Brushing is our first step to great hair; before we pick up the dryer or apply any product, we brush. Though you may brush at different times—before or after the shower, before bed or when you wake up—it’s something we all do, all the time. So how come we don’t focus more on this essential tool? We need to size up our go-to brush and ask ourselves if it’s really working, or are we just used to it? Unlike products you know have been formulated for your texture, how do you know which brush is right for your hair type?

(image via Instagram)

LONG, THICK HAIR: Paddle Brush

Paddle brushes weave through coarse hair easily, partially because of bristle spacing. A key detail that we never really thought of, bristles that are spread further apart work best on thick hair. The ghd Paddle Brush is great for taming thick, longer hair sans static.

(image via riahhair.co.uk)

DRY HAIR: Boar Bristle

Boar bristles are much gentler on strands than the synthetic kind, and we especially love Moroccanoil’s Boar Bristle Classic Brush for dry hair. Brush at the scalp to distribute your natural oil throughout parched strands. Bonus – this tool is soft enough for a DIY scalp massage, which helps maintain hair health overall.

(image via Morrocanoil)

FOR EXTENSIONS OR TANGLES: Removal Brush

Although originally made for hair with extensions, the Sheila Stotts Removal Brush is just as effective on tangly, natural hair—which is probably why there’s a cult following around it. It detangles without pulling as spaced out bristles ensure a gentle, damage-free brushing. Since snagging is kept to a minimum, it’s perfect for low pain threshold ladies like myself.

(image via SheilaStotts.com)

OILY HAIR: Round Boar Bristle Brush

Want to prevent oil buildup? Try the  Minalo Boar Bristles Hair Brush With Wood Handle, Round Comb, 2.2-Inch antibacterial brush. It re-distributes oil, making sure it doesn’t settle at the scalp. The wonder-brush also reduces frizz and helps create volume.

(image via amazon.com)

DANDRUFF PRONE/PRODUCT BUILD-UP: Exfoliating Scalp Brush

Dry brush the AVEDA pramāsana™exfoliating scalp brush in a circular motion to exfoliate the scalp, brush away impunities and stimulate hair growth—afterall, healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp.

(image via AVEDA)

FINE HAIR: Tangle Teezer

Though it does wonders on any hair type, Tangle Teezer’s The Original Detangling Hairbrush is particularly effective at smoothing out fine locks. The closer the brush is to the hair, the more control you have, leading to less breakage. This award-winning must-have features both long and short teeth so we can detangle in the palm of our hand, on dry or wet strands.

(image via feelunique.com)

CURLY HAIR: Detangler Comb

A comb is the best way to attack curls, and you should do so when hair is wet to avoid the dreaded frizzies. The Ouidad Double Detangler Comb eliminates knots in fewer strokes, making it one of the most beloved curly-combs on the market.

(image via Sephora)

TEXTURED HAIR: Classic Styling Brush

Skirting static is key when brushing natural hair, which breaks easily. To combat this, try a brush with a rubber base with rounded, nylon bristles, like the Denman 7 Row Classic Styling Brush—it works for heat styling too.

(image via hairupthere.com)

FOR HEAT STYLING: Ceramic Thermal Hairbrush

The best blowout can depend a lot on the best brush. For serious volume without the static, we love Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion Thermal Hairbrush, with a ceramic barrel for even heat distribution and ion charged materials to keep hair sleek in hot, hot heat.

(image via OliviaGarden.com)

Want the best of a brush and a flatiron? Meet the straightening brush, here.

SHOP THE RIGHT BRUSH FOR YOUR HAIR TYPE