
Choosing the
Right Hairbrush
for Shiny,
Healthy Hair
The right brush can make a huge difference in how your hair looks and feels, says LA hairstylist and creative director of Virtue Labs Adir Abergel (he’s also one of GP’s favorite stylists). “Figure out what results you’re looking for, then enlist a brush—along with a great product, of course—to help you get there,” he says. Different kinds of bristles and even different brush shapes alter a brush’s effect on your hair. For instance, a broad shape is better for smoothing and defrizzing, while nylon bristles with ball ends are best for detangling (and give the best scalp massage). Whether you’re looking to boost shine, conjure a sleek blowout, detangle wild curls, or give fine hair some body and a bit of playful bend, Abergel’s tips make any of the above easy:
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1
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To Straighten
and Add Shine:
Paddle BrushBristles:
A super dense combination of nylon and boar bristles
What it does:
“The broad shape is great for smoothing hair flat, removing volume and giving a strong, straight finish on the ends. Paddle brushes are designed with bristles emerging from a soft cushion, so they conform to your scalp as you glide the brush through your hair, making them perfect for sleek blowouts. The combination of nylon and boar bristles helps defrizz and smooth the cuticle: The boar bristles redistribute the scalp oil, while the nylon pins help detangle.”
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Philip B.
paddle brush
goop, $190
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2
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To Boost Volume
and Bounce:
Round BrushBristles:
Twelve rows of curved boar bristles
What it does:
“If you lack volume, a round brush creates body and bounce, giving the illusion of more hair. The shape builds lift at the scalp and creates the perfect finish on the ends. A
boar-bristle brush is my favorite because it creates the right tension and flattens the cuticle to give you the maximum amount of shine.” -
Christophe Robin
pre-curved blowdry
hair brush 12 rows
goop, $103
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3
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To Detangle and
Stimulate the Scalp:
Detangling BrushBristles:
Ball-tipped nylon pegs
What it does:
“A detangling brush is important for everyone because it helps prevent damage. It’s great for stimulating the scalp and gently detangling wet hair. The rubber-coated handle makes for easier grip when your hair is wet, and the rubber balls on the ends [of the nylon pegs] protect the scalp from getting scratched. I personally like to use it while I have my conditioner in my hair.”
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Harry Josh
detangling brush
goop, $19
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4
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To Create a Smooth
Finish and Gleam:
Finishing BrushBristles:
Boar bristles and nylon tufts
What it does:
“This is the perfect finishing brush. The combination of boar and nylon helps with grip and shine and distributes oils throughout the hair to create polish. If you want that kind of red carpet, old-Hollywood hairstyle, curl your hair first, then brush out the curls for a smooth, glossy look.”
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Mason Pearson
popular mixture hair brush
goop, $205