HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT HAIRBRUSH FOR YOUR HAIR
Understanding the different types of hairbrushes on the market and choosing the right one for your needs could significantly improve the health of your hair and scalp whilst providing you with the right styling tools for your haircare needs. To do this, it's essential you understand the differences between the many types of hairbrushes available on the market, their benefits, and, of course, how to use them. 

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In this guide, we'll explore the various hairbrush types and look at the advantages of bristle brushes, helping you decide what brush is best for your hair type. We'll also touch on combs and the role they play in our styling needs.

There's a lot to get through, so let's get cracking.

STEP 1: WHAT IS MY HAIR TYPE?
Understanding your hair type is the first step towards achieving your hair goals. Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, each hair type has its own characteristics and care requirements.

Recognising your hair type accurately will help you choose the right hairbrush for your haircare routine and requirements.

FIND OUT THE TEXTURE OF YOUR HAIR
The texture of your hair refers to the thickness or diameter of each individual strand. Hair texture is typically categorised as fine, medium, or coarse.

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE TEXTURE OF YOUR HAIR?
To determine your hair texture, take a strand of hair and gently rub it between your fingers. Fine hair strands are barely visible or feel smooth, medium hair strands are easily felt, and coarse hair strands are thick and easily felt.

HAIR WITH CURL PATTERN
Curl pattern refers to your hair's natural shape or pattern when it's in its natural state. Hair curl patterns are often categorised into four main categories: straight, wavy, curly, and coily. There are many subtypes to these categories, but determining your curl pattern will help determine which brush will suit your needs, such as detangling, smoothing or straightening.

UNDERSTAND YOUR HAIR POROSITY (DRY OR OILY)
Hair porosity refers to your hair's ability to absorb and retain moisture. Understanding your hair's porosity can help you select the right products and treatments to keep your hair hydrated and healthy.

HOW DO WE DETERMINE HAIR POROSITY?
To determine your hair's porosity, perform a simple porosity test by placing a strand of clean, dry hair in a glass of water. If it sinks quickly, your hair has high porosity. If it floats in the middle, your hair has medium porosity. If it floats at the surface, your hair has low porosity.

People with high porosity hair would benefit from a bristle brush, as the bristle helps distribute sebum (natural oils) through the length of the hair. Similarly, people with low porosity could benefit from bristles, as they help stimulate the sebum glands, providing shine and gloss to lacklustre locks.

EVALUATE YOUR SCALP CONDITION
The condition of your scalp can also provide valuable insights into your hair type and overall hair health, helping you to pick the best hairbrush for your situation.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR?
Pay attention to factors such as oiliness, dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity. These characteristics can influence the effectiveness of your hair care routine and help you address any underlying scalp issues, particularly when choosing the type of hairbrush that's right for you.

STEP 2: WHAT TYPE OF HAIRBRUSH IS BEST FOR YOUR HAIR TYPE?
Once you've determined your hair type, it is time to move on to which type of hairbrush is suitable for you, your lifestyle and your haircare routine. Let's break down some of the different types of hairbrushes available at Kent Brushes.

PADDLE HAIRBRUSHES
Paddle brushes are characterised by their broad, flat surface, which makes them ideal for detangling, smoothing out hair, and eliminating static electricity.

WHY PADDLE BRUSHES
They work well on all hair types, including long, straight, curly, coily, and thick hair. The large surface area of paddle hairbrushes allows for efficient detangling without causing excessive pulling or breakage. Find a variety of different sizes in our store - whatever the length or thickness of your hair, there is a paddle brush that&#;s right for you.

Check out our unique, fan-favourite AirHedz Extra Large Paddle Brush. The large, non-scratch rounded quills are perfect for gliding through knots and curls. Choose a larger paddle hairbrush for longer or thicker hair or narrow, smaller styles for medium to short hair lengths.

Our Pure Flow Vented Paddle Brush is your best-friend when it comes to blow-drying long hair. Made from FSC&#;- certified natural wood and filled with nylon pins, the hot air from the hairdryer can penetrate through the hairbrush directly onto your hair, making it ideal for quick-drying, detangling and straightening. You&#;ll be left with smooth, soft and tangle-free hair. 

