A guide to Hairbrushes for Professional Hair Stylists
01/11/2022
Being a hairdresser provides a genuine opportunity to touch the lives of people in more ways than one. As a hairdresser, you influence your client's social life and shape part of their personality. A good look and a new feel could motivate them to look forward to their professional and social lives. Along with this comes a whole spectrum of hair types! From fine and straight haired clients to those with big and beautiful curls, you need to be prepared for everything, having the right hair dressing brushes is important! Here at Salon Store we thought we would put together a blog which explains all about brushes and when best to use them. Choosing the right hairbrush and using it correctly can make all the difference in achieving your perfect hair look. There are so many different kinds of brushes on the market… but do you know which one to use for what? Are you using the brush that is right for you? When selecting a hairbrush, there are a few things to consider. Afterall, the best hair brush for creating volume probably won’t be the same as the best brush for smoothing straight hair.
Which material is best for you?
Before you pick up the same type of hair brush for every client, consider the following: Hair type – is it thick and curly, or fine but long? What brush will help you manage their hair best? Hair condition – do they have very damaged or brittle hair? You might need to use a gentle brush to help protect it from breakage. Hair style – does your client want sleek and straight hair? Or, would they prefer it if you created some texture and movement? If they have natural curls, will your brush keep them defined? Brush size – particularly when it comes to barrel brushes, different sizes can have a big impact on the results. Be aware of what effect the hair brush material, the type of pins it has and the shape of the brush will have on the hair before you put it into action. Having a good selection of different hair brushes will make your job so much easier. So, we’ve picked out five types of hair brush that we think every hairdresser should have in their kit…
Detangling Brush
Best brush for wet hair and removing knots. Whatever hair type, style or client you are dealing with, every hairdresser needs to have a good detangling brush on hand. Detangling brushes are specially designed to help gently tame any knots without painful tugging on your client’s scalp or causing breakages – particularly on wet hair, which is most vulnerable to damage.
Wet Hairbrush
Another tangle-teaser, wet hairbrushes are best used on wet hair. They use fine, soft bristles to work through the toughest knots without causing damage. They’re also handy for heat-styling, with heat-resistant bristles that won’t melt or break when blow-drying.
Boar Bristle Brush
Best brush for smoothing frizz and preventing breakage. Boar bristle brushes are often said to be the best type of hair brush out there. Great for pretty much any hair type, they are soft enough to help prevent breakages, while distributing hair oils for a natural shine. For frizzy hair, they can smooth out strands while also helping to remove any build-up of skin cells left behind, too. There are plenty of different types of hair brushes with natural bristles out there to choose from – paddle brushes, radial brushes and detangling brushes, to name just a few. Choose one that combines boar bristles with firmer nylon pins if you need to groom thicker or curly hair.
Blow Dry Brushes
Best brush for creating volume. For hairdressers, your arm really isn’t complete without your trusty blow drying brush in your hand! Yes, to say that round or radial brushes are a staple brush type is an understatement! But, are you sure you are using the right blow dry brush type for your client? There is plenty to take into consideration – the barrel size can have a big effect on the results you achieve, whether you want big curls, soft waves or tight flicks.
Paddle Brush
Best brush for curly hair and styling thick hair. A paddle brush is one of the most versatile types of hair brush you can have in your kit. You can use them to detangle, smooth and style the hair into sleek updos – though they should be avoided if you are creating texture, as they will flatten any layers.
Vented Brush
Best brush for quick drying fine and straight hair. The humble vented brush might seem a little basic, but they can be incredibly handy. Ideal for use with a hair dryer, the vents help with air circulation for a speedy drying time. They might not get you the silky smooth results that a barrel brush does, but if you want more of a natural, tousled feel to the hair, a vent brush is just what you need.
How Often Should You Brush Your Hair
How often you pick up the hair brush is very much dependant on your hair type. Brushing regularly helps to distribute essential oils and stimulate the scalp, keeping locks smooth and shiny. For straighter locks, aim to brush twice daily; curls and coils may only need brushing once a week to prevent build-up of shed hair.
How To Clean Your Hair Brushes
Cleaning your hairbrush regularly will help to banish dirt, product residue, and scalp oil build-up on the bristles. No matter the hairbrush type, the same method of cleaning generally applies. Remove stray hairs before attempting to clean. Lather the brush with antibacterial dish soap or shampoo and warm water, be sure to scrub the bristles in one way only. After 30 seconds of scrubbing, rinse the brush properly. Ensure there is no residual cleaning product on the brush before drying face down.