Whether you have unruly curls, ultra-coarse hair or fine strands, we have the best tools for your texture.

 

Good hair days are elusive. When hair is misbehaving it’s easy to blame the hair type we’ve been blessed—or cursed—with, or the shampoo, conditioner and styling products on our shelves. And, while they do have a say on if it’s going to be a good or bad hair day, the unsuspecting culprit is often our tools, specifically brushes. We ask Kristjan Hayden, creative director for Aveda Canada, for his best tips on breaking down the most common brushes and the hair type and task they’re best suited for.

Detangling wet hair

Proceed with caution when using a comb or brush on drenched strands. “Hair is more delicate when wet, the cuticle swells which makes it susceptible to breakage,” says Hayden. For thick, coarse, long hair try a square nylon paddle brush. Not only does it help with detangling post shower but Hayden suggests bringing it into the stall to help evenly distribute a hair mask or treatment, “it’s more effective than using a comb because the number of bristles, it covers more area.”  For fine, thin, medium length hair use a comb with wide-set teeth to untangle snarls. Start at the ends and work your way up.

Best for blowouts

What's the special ingredient in perfecting a bouncy blowout? A round brush, says Hayden. For thick hair try a ceramic round brush with ball-tipped bristles. Once heat is applied the tourmaline and ceramic blend emits ions to help flatten, smooth and speed up drying time. For fine to medium hair types a soft boar and nylon bristle brush will provide gentler tension, creating volume without the damage. If you’re looking for a speedy blowout with no bounce try a vented brush.

Teasing tresses  

If you’re keen on creating a voluminous updo or bestowing a second life to your day three blowout, you’ll need the assistance of a boar bristle teasing brush. Using rows of bristles at varying heights these brushes are designed for backcombing. The trick to using this tool is to work it through small sections of your hair with long even strokes. “Start at the mid-shaft and run the brush through hair towards the scalp,” continue with short strokes until you reach desired volume.

For everyday and everyone

An all-purpose brush doesn’t exist, but the next best thing is a medium paddle brush with a mixture of nylon and natural boar bristles. The Mason Pearson is a favourite amongst hair pros, including Hayden. This Rolls Royce of brushes never pulls or snags, works on damp and dry hair, and distributes oils throughout the hair, which helps add shine.