Hair Brush Beauty Guide: When And How To Use What Brush

The paddle brush can be used on any length of hair and is especially beneficial for people with thicker locks. Because of its size, it's best used for simple day-to-day grooming. If you’re looking to tame some flyaway hairs, or for just a quick detangle before heading out, this is the brush you’re looking for.

Vent brushes are used to cut down on the time it takes to dry your hair. The "vents" on the brush, along with the spaced-out bristles, allow the hot air from your blow dryer to reach your strands easily. For best results, dry your hair in sections and brush from root to tip continuously.

The small round brush is used to achieve a side swept bang and to accentuate layers in the hair. If you dream about having perfect mid-length bangs but can’t seem to get them to sit properly, use this brush. Gather your bangs on both sides of your face, hold the brush horizontally, place it behind your hair, and roll it backwards while tugging the brush upwards. For fringe bangs, place the brush in front of your bangs and roll forward while tugging upwards.

Large round brushes are used to create loads of body and volume. By constantly rolling the brush while drying and holding the hair in a roll around the brush, you can create a sexy voluminous do with minimal work.

Smoothing brushes are perfect for up-dos that require every piece of hair to be perfectly in place. Once you’ve tied your hair back into the desired position, spray a bit of hairspray on the bristles of the brush and lightly brush the hair. This will lock any flyaways or stray hairs that are trying to disobey while also giving you some extra shine.

These brushes are best used on wet or damp hair. With soft, yet thick and flexible bristles spaced perfectly apart, detangling brushes comb through tangled hair with ease and without breaking or damaging your hair.

Perfect for all hair lengths and types, the teasing brush is used for backcombing, which adds significant amounts of volume to parts of the hair at the root. After figuring out what section of your hair you’d like to backcomb, spray some hairspray on the roots and, using the teasing comb, brush the hair downward. Then, once you are satisfied with the amount of body you’ve achieved, take the teasing comb and lightly brush down any stray hairs. The initial steps of teasing hair may look crazy, but the results are worth it!

Mixed bristle brushes are the go-to brush for post-styling to delicately blend layers to look seamless. If you’re in search of the brush that is used to achieve the vintage Hollywood brushed-out-curls look, this is it! Start with a full head of curls that point away from your face. Once they have been set, take your oval brush and gentle brush through the curls. The mixed bristles of this brush help to give you a touchable softness while distributing your natural oils for a glamorous shine.

When it comes to hair extensions and wigs, it is incredibly important to use only designated products on them. Looped bristle brushes are made specifically for hair pieces because the loops are formulated to brush through hair seamlessly, without tugging or pulling.

Spornette Super Looper Hair Brush, $12.

By far our favourite, this Conair hair brush not only dries your hair while brushing, but also spins to create the perfect lift. Use this brush if you're looking for the perfect body-filled blowout, or even as a rough blow dry before styling.

CONAIR Infiniti Pro Spin Air Rotating Styler, $53.