Hairbrush 101: A Guide to Choosing the Right Brush for the Job

If you’ve ever walked down a beauty aisle you’ve no doubt seen the wide variety of hairbrushes available. You may have even stood in the aisle scratching your head trying to choose the best one. Many people grab the first brush that catches their eye, but using the wrong brush could be the cause of many bad hair days. It’s important to understand hairbrush types and how they work so you’re sure to choose the right one for your hair type, texture, and hairstyle.

Round Brushes
If your goal is to create volume, a round brush is what you want. With many sizes to choose from it’s easy to customize the tightness of your curl. A smaller brush like the 1 inch Martino Tourmaline Anti-Static Round Brush will create smaller waves while the larger 1.25 inch Martino Tourmaline Anti-Static Round Brush will create larger waves. These brushes incorporate tourmaline for their ionic properties that help reduce static and frizz, and they’re vented for even airflow and heat distribution to reduce drying and styling time.

Paddle Brushes
Those with long, thick, or coarse hair already know the importance of choosing the right brush. Grab the wrong one and you could be in trouble. Small round brushes are notorious for getting wound up and stuck in lengthy locks. The best brush for these hair types is a paddle brush such as the Martino Tourmaline Anti-Static Paddle Brush. It uses tourmaline to reduce static and frizz, while its wider spaced bristles are able to power through thick hair to get all the tangles and massage the scalp as you brush.

Natural Versus Synthetic Bristles
When choosing a brush you need to consider more than just the style. The materials are just as important. Natural brushes like the Martino Large Round Boar Bristle Brush are soft and gentle on hair to prevent breakage. They evenly distribute your natural oils to moisturize your strands and add shine. They also do an excellent job of separating thin, limp strands to add lift and volume. Synthetic bristles are typically made from plastic or nylon. These materials don’t create as much static and so reduce frizz and flyaways. The slick bristles slide easily through tangles making them perfect for locks prone to knots.

It may be even more important than you thought to choose the right hairbrush. The wrong brush for your hair type could damage your hair leaving it looking less than healthy. Make an appointment with a  Martino Cartier Salon stylist for a trim or new haircut and while you’re here get hairbrush recommendations from the pros. Give us a call at 856.582.6600 to book an appointment or use our free mobile app from iTunes or Google Play to schedule right from your phone. We’ll see you soon at 304 Hurffville Crosskeys Rd., Sewell, NJ.