Hairbrushes

The Wet Brush Review
Hair

What We're Sweet On: A Brush That's Safe on Wet Hair

If you're one of those people who yank a brush through your wet hair even though you know it causes serious breakage, then your time has come.
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If you're one of those people who yank a brush through your wet hair even though you know it causes serious breakage, then your time has come. The "Wet" Brush ($14) by LuxorPro is a specially formulated detangling brush that is actually safe to use on wet hair. Sound too good to be true? The secret is in the bristles. Instead of hard, rigid plastic bristles, this brush has soft, flexible bristles that massage their way through your knots without pulling or breaking. That means less hair in your brush while still having silky smooth strands. So brush on, ladies.

Microphone Hairbrush
Hair

Now You Can Brush Your Hair — and Brush Up on Your Singing, Too

Tom Cruise may have used a candlestick as a prop for which to belt out his skivvy-shaking rendition of "Old Time Rock and Roll" in 1983's Risky Business.
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Tom Cruise may have used a candlestick as a prop for which to belt out his skivvy-shaking rendition of "Old Time Rock and Roll" in 1983's Risky Business. But there's nary a person alive that hasn't done the hairbrush-as-a-mic routine. And now the folks at Corioliss have incorporated the latter concept into their cleverly quirky Mic Brush ($25). So this paddle brush isn't actually wired to amplify your voice, but amp up your hair it will. The cushioned pad is designed to keep static away, and a detachable pick at the handle allows you to section hair with ease. It's the perfect de-tangler, straightener, and Journey ballad belter-outer. Store this one in the why-didn't-I-think-of-that files.

What Does a Styling Brush Do?
Hair Brush

Hairbrushes: Styling

The styling brush is a basic, everyday kind of hairbrush that can be used for general combing or during blow-drying.
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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.

What Does a Round Brush Do?
Hair Brush

Hairbrushes: Round

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?
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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.

What Does a Paddle Brush Do?
Hair Brush

Hairbrushes: The Paddle

The hairbrush — you probably use one every day, but with the wide variety of brushes available, do you ever wonder which is what, and which one you should pick, anyway?
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The hairbrush — you probably use one every day, but with the wide variety of brushes available, do you ever wonder which is what, and which one you should pick, anyway? Well, you're in luck because all this week, I'll be featuring different types of brushes and how to use them. As a general guideline, pick a brush based on the length of your hair and the style you want to achieve.

Let's start off with the paddle brush, which is great for longer hairstyles. To use, gently lift hair at the roots and sweep down the hair shaft. Since this brush is so flat, it's best for creating smooth, sleek, and shiny styles without lots of volume. It also works wonders as a finisher for curly, frizzy, or wavy hair that's been styled by other means.

Because the paddle brush is so wide, it's also great for penetrating thick hair and providing a gentle, stimulating scalp massage. Try the Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush ($18).