Different Types of Hair Brushes and What Brush to Use

ith such a large variety of hair brushes in the market, it is crucial that you come to know the difference and purpose of each brush. This will allow you to find the right brush for your intended use and desired outcome.


Here are the most popular types:

• Styling Brush:  A styling brush is known for it's curved shape and bristles on only one side; it has a gentle, cushion backing and no vents.  A styling brush helps to create volume at the roots is perfect for flicking up hair or curling it under and works well with thicker hair. They are great for hairstyles such as a bob or mid length hair styles.  They are available with both synthetic and natural bristles, but I recommend using natural. Hair types that allow a fast blow dry will really benefit from this simple all around brush. The most popular are made by Denman.

• Paddle Brush:  The paddle brush is very similar to the styling brush but is wider and flatter in shape.  It is a large brush with a soft cushion and bristles on one side. They help the hair's cuticle lie flat making them perfect for smoothing and detangling hair without volumizing or for blow-outs and styling. Paddle brushes are perfect for use on all hair types from short and fine to thick and long. They come with synthetic, natural and ionically charged bristles. The most popular are made by Denman.

• Cushion Brush:  This brush is best for medium-length to long hair that is naturally straight or delicate but works well with wavy medium length hair as well. Their design is very similar to the paddle brush with a soft cushion, a flat back and regular or ball tipped bristles. The air-filled cushion acts as a shock absorber and protects hair and scalp from aggressive brushing.

• Vent Brush:  The vent brush, also know as the vented brush, has bristles on one side with vents that allow air to flow through. They are available in all shapes and sizes and are most commonly used to create volume at the roots while adding direction and movement to hair during a blow out. The vents between the bristles increase the air flow of hot air to the hair, reducing drying time and enhancing the style. This brush is not ideal for use on hair that has flyaways or is prone to static frizz because it won't help smooth or aid in styling.

• Round Brush:  A round brush is tubular in shape and is perfect for achieving just about any hair style and is ideal for use on all hair types and textures. The are available with barrel diameter sizes ranging from 3/4" up to 3.5". Other differences are bristle placement and some even have vents which are then called "thermal round brushes". With a round brush you can achieve lift, volume, curl and even smoothness. When used with the heat of a blow dryer, a smaller round brushes act like hot rollers to create curl and waves. The larger round brushes smooth and add lift, volume and soft body. The length of your hair and your desired finished look determines which size brush you should use, for more on this see our round brush size guide...Round Brush Sizes, What Size Should I Use

Here are a few tips when using your Round Brush:

• Do you have short hair and want to create volume? If so then I would recommend you purchase a more open bristle round brush such as Cricket's #350 or #370.

• For shorter hair with a lift and curl consider the Cricket #300, #310 or #330.

• If you have long hair and want lift and a little curl then I suggest the Cricket #390.

• For long hair that you want curly, use a smaller barrel such as the Cricket #330, #350 or #370.

All of these brush suggestions can be replaced with a brush from another brush manufacturer with the same barrel diameter.