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 hair serum, 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:

1. 1

2. 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. 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.”

3. 
   Philip B.
   paddle brush
   goop, $190

1. 2

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. 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.”

3. 
   Christophe Robin
   pre-curved blowdry
   hair brush 12 rows
   goop, $103

1. 3

2. To Detangle and
   Stimulate the Scalp:
   Detangling Brush

   Bristles:

   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.”

3. 
   Harry Josh
   detangling brush
   goop, $19

1. 4

2. To Create a Smooth
   Finish and Gleam:
   Finishing Brush

   Bristles:

   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.”

3. 
   Mason Pearson
   popular mixture hair brush
   goop, $205