Ever wondered what is *actually* the right hair brush for you?
Do you remember when there was that (slightly terrifying) trend going around where you needed to brush your strands 100 times before going to bed? Yep, we were glad to see the end of it a) because who has the time and b) it can be seriously damaging to your strands.
But it did get us thinking about our trusty hair brushes. Because these literal god send creations take our birds nest-like locks to sleek and shiny strands. But, if you're anything like us, you (or your parents) likely chose your hair brush type when you were young, and you've just stuck to it ever since. But maybe, just maybe, you could be doing your strands dirty with your brush choice.
So, we chatted to Editorial Stylist + Creative Director Peter Beckett to get the lowdown on how to choose the right brush for your hair type...
How do different brushes affect hair health and shine?
Finding your perfect brush comes in a multi-staged check list. Sure, taking your hair type — along with, condition, elasticity, density, and thickness — into consideration is key, but you've also got to think about the types of brush bristles. Why? Because they "play a huge part in the condition of [your] hair". For Beckett his "favourite brush for reducing frizz and adding shine is a boar bristle brush type brush. Not only is a boar bristle brush great for gently massaging the scalp, which increases blood flow, it distributes the healthy oil from your scalp throughout your hair which results in added shine and benefits".
See, not all brushes are made equal. Taking your hair's needs into consideration (including how damage-prone it is), is a must for healthy luscious locks.
Should you change brushes between detangling and styling?
Beckett suggests changing brushes is totally a must do to create your perfect style. Because understandably a lot of the time our styling brushes (think ceramic barrels) are often not suitable for detangling, and vice versa. So, having multiple on hand will save you from any strand styling woes that you may have.
How to choose the right hair brush for your hair type...
Fine to medium hair brush
Giving your fine strands a little oomph is never a bad plan. Often opting to live a limp life of their own, adding in a ceramic-barrelled brush to your routine will ensure that styling your strands won't have you looking like Professor Snape. With the nylon bristles working your scalp's natural oils across your hair, you'll find your tresses looking shiny and silkier in no time. Our fave pick? evo Hank 35 Ceramic Vented Radial Brush ($45 at Adore Beauty), which gives you body, bouncy and frizz-free protection.
Medium to thick hair brush
Let's be real. A paddle brush is pretty well the most versatile of all the brushes. And add in the fact that they're often able to be used on wet hair without causing any damage and you've got us sold. The Wet Brush Pro Paddle Detangler ($25.95 at Adore Beauty) actually boasts a range of celeb fans (including Kendall Jenner), which makes it the perfect brush to manage detangling all of those luscious locks all while ensuring the health of your hair.
Thick and coarse hair brush
Getting a standard hair brush through coarse hair can end up like a certain triggering (for some) scene in The Princess Diaries. But having a brush with a multi-bristled combo will help you to detangle without the fear of frizz, or loosing the brush to your mane. Although when it comes to boar-bristled brushes — which the Denman Natural Bristle Single Nylon Quill Medium Grooming Brush ($47.95 at Adore Beauty) uses — it's important to note not to use it on wet hair.
Curly hair brush
Now, by no means are we suggesting raking this nylon-pinned, brush through those spirals. We know that's a sure fire way to frizz town (a stop no one wants to make), even with it's anti-static rubber base. No, this brush is perfect for wet curly hair (*ahem* it actually went TikTok viral), for helping to define and lock-in your curls. The brush in question? Denman Large Classic Styling Brush ($34.95 at Adore Beauty).
How often should you replace your hair brush?
Look we hate to be the bearers of bad news, but you really should be replacing your hair brushes way more frequently than we suspect you currently are (don't worry we're in the same boat). Yep, are you ready to be shocked? Because you should be replacing your hair brushes every six months to a year, yikes!
But we're going to live in the world where if you take good care and clean them regularly (yep, that's a thing you definitely should be doing), then maybe you can extend their life a little longer.
So, um, we're all in the same sitch and need a new brush now? Good thing we know exactly which one to pick up for our strands!
Main Image Credit: @kendalljenner
Emma Allcock began her career in the world of fashion and beauty in 2015, interning for various PR fashion houses. Naturally her love for style soon extended to beauty, and Emma landed firmly in the beauty and wellness world thanks to an internship-turned-role at local Australian fragrance brand Maison Blanche. One thing that remained consistent whether unpacking accessories or creating social content? Her commitment to an always-perfect manicure. Luckily, she’s since turned her talents to helping her readers achieve the same, writing about all things beauty and wellness. Emma is now a Content Producer for BEAUTYcrew, with her words and recommendations also appearing across Girlfriend and beautyheaven. Emma loves the process of diving deep into the world of testing (and writing) about everything from haircare to fragrance. When she’s not slathering her skin in something new, she’s going for an early morning stroll to catch a stunning sunrise (coffee in hand, of course), because life’s all about that wellness balance after all.
