6 Hairbrushes That Can Improve Your Hair Health, According To Stylists (2025)

As someone with curly hair, I know a thing or two about hair brushes. As a young girl, I remember cycling through various types, trying to figure out which one would be best for my 3B/3C texture. It wasn't uncommon to get combs or hair ties stuck in my hair. But with time, I got a better sense of what worked for me—and what didn't.

And that part is important: You probably use your hair brush every day, so you want to be particular about what you invest in. "No one brush can be used to achieve every look you're after," says Kimberly Gueldner, a celebrity hairstylist and founder and leading stylist at Voël Hair. Because of that, knowing how to use all the different hair brushes is equally important. "The right technique is essential for achieving your desired style and keeping your hair healthy," says Joey Scandizzo, a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder and co-creative director of ELEVEN Australia.

Meet the experts: Hayley Heckmann is a celebrity hairstylist and Nutrafol partner. Joey Scandizzo is a celebrity hairstylist and co-founder and co-creative director of ELEVEN Australia. Kimberly Gueldner is a celebrity hairstylist and founder and leading stylist at Voël Hair.

If you're not sure where to start, don't stress. I chatted with three celebrity stylists to give you the rundown on which brushes are essential and how to use them. Read on for the deets.

1. Paddle

What it's best for: Odds are you may already have a paddle brush at home, as it's one of the more popular types out there. In short, this large, flat brush is typically best for smoothing out your hair for a sleek finish, says Hayley Heckmann, celebrity hairstylist and Nutrafol partner.

It can also be used to get rid of stubborn knots, depending on your texture. "This type of brush has a cushioned back, so it won’t tug or break your strands," says Scandizzo. "It’s big, so you can cover a lot of hair at once, making it perfect for quick detangling." He adds that those with straight hair can benefit from using the brush to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and prepping your strands before using hot tools like flat irons. Those with curly and coily hair should opt for paddle brushes with nylon or synthetic bristles.

How to use it: Sectioning your hair before brushing is optional and not always needed. If you're using a paddle brush to detangle your hair, start at the ends and slowly work your way up toward the roots. If you're working on wet or curly hair, prep with leave-in conditioner for an easier glide. "When styling with heat, hold the paddle brush flat against your hair and move the blowdryer along the bristles for smooth results," says Scandizzo.

2. Round

What it's best for: If salon-quality volume or some bend or wave are what you strive for, you'll want to invest in a round brush. It's ideal for those with medium to thick hair, and it has a cylindrical shape with a metal or ionic barrel at the center. Heckmann and Scandizzo agree that this kind of brush is best used with a blow dryer to create lift at the roots. You may also notice that some barrels are bigger than others—they range from one inch on up. "The smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl, and the larger the barrel, the smoother and straighter the finish," explains Scandizzo.

How to use it: Start by drying off wet hair with a blow dryer or by air drying. Then, split your hair into multiple sections. Gueldner notes that these sections don't have to be small. If you're using a blow dryer "place the round brush underneath the section and roll it through to the ends, following closely with the heat from your blow dryer," says Scandizzo. For more volume, lift your sections up and away from your scalp.

For a slicked-back look, apply product to dry or wet hair and brush toward the back of your head before creating your desired updo. Add extra product as needed, once the tie is secure.

3. Wide tooth

What it's best for: The name of this brush says it: "The spaced-out teeth are designed to gently glide through the hair without causing breakage," says Scandizzo. "It’s a must-have, especially for wet detangling, when hair is at its most fragile." This comb is an essential for people with curly and coily hair since detangling in the shower or while hair is wet is the norm.

How to use it: Using this comb is relatively straightforward, with the goal being to not tug at your strands. Gueldner recommends starting off by sectioning your hair (two to four parts, depending on your type and texture) before combing through your strands starting from the ends to the roots to avoid breakage.

4. Rat tooth

What it's best for: This comb has close-knit teeth that are good for smoothing, according to Scandizzo, but the pointed "tail" is perfect for precision work and sectioning the hair if need be. Heckmann notes that it can be helpful when trying to achieve the perfect middle part in a ponytail, or sectioning hair to achieve symmetrical braids. You can also use it to tease your roots to create more volume.

How to use it: To tease your hair and create more volume, start by sectioning your hair. Then, place the comb behind each part and pull that area outward slightly, says Gueldner. If you're only using the comb to part your hair for styling, glide the "tail" through the hair in the direction you want the part to go. A sharper tip ensures a cleaner look and more even part.

5. Boar bristle

What it's best for: While you may use boar bristle brushes to help you create the perfect slicked-back bun, its purpose actually goes beyond that. "Boar bristle brushes are great for maintaining hair health because they help stimulate the scalp and distribute natural oils throughout the hair shaft," says Heckmann. "This makes them helpful in minimizing frizz and great when used alongside styling products like gels or creams to smooth the hair down."

How to use it: After detangling hair, gently brush from ends to roots. Adding oil beforehand is optional.

6. Mixed bristle

What it's best for: If you want a brush that can give you the best of both worlds, look no further than a mixed bristle. "The nylon bristles help detangle your hair, while the boar bristles stimulate blood flow in your scalp and redistribute those natural scalp oils throughout your hair for added shine and moisture," says Heckmann. This kind of brush can be especially helpful for people with medium to thick hair who use heated styling tools. That said, those with curly or coily hair may find that these kinds of brushes create more frizz.

How to use it: Start by sectioning your hair as desired. From there, Gueldner suggests using a small amount of oil on dry hair, gently working it from the ends to the roots. Next, comb your hair from the ends and work upward to avoid excess pulling or breakage. If you'd like to use a heated styling tool, you can do so once your hair is detangled and smoothed out.

The bottom line

While there are a lot of brushes on the market, you don't need them all to achieve the look you want. It may take some trial and error in terms of finding the right brushes for you and mastering how to use them, but patience throughout the process is key. If you're really unsure of which brushes are for you, consider talking to your hair stylist for tips that are specific to your hair type.