Hair Brush

Over the past week or so, I've given you the details on everything you've probably ever wanted to know about hairbrush bristles, from the ionic to the synthetic to the natural to why they're spaced the way they're spaced. For the final installment of this series, I've gathered up the miscellaneous facts I've learned about this handy tool. Check them out when you read more

Buying the right hair brush, shape, and bristle size for your hair type can be daunting. And that's why I'm here to give you the specifics. Earlier, I told you how ionic blow-dryers work by offering up negatively-charged ions to the positively-charged water molecules in your hair.

Ionic bristles work in much the same way. Manufactured with a specially-treated synthetic material that gives off negative ions, this type of bristle attracts water, helping the hair to dry faster, all while resisting static. Ionic bristles also give a shinier, softer finish as a result of its ability to seal the hair cuticle and restore the water balance in the hair. So long, flyaways.

Here are some ionic hair brush suggestions: Spornette Icera Ceramic Ionic Hair Brush ($13); Bio Ionic iTools Nano-Ionic Conditioning Brush ($35); or Olivia Garden Ceramic and Ion AntiStatic Square Cushioned Paddle Brush ($11).

Hairbrushes are such simple, everyday tools, but do we ever put that much thought into which ones are the most appropriate for our hair types? That's what I'm here for: to teach you the brushin' basics. Last year, I gave you the scoop on which hairbrush is right for your hair type and styling needs, and now I've got you covered on bristles. So far, I've explored why bristles are spaced the way they are and the advantages of boar bristles. Next up are synthetics.

This type of bristle is almost always made from nylon and comes in varying textures. Soft and flexible work well for sensitive scalps and finer hair. Stiff, less-bendy types are best for thicker and/or curly hair. While nylon is typically more inexpensive from its natural counterparts, the biggest disadvantages are that synthetic can melt under excessive heat and they're not biodegradable.

For a classic nylon brush, there's always Mason Pearson Detangler Nylon Hair Brush ($82), or for an affordable version try Umberto Oval Brush ($11).

Did you ever wonder why some hairbrushes are more wiry and others were soft to the touch? Well, you're about to find out. All this week I'm exploring everything you ever want to know about hairbrush bristles. I've already covered how and why bristles are spaced apart and what those little ball-like endings are there for — read about it here. Next up? It's all about the materials from which bristles are made, whether synthetic, natural, or a little of both.

Natural bristles are typically comprised of hair from an adult boar. While boar bristles work for all hair types, those with very curly or thick hair might find them to be too soft to penetrate through their hair. The advantages of boar bristles are that the scaly texture of the bristles helps to clean the hair and scalp and distribute shine-enhancing sebum. They're also easy on the scalp, cause little to no breakage, and reduce static. The biggest disadvantage? Depending on the cut of the hair, boar bristle hairbrushes can be expensive, like the classic Mason Pearson Boar Bristle Hairbrush ($170). Fortunately, there are more affordable versions, like the Swissco Oakwood Oval Boar Bristle Hairbrush ($12).

As you stand in front of the wide array of hairbrushes at the store, do you become baffled? Last year, I told you about the different types of hairbrushes, and now, I'm giving you the lowdown on bristles. Do you ever wonder why some bristles have balls on the ends or why some are spaced apart? Well, you're about to find out.

While it's uncertain what early hairbrush bristles were made from, historians believe that natural materials like wild boar and porcupine quills were used to detangle and style hair. The patent for the modern-style hairbrush that we know today, however, was issued in the 1850s. (Check out the patent here.)

When it comes to spacing, bristles are set closer together for fine hair and wider apart for curly or thick hair. They're also often shorter in length for shorter hairstyles. This is all so the bristles can more easily penetrate the hair to detangle and smooth. As for those balls on the ends of bristles, they help protect the hair and scalp against damage while also providing a massaging effect. If the ball tips start falling off, it's time for a new brush because the exposed ends can cause breakage. Wondering why some brushes are soft, some are made of metal, and why we still use that wild boar? Stay tuned to learn more about bristles in upcoming posts.

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When faced with the wide array of hairbrushes at the store, it can all be a wee bit overwhelming. Well, fret no more. Take a look at some of the basic brushes below and find out all about the who, what, where, and why of these detangling devices. Happy brushing!

Paddle Brush: For smooth styles

Round Brush: For body and wave

Styling Brush: For sleekness and lift

Copper bracelets are supposedly great for arthritis and joint pain, but can a copper brush help cure dandruff? My sister, who has long suffered from this condition, wanted to find out. While I was scoping out the hair accessories aisle, she came across the Goody Styling Therapy Reduce+Dandruff Paddle Brush ($13). "Do you think this will work?" she asked with a tinge of apprehension.

Scientists now believe that dandruff is caused from the fungus malassezia, a pesky little microbe that lives on all of our scalps. While some people aren't affected by the critters, others are, with an itchy, flaky, and oily scalp often resulting. Goody's brush is supposed to kill those suckers — 88 percent of bacteria and fungi, they claim. To find out what my sis thought, read more

The styling brush is a basic, everyday kind of hairbrush that can be used for general combing or during blow-drying. While the round brush is best at gripping the hair for sleek styles, the low tension of a styling brush works wonders on smoothing out ends — particularly for bobbed or medium length styles.

Also known as the "styler" or the "Denman," this classic rectangular shaped brush can also be used to lift hair at the roots for added volume. Try the Denman Classic Styling Brush ($7.49) or Aveda Wooden Styling Brush ($13).

Confused about brush choices overall? Be sure to check out the rest of my hairbrush series, with more to come.

Many a times, I have stood in front of the hairbrush aisle facing, to me, what seems like a zillion choices — flat, round, skinny, soft-bristled, and/or balls on the ends? It's enough to make the head spin right 'round. And cue the 80s music.

Are you confused on which brush to choose? Well, fret no more. All this week I'm featuring ins and outs of hairbrushes so that you can pick what you think is best for your lovely locks.

The round brush, which is known for delivering great curls and flips, also volumizes and straightens hair by providing an appropriate amount of grip while blow-drying. A larger diameter base will give loads of volume, and works well for longer styles, while a smaller diameter base will provide tighter waves, and works great on shorter styles.

Ceramic or metal brushes are a specialized type of round brush, working with the heat of your blow-dryer, allowing you to create styles and manipulate your hair much like that of a curling iron.

Try Spornette Pronto Round Brush ($12.99) or Umberto Round Brush ($12.99) for voluminous results.