Browse some of our best paddle brushes ALLURE / PF19 / LPB1 FLORAL / PF17 / KCR5

ROUND HAIRBRUSHES
Round hairbrushes (sometimes known as radial) feature a cylindrical barrel with bristles or quills all around, making them perfect for creating volume, curls, and waves. These brushes come in various sizes, with smaller barrels suitable for shorter hair and larger barrels ideal for longer hair.

WHY ROUND HAIRBRUSHES
Round brushes are particularly beneficial for styling, as they can help smooth out frizz, add shine, and create versatile hairstyles. They are commonly used together with a blow dryer to achieve professional-looking results. Our round brushes are gender-free and suitable for both men and women. Our bristle round brushes provide more tension between the brush and the hair, allowing for extra polish and shine as you pull through the length of the hair.

You may have a quiff that you want to add roundness and volume to &#; if so, why not consider our small barrelled round brush. 

If you want to create soft, beachy waves in medium to long hair, we recommend using our &#;Pure Flow Large Vented 70mm Nylon Bristle Mix&#; or &#;Perfect For Volumising 70mm Nylon Bristle Mix&#; round brush.

TIPS FOR USING A ROUND BRUSH
To create volume and curl, use the concentrator nozzle on your hairdryer and work in sections. Dry the hair to about 80%, then lock the brush at the root of the hair and direct the heat here to dry it; this will create volume at the root. 

Then, gently rotate the brush as you pull through the length of the hair. Repeat until the hair is dry. Also, a round hairbrush is ideal for creating the perfect finish to a bob. Along with your hairdryer, gently rotate the round brush through the ends of your hair to round and tuck them in for that indisputable &#;bob&#; finish. 

Browse some of our best round brushes PF04AS / PF04 / AH16G / DA2 / LC8

 Perfect For Volumising Bristle Nylon Mix Round Brush- PF09 I RRP £15.50>

CERAMIC CORE HAIRBRUSHES
Ceramic core brushes are designed with a ceramic-coated barrel that heats up when used with a blow dryer. The heat from the ceramic core helps speed up the drying process and sets styles more effectively.

WHY CERAMIC HAIRBRUSH
These brushes are especially beneficial for individuals with thick or coarse hair that takes longer to dry. They are also effective on short hair as they can create exaggerated volume and lift to short hairstyles. The ceramic coating also helps reduce frizz and static, resulting in smoother, more manageable hair. If maximum texture, bounce or curl is the priority, then a ceramic core brush would be beneficial over a bristle brush as it holds the heat and provides greater styling power. A ceramic brush is also better to use with heavy hair products such as serums, mousse or hairsprays as it is easier to clean than boar bristle.

TIPS FOR CLEANING THE CERAMIC BRUSHES
The best way to clean your hairbrushes is with warm, soapy water. After removing any dead hair with our brush cleaner, gently submerge the quills of the brush into the water. Leave for approximately 10 minutes. Use your fingers to lightly rub the quills to release stubborn product buildup and dirt, then rinse and leave to air dry on a towel. Be sure to never fully submerge a wooden brush, as it could cause damage to the wooden exterior.

Browse some of our best ceramic brushes LPF6 / PF13 / PF12 / PF11 / AH15G

NYLON QUILLED HAIRBRUSHES
Nylon quilled brushes are crafted with nylon bristles. Nylon is a silk-like thermoplastic, making it the perfect material for detangling hair with minimal damage.

WHY NYLON BRUSHES
These brushes are suitable for all hair types. Smaller nylon brushes are great for individuals with fine or delicate hair that requires a softer touch, whilst people with very thick hair can benefit from a nylon paddle brush for effective knot busting. The nylon bristles glide smoothly through the hair, eliminating knots and creating a healthy shine. Additionally, nylon quilled brushes are lightweight and easy to use, making them perfect for daily grooming.

Some of our fan-favourite nylon quilled brushes for short or fine hair include the Airheadz round brush, which creates lift and curls in hair. The Perfect For Straightening Paddle brush is the perfect all-rounder for medium to thick or coarse hair types.

Browse some of our best nylon brushes KCR6 / AS9 / PF02 / GIFT SET STYLING / ARTH1 HR for Kid

 

RUBBER CUSHIONED HAIRBRUSHES
Rubber-cushioned brushes feature a flexible rubber base that provides added comfort and control during styling.

