The Best Hair Brushes for Every Girl and Her Mane (We've Got One That'll Work for You!)

Self Magazine

Alexandra Samuel

Thomas Iannaccone
Thomas Iannaccone

When it comes to hair, the right tools make a major difference. We spend zillions of dollars on the perfect blow-dryer, the right curling iron -- even fancy hair towels -- but if you look at someone's brushes, half the time they are beat up beyond recognition. (Guilty as charged, BTW.)

But choosing the right brush makes a major difference not only for your style, but also for your hair's health. Plus, picking up the right brush for your 'do doesn't mean an endless cycle of trial and error that costs a pretty penny. In fact, it's pretty simple and pretty inexpensive. Here's my quick, under-$30, a-brush-for-all guide.

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The In-Shower Styler: I favor plastic, wide-tooth combs in the shower, but you can also use a plastic-bristle paddle brush to pull water away from strands. The Goody Quikstyle Paddle Brush has microfiber bristles built in to soak up water as you detangle. Just go easy, because wet strands can snap easily.

The De-Static Addict: Constantly fighting flyaways? Try the Cricket Technique Tourmaline Thermal Round Brush, which has a tourmaline base to balance out static-causing ions in strands. (Hot tip: Also skip ionic blow-dryers, which may help add shine, but will also add static, too.)

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The Curly Girl: Brush with an old school option and you're prone to prouf. Like, for sure. Instead, choose a wide-tooth comb to help detangle and tame without frizzifying your curls. A great option: Ouidad Double Detangler Comb, which has two rows of super strong, wide-set teeth to tame your hair. Use it when your strands are damp -- and only if you REALLY have to when they're dry.

The Blow-Dry Queen: Go for a ceramic barrel brush like the Sephora Collection Boar Round Brush, since ceramic will stay cooler, longer, whereas a metal brush would almost inevitably fry your strands. Choose a barrel size that matches the amount of volume you want -- bigger means more - and choose bristles by hair type. If you have medium, thick or coarse hair, opt for boar bristles to seal the cuticles as you brush. Fine strands? Look for a mix of nylon and boar since the nylon helps grip baby-fine pieces.

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