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 hair serum, of course—to help you get there,” he says.
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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 it easy.
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1
To Straighten and Add Shine:Paddle Brush
Bristles:
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,” says Abergel. “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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2
To Boost Volume and Bounce:Round Brush
Bristles:
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,” Abergel says. “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.”
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3
To Detangle and Stimulate the Scalp:Detangling Brush
Bristles:
Wooden pins
What it does:
“A detangling brush is important for everyone because it helps prevent damage,” he says. “It’s great for stimulating the scalp and gently detangling hair.” Here, the beechwood handle makes for an easier grip, and the spaced-out wooden pins and soft rubber cushion protect the scalp from getting scratched.
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4
To Create a Smooth Finish and Gleam:Finishing Brush
Bristles:
Boar bristles and nylon tufts
What it does:
“This is the perfect finishing brush,” says Abergel. “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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Extra Credit:
Scalp-Massage Comb
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Use this gorgeous hand-cut jade comb for an invigorating gua sha massage for your scalp. Based on the ancient Chinese therapy of gua sha—which involves smoothing a sculpted massage tool over the face or body—a massage with this comb feels absolutely incredible (especially after using the Cold Processed Scalp Detox tonic). Invigorating for the scalp and relaxing for the spirit, it’s our new favorite daily ritual.
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