WHY RUBBER CUSHIONED BRUSHES
The rubber cushioning absorbs pressure and reduces tension on the scalp, making these brushes ideal for individuals with sensitive or easily irritated scalps. The rubber base's flexibility allows the bristles to contour to the shape of the head, ensuring even pressure distribution and minimising hair damage. Rubber-cushioned brushes are versatile and suitable for all hair types, providing gentle detangling and styling without causing unnecessary strain. 

Our rubber cushion brushes often feature natural bristles, such as the classic shine range and AirHedz medium paddle brush or a combination of bristle and nylon quills - this makes them ideal for smoothing and perfecting updos. 

Looking to create the perfect ponytail? Then a rubber cushioned brush is your best friend. Gently pull through the hair in an upward sweeping motion before securing it in a ponytail - it will look sleek, shiny, and flawless.  

Browse some of our best rubber cushion brushes CSGS / CSFM / KCR4 / W/HOG / LPF1

Pure Flow Vented Bristle Nylon Mix Hairbrush- LPF1 I RRP £24.00 >

COMBINATION HAIRBRUSHES
Combination brushes offer the best of both worlds by incorporating different bristle types into a single brush design. These brushes typically feature a combination of nylon and boar bristles, providing the benefits of both materials for enhanced hair care.

WHY COMBINATION BRUSHES
The nylon bristles effectively detangle and smooth the hair, while the natural boar bristles help distribute oils and add shine. Combination brushes are perfect for individuals with diverse hair needs, offering versatility and performance in one convenient tool. One of our customer favourites is the Classic Shine Large Mixed Bristle Hairbrush, which is designed to stimulate your scalp, prevent split ends, and distribute essential oils throughout your hair.

Browse some of our best combination brushes PF10 / PF22 / KS17B / BRD5 / PF16

BRISTLE BRUSHES
Brushing your hair with a natural bristle has so many benefits. From creating natural shine and lustre to detangling, cleaning, and promoting hair growth, bristles are the ultimate haircare product.

WHY BRISTLE HAIRBRUSHES
Bristles have the same composition as our own hair, which helps them deliver excellent results when brushing. The bristle stimulates the sebum glands, which are microscopic and found in your hair follicles. Sebum is an oily substance that helps protect your skin from drying out and keeps your hair shiny and healthy.

The bristle skilfully picks up the sebum and evenly distributes it from the base or scalp down the length of your hair as you brush. This same technique helps remove dirt and product residue from the hair &#; bristle acts like a natural broom, sweeping dust and dirt from the hair strand, leaving it refreshed and revitalised.

Bristle brushes glide smoothly through the hair, so they tend to cause less damage as they are gentler to the scalp and hair cuticle and by evenly distributing your natural hair oil, you are left with a frizz-free, smooth and nourished head of hair. They are suitable for all hair types, including afro, textured, curly, thinning, short, and baby hair.

Link to FUYI BRUSH

Browse some of our best bristle brushes PF07 / CSGL / CSFM / AH14G / L51

Classic Shine Soft Pure Bristle Hairbrush- CSGM I RRP £29.00 >

COMBS
Here at Kent's Brushes, we have a variety of different combs suitable for a diverse clientele. Browse our handmade comb and styling comb collections. Find afro combs, dressing combs and much more.

WHY USE COMBS
Combs are an excellent attribute to your haircare routine. Whether detangling, styling or shaping, there is a comb for you and your hair type.

If you aim to detangle after a shower or help distribute hair masks or conditioner, we'd recommend a wide-toothed rake comb. Are we looking to create slickness and style on shorter styles? Then check out our range of styling combs. Our tail comb is ideal for sectioning your hair, whilst our afro comb's soft, rounded teeth will provide the results you want without any tension.

Finally, our range of handmade combs is beautiful; hand-sawn from large sheets of cellulose acetate; they are traditional, classic and perfectly designed. From pocket, folding, moustache, dressing and rake combs, our range of handmade combs includes designs for thick and fine hair for both men and women.

Browse some of our best combs F3T / 16T / 12T / SPC84 / SPC81

100% HANDMADE HAIRBRUSHES
A handmade brush from Kent Brushes represents more than just a tool for your hair, nails, clothes or teeth - these brushes represent the legacy of nearly 250 years of brush manufacturing.

