Which Hairbrush Should You Actually Be Using?
The brush you use matters more than most people realize. Using the wrong one can cause breakage, frizz, and frustration, while the right one can make styling easier and your hair healthier.
At least once a week, a client asks me why their hair won't cooperate when they style it at home. Half the time, the answer is their brush. They're using whatever they grabbed at the drugstore years ago without thinking about whether it actually works for their hair type.
I'm Jessica, one of the stylists here at The Warehouse Salon in Fairfield. Let me walk you through the different types of brushes, what each one does, and how one client finally figured out why her blowouts never looked right.
Can the Wrong Brush Actually Ruin Your Style?
A client named Megan came to see me last fall. She worked as an event coordinator in Montclair and needed to look polished for client meetings and venue walkthroughs. But no matter what she did, her at-home blowouts fell flat within an hour.
"Jess, I watch tutorials. I use the same products you use on me. But when I do it myself, my hair just sits there," she said. "No volume, no movement. It looks fine, but not good."
I asked her to show me what brush she was using at home. She pulled out her phone and showed me a photo of a flat paddle brush.
"That's your problem," I said. "You have medium-length hair and you want volume. A paddle brush is great for smoothing, but it's not going to give you lift. You need a round brush for what you're trying to do."
She looked surprised. "I thought a brush was just a brush."
I sent her home with a medium-sized round brush and showed her how to use it while blow drying. Two weeks later, she texted me. "Jess. I finally get it. My hair has actual body now. I feel like I unlocked a cheat code."
A month later: "My coworker asked if I got extensions. I just have volume now. This is wild."
Megan's story is exactly why understanding your brushes matters. Brushing your hair is what finishes your style and creates that softness and shine we all want. Let me break down your options.
What Brush Should You Use on Wet Hair?
As you can tell by the name, a wet brush is made for wet hair. Our hair is the most fragile when it is wet, and we need to be gentle with it. I always recommend some kind of brush made for wet hair and there are so many brands, from Wet Brush itself, to Tangle Teezer, and more options.
Please don't be rough with your hair. Make sure to read my blog called How to Brush Your Hair Properly (from a Professional) for more on this.
Is a Bamboo Brush Worth It?
A bamboo brush is a sustainable and eco-friendly hairbrush option that can be gentle on hair, stimulate scalp health, and promote hair growth. Its lightweight and ergonomic design make it easy to use and great for travel. Depending on the type of bristles used, bamboo brushes can also be great for styling hair.
This brush is great for clients who want to be sustainable while having great hair.
When Should You Use a Paddle Brush?
A paddle brush is perfect for detangling long, straight hair. The wide, flat shape allows for easy brushing, and the bristles are spaced out enough to avoid tangling. Paddle brushes are also great for blow drying, as the large surface area can quickly smooth out hair while you dry it.
This is the brush Megan was using for everything. It worked fine for detangling, but it wasn't giving her the volume she wanted during styling. Paddle brushes are smoothing tools, not volumizing tools.
How Do You Use a Round Brush for Volume?
A round brush is perfect for creating volume and curls. The round shape allows you to wrap your hair around the brush and curl it as you brush it out. Round brushes also come in different sizes, so you can choose a smaller one for tighter curls or a larger one for looser waves.
Round brushes come in all sizes and forms depending on the style you want to achieve or the length of your hair. They can come in boar bristle form, nylon form, ceramic, or a mixture of two. Round brushes really help achieve ultimate volume when blow drying your hair.
This is what finally worked for Megan. A medium-sized round brush gave her the lift she was missing. She wraps sections around it while directing the heat at the roots, and suddenly her hair has body that lasts all day.
What Brush Works Best for Curly Hair?
If you have curly hair, a wide-tooth comb is your best friend. This type of comb has wide teeth that won't disrupt your curls, and it won't cause frizz. It's also great for evenly distributing conditioner throughout your hair, making sure every strand gets the moisture it needs.
Why Would You Need a Vent Brush?
For those with thick, unruly hair, a vent brush is a must-have. The vented design allows for air to flow through the brush, which speeds up the drying process. The bristles are usually widely spaced, which makes it easier to detangle and style your hair without causing damage.
What Does a Boar Bristle Brush Actually Do?
A boar bristle brush is made with natural bristles that help distribute your hair's natural oils throughout your strands. This can help reduce frizz, add shine, and promote healthier hair. Boar bristle brushes are best for those with fine, straight hair.
I love to finish styles with these brushes or even use a rounded boar bristle brush to add serious shine. If you want that glossy, polished look after your blowout, this is the brush that gets you there.
Your Hairbrush Questions Answered
Do I really need more than one brush?
If you style your hair regularly, yes. At minimum, you probably need a wet brush or wide-tooth comb for detangling after the shower, and a styling brush that matches what you're trying to achieve. Megan was trying to do everything with one paddle brush, and that's why her results were inconsistent.
How do I know what size round brush to get?
Smaller round brushes create tighter curls and more lift at the root. Larger round brushes create looser waves and smoother blowouts. If your hair is shoulder length or shorter, start with a small to medium brush. If your hair is long, a larger barrel will be easier to work with.
Can the wrong brush cause hair damage?
Absolutely. Using a stiff brush on wet hair can cause breakage. Using a brush with bristles that are too close together on curly hair can disrupt the curl pattern and cause frizz. Brushing too aggressively with any brush can pull hair out at the root. The right brush for your hair type makes a real difference.
How often should I clean my hairbrush?
At least once a week if you use products regularly. Hair, oil, and product buildup on your brush will transfer back to your clean hair, making it look dull and greasy faster. Pull the hair out after each use, and do a deeper clean with shampoo or soap weekly.
What brush do you recommend for everyday use?
It depends on your hair type. For most people with straight to wavy hair, a paddle brush for detangling and a round brush for styling covers most needs. For curly hair, stick with a wide-tooth comb. For fine hair that needs shine, add a boar bristle brush to your routine.
Book Your Appointment at The Warehouse Salon
Now that you know the benefits of each type of hairbrush, it's time to choose the one that's right for you. Whether you have curly or straight hair, thick or thin, there's a brush out there that can help you get better results at home.
If you want personalized recommendations for your hair type and styling goals, come see us at The Warehouse Salon in Fairfield. We're at 1275 Bloomfield Ave Building 1 Unit 3, right around the corner from Pio Costa Enterprises. Call us at 973-500-4536 or book your appointment online through our booking page.
The right tools make all the difference. Let's figure out what works for your hair.
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About the Author
Brianna Thompson
Brianna is a highly skilled and licensed cosmetologist, stylist, and color expert at Studio 360 Salon in Chatham, NJ. She possesses a thorough understanding of hair products and the science behind hair and hairstyling.
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