Choosing a hairbrush should be simple, but the number of shapes, bristles and barrel sizes can make the decision surprisingly confusing. The right brush depends on what you want to accomplish, whether that means gently removing knots, creating volume or smoothing your hair during a blowout.
This guide breaks down four useful brush styles and explains when to reach for each one.
Detangling Brushes: Wet Brush Pro Detanglers
Detangling is the first step toward a smooth, manageable style. Instead of brushing from the roots downward and forcing knots through the hair, begin at the ends. Once the ends are clear, gradually work upward toward the roots. This technique places less tension on the hair and helps minimize unnecessary pulling and breakage.
Wet Brush Pro Detanglers are designed with flexible bristles that move with the hair rather than aggressively pulling against knots. They can be used on wet or dry hair and are available in several colors and designs.
These brushes are a useful everyday choice for most hair types. For thick, curly or especially tangled hair, divide the hair into smaller sections and work through one section at a time.
Everyday Blowouts: Cricket Technique Round Brush
A round brush helps transform partially dried hair into a smooth, polished style. The Technique Round Brush is available in multiple barrel sizes, making it suitable for different hair lengths and styling goals.
Smaller barrels help create tighter bends, more defined curls and movement in shorter hair. Larger barrels are better for smoothing long sections, creating loose curves and adding volume through the roots.
Before reaching for a round brush, rough-dry the hair until it is approximately 70–80% dry. Working on hair that is still soaking wet makes the blowout take longer and exposes the hair to unnecessary heat.
Smooth, Shiny Styling: Olivia Garden NanoThermic Brush
For a sleek blowout with body and shine, the Olivia Garden NanoThermic Brush is a versatile styling option. Its ceramic barrel heats during blow-drying, helping shape and smooth the hair as you work.
The vented barrel allows warm air to circulate through the section for more efficient drying. Its ion technology also helps smooth the hair’s surface and reduce the appearance of frizz and flyaways.
Use the brush with controlled tension and direct the dryer’s airflow down the hair shaft. This encourages a smoother finish while preventing the hair from becoming tangled around the barrel.
Long Hair and Extended Blowouts: Wet Brush Epic Professional Heat Wave Extended Blowout Brush
Long or thick hair can be difficult to fit across a traditional round-brush barrel. The Wet Brush Epic Professional Heat Wave Extended Blowout Brush 2.75" offers an extended barrel that can accommodate larger and longer sections of hair.
Its ThermaGraphene-coated barrel retains heat to help create a smooth, polished blowout. The larger 2.75-inch size is especially useful for producing volume, soft movement and straighter finishes rather than tight curls.
When working near the crown, pull each section upward and slightly forward before rolling the brush back toward the roots. Hold the section briefly as it cools to help preserve lift and volume.
How to Choose the Right Brush
Consider your primary styling goal before making your selection:
- Choose a Wet Brush Pro Detangler for removing knots on wet or dry hair.
- Choose a smaller Cricket Technique Round Brush for short hair, bends and defined movement.
- Choose a larger Cricket or Olivia Garden barrel for volume and smoother blowouts.
- Choose the Wet Brush Epic Extended Blowout Brush for long, thick hair and larger sections.
Many people benefit from owning two brushes: a detangling brush for everyday maintenance and a round brush for heat styling.
Keep Your Brushes Clean
Hair, oil and styling-product residue collect between bristles over time. Remove trapped hair regularly and wash the brush with warm water and a small amount of gentle shampoo when needed.
Avoid soaking brushes with wooden handles, cushioned bases or electrical components. After cleaning, place the brush with the bristles facing downward and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
With the correct brush and proper technique, detangling becomes gentler, blow-drying becomes more efficient and creating a polished style at home feels much easier.
