Your guide to finding the perfect hair brush

When it comes to makeup, we know we only look as good as the tools we use. However, many people don’t realise the same rules apply to our hair brushes. Because while we are super selective about the treatments and heating tools we subject our hair to on a daily basis, the same can’t always be said about hair brushes.

But did you know choosing the correct hair brush for your hair type can make a world of difference in achieving your perfect hair look? Although with so many brushes on the market, it can be tricky choosing the right one for you. That’s why we’ve put together a guide explaining the best hair brushes for your hair type.

FINE/FLAT

If you have fine hair, you should use a gentle brush because your hair type is more susceptible to damage. Extra-soft boar bristle brushes are generally the best brush for fine hair types, as they are gentle on the hair and scalp while maximising natural shine. Boar bristle brushes also have stiff bristles that are great for detangling your locks without pulling out hair.

Lady Jayne’s 100% Boar Bristle Brush is renowned for strength and resilience. Suitable for fine hair, this top quality brush stimulates the scalp while smoothing the hair free of knots and snags.

THICK/COARSE

Unlike other hair types, it’s important that those with thick, coarse hair use a brush that can withstand difficult to manage strands. For this reason, nylon bristles are your best bet. Nylon bristles are somewhat similar to boar bristles, but they are stiffer and offer more control to help detangle thicker hair types.

Brushworx Tourmaline Porcupine Radial Brush is a nylon and boar bristle brush designed for use on thick, coarse or textured hair. It is perfect for smoothing, creating volume and adding shine. It features a Tourmaline/Ceramic barrel which breaks down water molecules, creating moisture-rich hair for immediately visible results. 

FRIZZY

Because frizz is caused by a lack of moisture in the hair, the goal is to find a brush that helps combat this dryness. Boar bristle brushes are considered to be one of the most reliable tools for this purpose, as they are basically the equivalent of a natural conditioning treatment. The bristles help redistribute the natural oils in your scalp throughout your hair, making it smoother and more moisturised. When these bristles are combined with nylon, you can get an unstoppable combination that offers a more solid grip for detangling frizz.

TONI&GUY Grooming Brush is perfect for frizzy hair. It has a combination of boar and anti-static nylon bristles to smooth and groom medium to long hair to polished perfection. The boar bristles spread the natural oils of the scalp to improve hair texture, leaving you with an ultimate sleek shine.  

CURLY/COILY

While many say that curls shouldn’t be brushed at all, there are some brushes designed specifically for this hair type.

“Those with curly hair should always look for solution-type tools,” said celebrity stylist and curls expert, Nai’vasha. “This includes things like paddle brushes, gloves, and Denman style brushes. These all tend to detangle and define in one punch.”

Mason Pearson has a great selection of brushes for curly hair that are loved by hair stylists worldwide. The Mason Pearson Nylon Only Brush, in particular, is a highly specialised brush that suits very tight, curly hair. It reduces frizz and is ideal for long, curly hair. 

DRY/DAMAGED

Dry or damaged hair can always benefit from extra shine, repair and moisture, so you should always look for a brush with extra soft bristles. This is because you want to avoid tugging and snagging on your delicate strands.

Duboa is a one-of-a-kind Japanese made brush that gently removes tangles and knots without splitting or tearing even the finest of hair textures. The gentle boar bristles – set closely together – grip hair without causing damage.