One would imagine that choosing a hairbrush would be a simple proposition. For most of us, growing up, the hairbrush used was decided by its proximity when we wanted to drag one through our hair. Our mothers
may have had two or three brushes in a drawer in her dressing table, but if any thought was given to which to use, it was usually the one that appeared cleanest.
If we were lucky, however, we learned a little about the options available in hairbrushes as we grew older. At least we learned enough to understand when to use a bristled brush as opposed to one with tines.
But a lot of the nuances of hairbrush varieties were still lost to us. In fact, unless we chose a career in hair styling most of us never learned more about brushes than this.
The varieties and uses of hairbrushes is pretty useful information, and when exercised properly these choices can make a dramatic difference in the styling results we may experience. Good hair brush choices
can also help to keep the hair looking, smooth, shiny and healthy.
The following are basic brush types that can be easily found in any beauty supply department or shop. These often come with either bristles or tines depending on the manufacturer and their specified
intent. A particular brush may fit into two or more categories at once as variations and combinations of features can create specialized tools for specific uses and hair types.
Vented Brushes vented brushes are called such because the body of the brush (upon which the bristles or tines are mounted) is usually hollow with slits spaced evenly along the length
to allow air to pass through the brush and subsequently through the hair. Vented brushes are used in blow-drying the hair to add volume and often create texture and some movement depending on the shape.
Styling Brushes styling brushes are usually all-purpose tools that are used to perform the majority of styling functions with the hair: detangling, smoothing out curl and basic styling
and shaping. Styling brushes are often specialized for specific tasks based on the shape of the brush.
Cushion Brushes cushion brushes are constructed with the tines or bristles mounted onto a pad or cushion to allow the bristles to give somewhat when used on the scalp and hair. This
makes them gentler to the head and more comfortable for those individuals who have sensitive or tender scalps.
Round Brushes Round brushes are called such because they have tines or bristles around the circumference of the barrel of the brush. They are often used for styling with a blow-dryer
in order to add curve to the hair. Round brushes generally work best when they are kept in motion through the hair. The biggest mistake people make in using round brushes is treating them like rollers or
traditional curling tools. Winding longer hair around the barrel of a round brush generally only leads to tangled hair and unpleasant results.
Flat Brushes flat brushes are called such because the body of the brush is designed to be flat with tines and bristles that are evenly-spaced and uniform in length. These brushes
are designed to create even tension throughout the hair as it is drawn through and is meant to help create a straight style.
Massage Brushes these specialty brushes typically have cushioned bases and soft bristles or rubber (or at least rubber-tipped) tines. The purpose for these brushes is simply to
massage the scalp and stimulate the skin in order to increase blood-flow and help keep the scalp and hair healthy.