How To Find the Best Hair Brush for Your Hair Type, According to a Hairstylist

From reality TV shows to pandemic-induced online dating, finding “the one” is never an easy task, and that even extends to finding the proper hairbrush. Whether it be boar bristles or nylon, a paddle or a comb, finding your perfect match can result in a pretty solid search. You have to take into consideration your type, how it treats you, the way it feels to hold, the way it makes you feel (yes, I’m still talking about hair).

It’s easy to fall for the trendy, colorful ones that you see in ads that tangle and damage your hair. The perfect match, on the other hand won’t feel like hell on your scalp, it will distribute your hair oils well throughout your lengths, it will help keep your hair looking and feeling healthy, and it will reduce breakage. All of these considerations, says Tracey Cunningham, a celebrity hairstylist and OLAPLEX ambassador based in Los Angeles, are what to look out for when picking the best hairbrush for your hair type. Keep scrolling for more intel.

Best for curlier textures: Diane Oil Infused Detangler Comb, $2

Depending on the thickness and texture of your curls, Cunningham recommends using “a wide-tooth comb which won’t interfere with your curl or wave pattern, or create extra frizz,” like the Diane Oil Infused Detangler Comb. The comb is even infused with almond and avocado oil to glide smoothly through hair, making it ideal for detangling.

Shop now: Diane Oil Infused Detangler Comb, $2

Best for straighter textures: T3 Micro Volume Round Brush, $35

If you have naturally thin, flat, straight hair and are looking for volume, Cunningham recommends opting for a round brush. Round brushes, like the T3 Micro Volume Round Brush ($35), are great for creating salon-worthy blowouts from the comfort of your bathroom sink (and working your upper body in the process). Make sure to look for one that will be gentle on your delicate hair and won’t pull or snag.

Shop now: T3 Micro Volume Round Brush, $35

Best for oily roots: Mason Pearson Bristle and Nylon Hair Brush, $175

For oily roots, Cunningham recommends a natural bristle brush such as the classic, Mason Pearson. With the right kind of brush (one that has boar bristles) you can actually redistribute some of the oil from your scalp to the drier parts of the hair around the tips to help condition them. Win-win.

Shop now: Mason Pearson Bristle and Nylon Hair Brush, $175

Best for dry, damaged lengths: Olivia Garden Healthy Hair Bamboo Paddle Brush, $17

Having damaged hair can sometimes mean that you are suffering from an itchy, dry scalp too. Using a bamboo paddle brush can help exfoliate your scalp while stimulating blood flow to strengthen your hair follicles, according to Cunningham. The Olivia Garden Healthy Hair Bamboo Paddle Brush ($17) is a great option to use on both wet and dry hair.

Shop now: Olivia Garden Healthy Hair Bamboo Paddle Brush, $17

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