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Brush Up on Your Styling Tools

Find the one that’s right for you to pull through your ’do

By Karen Buscemi
Photos by Rosh Sillars

Identifying the right brush for your hair could be one of life’s mysteries. Round or paddle? Synthetic or natural bristle? Big or small? You might require your own little arsenal of brushes, depending on the result you want.

It’s also important to change your brush when you change your hairstyle. “[Otherwise] you’re probably just not going to get the results you’re looking for,” says Dayna Skolas of 6 Salon in Birmingham.

And don’t be afraid to splurge a bit.

“Treat yourself to the correct tool and you’ll find yourself looking better and feeling better about the way you work with your hair,” says Goody celebrity stylist Jim Crawford.

BRUSH BASICS: WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO?

1] You want to dry and lift hair

You need: a vent brush
Expert advice: Use a vent brush to get air through your hair so the dryer can do its work, says Patti Barreault of Palazzolo salon in Royal Oak. She uses a vent brush first on every client, then usually smoothes the ends of the hair with a round brush.
Tip: This is the one brush on which you can save a little money. Pick one with plastic bristles for fast drying, plus volume.
Try: Revlon tunnel vent brush, $5, Walgreens

2] You want to control flyaways and frizzies

You need: a static-control brush
Expert advice: A brush with tourmaline (a crystalline mineral) will naturally take care of static electricity and flyaways, so you can reduce your reliance on bottled conditioner.
Tip: Look for one infused with tourmaline, such as this brush by Goody with the crushed mineral on pad and bristles.
Try: Goody So Stylish brushes (pictured is the Tufted Square Paddle brush), $6.99, Target, Wal-Mart and drug, food and mass-market retailers

3] You want to add shine on a daily basis

You need: a gentle brush
Expert advice: People overuse daily bottled products, and using a good brush instead is much easier on hair, says Goody stylist Crawford. “No matter how great the products are, they can cause just as much damage to your hair as not using them at all.”
Tip: A brush infused with shine-enhancing natural ingredients is great if you have dry or chemically treated hair.
Try: Goody Styling Therapy Add + Shine jojoba oil-infused brush, $11.99, Target, Wal-Mart and drug, food and mass-market retailers

4] You want to smooth and curl fine, medium or long hair

You need: a round brush
Expert advice: When it comes to round brushes you can choose from a number of options in barrel size and bristle type. The size of the barrel designates the size of the curl, so use a large barrel for a smooth style, and a medium barrel for more bounce, says Skolas.
Tip: A medium barrel is also great for curling bangs.
Try: Spornette large- or medium-barrel boar-bristle round brush, $33.60, Palazzolo, Royal Oak

THE COMB IS NOT OVER Most experts agree that a comb is your best option for detangling wet hair. Jody Carriere of Palazzolo says he uses a wide-toothed comb more than any other styling tool. “The comb can get so close to the root,” he says. “Venting the hair like that first gives it more body.” Try Avon’s Detangling Comb, especially great for longer hair, $4.99. To find a local sales representative, visit www.avon.com.