson Bristle Hairbrush](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Hairbrushes101.Bristle-1024x683.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Mason Pearson Bristle Hairbrush](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Hairbrushes101.Bristle-1024x683.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Mason Pearson Mixed Bristle Hairbrush](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Hairbrushes101.MixedBristle-1024x683.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Mason Pearson Mixed Bristle Hairbrush](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Hairbrushes101.MixedBristle-1024x683.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Mason Pearson Mixed Bristle Hairbrush](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Hairbrushes101.MixedBristle-1024x683.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
“These two brushes are very hot sellers,” says Cosmetic Market corporate manager Mary Kathryn Yeiser. “The boar bristle is made from 100% boar hair. The nylon mixture brush is very popular and written-up in all the magazines. It’s the one you always hear about!”