Do different hairbrushes for different hair types really make a difference or is it all a big marketing ploy?
Today we take a quick look at the different hair brush types and if the wide range out there is really needed.
So firstly a quick run down on all the different hairbrush types out there and what they do (quick heads-up - there are a lot!)
Hair detangler brush
Detangler brushes are designed for all hair types from the finest all the way through to the thickest, curliest hair. The idea is to minimize damage from brushing knotted hair, and their thin flexible bristles are supposed to make it easier to detangle without all the pain that can come from brushing knotted hair!
The wet hairbrush
So we at An'du warn against brushing hair when wet as when your hair is wet its at its weakest and too much brushing can cause a lot of breakage and damage. That being said, we know that with super curly hair, brushing when wet with conditioner in can be the only realistic option, so this might be the brush for you. These kinds of brushes typically have heat resistant bristles so can be used with a hairdryer too.
The shower hairbrush
A variant on the wet hairbrush, usually with a hooked handle so you can hang it in your shower and possibly with vents too so it can dry quickly. Soft bristles again mean gentler brushing when your hair is wet.
Cushion brush
A well known household brush with a squishy, rubber base and stiff wire or plastic bristles. These bristles are good for brushing away any build up in the hair and at stimulating the scalp which is nice for increased blood flow as long as you don't overdo it!
Thermal brush
These brushes can be round or paddle brushes with a barrel or base made of a material that conducts heat, such as ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium. They are designed to speed up drying without damaging the hair. These are the kinds of hairbrushes you often find in salons and hair dressers.
Boar bristle brush
Not our go to as its clearly not a vegan product, but a popular one none-the-less. It's designed to redistribute oils from the scalp around the hair which creates that lovely shiny look people so desire.
Natural bristle brush
The vegan equivalent of the boar bristle brush this brush is designed to mimic the effects of boar bristle while obviously not containing animal products. Sometimes these brushes contain both natural and synthetic materials, so look carefully if you want to stay away from plastics.
Nylon bristle brush
Nylon bristle brushes are made from nylon - a synthetic material that is designed to reduce static and effectively detangle hair.
Curved brush
Designed to fit snugly around the rounded shape of your skull when brushing. Often quite lightweight and vented which can be good for travelling or gym brushes.
Paddle brush
A wide paddle designed for longer, straighter hair. It covers a lot of ground as it were, but isn't as great if you have particularly knotty hair as it will obviously encounter a lot of knots at once.
Anti-static hair brushes
Designed to reduce static these brushes can work in different ways. Some of these brushes are called ionic brushes which work by adding negative ions to the hair when they brush. Others are simply vented which allows the air from a hair dryer to pass through eliminating static and frizz.
Round brushes
Designed for styling the hair when blow drying. Often used to create curls, waves or body to the hair.
Teasing brush
Designed to tease up sections of hair to give volume and body when brushing.
Wide toothed combs
Can be used, similar to fingers, for detangling hair when wet whilst minimising damage. Often used on thicker, curlier hair.
Straightening brush
A combo of a straightening iron and a hair brush. Different variations of this brush include ones that heat up or actually blow hot air. Designed to be less damaging than a traditional hot straightening iron.
So with so many different types out there and of course a lot of variation even within just one type, is this all a marketing hype or does the type of hair brush you use actually make a difference?
Well, the answer, as always is somewhere in the middle. There seem to be definite benefits or draw backs to using different brushes for different hair types, but quality can vary enormously and branding can play a major part in the price tag, often without the engineering or quality to necessarily back it up.
Sometimes of course, the best answer is also to try out a few and see what feels right for your hair. Borrow friends or family's brushes and test them out before buying yourself. What seems to suit you.
We have also however, given a quick guide below on the best types of brush for different hair types. Obviously this is just a guide and will not be true for everyone, but it gives you a good starting block with which to jump off if you're looking to upgrade your hair care routine.
Best brush for fine hair
As finer haired people often don't need to worry too much about tangles, you can go for something with a harder/ stiffer bristle here. Boars brush or vegan equivalent are good options as they can create lovely shine and also stimulate the scalp. You might also want to look at a teasing brush or round brush if styling with heat to encourage volume and lift (something fine hair can sometimes struggle to achieve).
Best brush for thick hair
Tangles can be more of an issue here, so if you struggle with knotty hair, then we'd steer you towards wide toothed combs or detangler brushes. Using the wide tooth or the gentler/ flexible bristles encourages detangling while minimising damage. If however you have thicker hair but don't find knotting too much of a problem then a paddle brush might be a good option for you as you have a lot of hair to brush through!
Best brush for thinning hair
With thinning hair, being gentle is key. Opt for a soft bristled brush that won't damage or pull out your hair. A teasing brush could be good here too to add a bit of volume at the roots.
Best brushing advice:
Whichever brush you go for, don't forget to clean it! Many people often forget about this which can lead to oils, dirt and product clogging up your brush and ending up back on your hair every time you use it! Most brushes can be cleaned with warm water and soap and just left to air dry after.
Also, make sure you don't over brush. Overdoing anything is rarely good and the same is true for brushing. Over brushing can cause unnecessary strain on the hair follicle leading to hair loss or breakage.