Ever wondered why hairbrushes come in so many different shapes and sizes? Do you think every type of hairbrush serves the same purpose? And that you can just pick any to detangle your hair? Beautician Lata Poudel, from Shringar Kendra in Hattiban, Lalitpur, says that different kinds of brushes are meant for different tasks. She mentions that using the right tool for your hair can prove to be crucial in maintaining the health of both your hair and scalp. So don’t just randomly pick up any hairbrush the next time you are out to buy one. Consider your hair type and what you want a hairbrush for as well. To make things easier, Poudel guides you through the uses of different kinds of combs and brushes. Read on to clear the confusion.
Comb
Generally, there are three kinds of combs – wide-tooth comb, rattail comb, and all-purpose comb. Wide-tooth combs are great for detangling wet hair. Because of the large gaps between its teeth, people with any hair types and texture can use it without worrying about pulling and breaking their hair. Poudel also suggests you use this type of comb for ensuring uniform distribution of color while coloring your hair. 

Next is the rattail comb. As its name suggests, this type of hair comb comes with a long and pointed tail handle which helps to section out locks for braiding, coloring, curling, or flat ironing. Also, the narrow widths between its teeth make it a great tool for styling. However, those with very thick or frizzy hair must be careful while using a rattail comb. You might suffer from excessive hair fall when you use this type of comb on a daily basis. So, apply hair oils or serums to settle down the frizz before using a rattail comb.  

An all-purpose comb has both wide-tooth and rattail characteristics. You just have to be careful to use the right side while combing with this kind of comb. 

Bristle brush
It is a curved shaped brush with either natural or synthetic bristles on one side. Unlike a comb, this type of brush is used for conditioning and detangling small locks of dry hair. The structure of the bristles carries sebum, the oil produced at the scalp, to the end of the hair shaft making your hair appear shinier. Apart from that, it also creates volume at the roots while flipping it out or curling it under. 

However, never use bristle brush when your hair is wet. Allow your hair to dry completely then divide your hair in sections. With each stroke of the brush, start from the root and bring it all the way down to the tip. For highly tousled hair, comb it with wide-tooth comb first before using the bristle brush. And, after every use, clean the brush and get rid of stray hair strands and dust.

Paddle brush
They are usually large and flat in structure and can be found in rectangular, square, or oval shapes as well. Using this type of brush will flatten out frizzes and lead to shinier hair but it won’t add volume to your hair. This type of brush is usually said to be a good pick for those with long, thick, and straight hair. The air-filled cushions of the brush bend easily to massage your scalp and also minimize damage from pulling and tugging. 

There are two ways to use a paddle brush correctly. If you are brushing your hair just to detangle it, then use your brush vertically, starting from the ends towards the tip. But for blow-drying, use it horizontally, starting from the roots and going towards the ends of the hair.  

Round brush
Do not mistake round brushes for other regular brushes used to detangle hair. The only purpose of this brush is to help style your hair. With a round brush and a dryer, you can achieve a stunning blow-dried look with major volume and a few curls just in a matter of a few minutes.  These brushes come in various sizes from very small for tighter curls to big for luscious waves. So consider your hair length and type of style you are trying to achieve before deciding which size of round brush to go with. 

Vented brush
Any type of brush designed with open holes on the back is known as a vented brush. This particular structure allows heat to pass directly from all sides to reach hair strands further speeding up your hair drying time. With a vented brush, you won’t run the risk of damaging your hair due to excess heat. Use a vented brush as your regular or styling brush with a dryer and notice the difference. However, vented brushes don’t work well on smooth and silky hair as these types of hair are very prone to static.

Teasing brush
Teasing brushes are used to transform thin hair into thicker, voluminous tresses. Firstly, divide your hair into sections with the help of a rattail comb. Then, with a teasing brush, gently brush your roots at the crown only. The soft and small bristles will help add more volume than a regular hairbrush. Repeat the same procedure in each of the sections. Flip it and use your comb to hide the teased sections. Be careful about your hair type and the amount of hair you tease to avoid unnecessary breakages. Also, be sure that your hair is completely dry before using a teasing brush.

 
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