Traditional skills and craftsmanship have been passed through the ages and are embodied in these beautiful, handcrafted works of art.

Our 100% handmade brushes are made from start to finish in our UK factory using methods that can incorporate up to 12 different people and take up to 540 hours to create. Not only are they the finest hair and body care tools you can own, but they are symbolic of the enduring legacy of excellent British manufacturing.  

Browse some of our best handmade brushes LH55 / LH57 / LH59 / LH59S / LHS22T

Handmade Satinwood Pure Bristle Hairbrush- LHS9 I RRP £190.00 >

SHOPPING FOR THE RIGHT BRUSH WITH KENT BRUSHES
Ultimately, choosing the right hairbrush is essential for maintaining healthy, beautiful hair. Therefore, by understanding the different types of hairbrushes and combs available and their benefits for your hair type, you can select the perfect brush to suit your needs.

Whether you have afro, textured, curly, thinning, short, or baby hair, a hairbrush is perfect for you. So, invest in quality hairbrushes, and you'll notice a significant improvement in the look and feel of your hair in no time.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our hairbrush specialists.
Otherwise, don't wait - start browsing our collections to find yourself a superb match!

My friend John asked me to come over and help him with some crown molding he was getting ready to put up in his new family room. He had some beautiful poplar boards milled to match the trim in the rest of his house, and while I would have opted for a stain to highlight the wavy grain, John and Becky (mostly Becky) wanted it painted. &#;Happy wife, happy life.&#; So, paint it was.

When I arrived, John had the boards laid out on sawhorses in his garage, with newspapers spread out to protect the floor. But then he handed me a two-inch wide foam brush. &#;John,&#; I said, &#;Haven&#;t you heard? The better the brush, the better the finish.&#;

Which launched us into a discussion of how to choose the right brush for each project. Some of John and Becky&#;s trim was going to be stained and sealed with a clear finish, which gave me a chance (while we were working) to explain to John how to pick the best brush when you are staining and finishing. Take a look and see what John learned.

Why Does It Matter?

As I explained to John, a brush is a means of transporting a stain or finish from the can to the wood. When applying the stain, you can use either a rag or a brush. I prefer a brush, as it works better for getting stain into into corners and carvings, but you don&#;t have to use an expensive one or, for that matter, being excessively neat. That&#;s because your next step will be to wipe off any excess stain, so your rag will erase any brush marks, runs, drips or bristles left by your brush.

When laying down a smooth coat of clear finish, however, the brush will have a major impact on how it looks when it dries. That&#;s when picking the right brush really becomes important. And as I said to John, &#;You wouldn&#;t use a sledgehammer to drive in a finish nail, so why use a foam brush to try to lay down a smooth coat of finish?&#;

Foam Brushes.

I must admit, I do occasionally use foam brushes when staining a small project. Their greatest selling point is they are inexpensive.

But when it comes to applying a smooth coat of clear finish, such as polyurethane, a foam brush is not my first choice. Instead of bristles, it has a blade. The blunt sides leave two parallel ridges of finish, like a snowplow on the highway. Also, the foam head contains air, which can leave bubbles in your finish.

And if you use it for very long, the foam head begins to wear out and get floppy. It will even start to dissolve as you are brushing on stains and finishes containing mineral spirits or lacquer thinner.

Oil-Based Stains and Finishes.

Oil-based products contain mineral spirits, and for them I reach for a natural bristle brush.

For oil-based stains I use a Minwax® Wood Finish&#; Stain Brush. These brushes are designed to carry a lot of stain from the can to your project, and hold up much better than foam brushes.

And unlike foam brushes, these natural bristles brushes can be cleaned with ordinary mineral spirits (paint thinner) and re-used indefinitely.

Much better than tossing dozens of foam brushes a year into the garbage can!

Water-Based Stains and Finishes.

Unlike mineral spirits, water causes natural bristles to swell. As they do, they loose their shape. Rather than use a natural bristle brush with water-based stains and clear finishes and watch it swell out of shape (top brush), I use a synthetic bristle brush, such as Minwax® Polycrylic® Brush (bottom brush). These bristles won&#;t absorb water and won&#;t lose their shape.

And clean-up is a breeze with soap and water.

Quick Tip: After cleaning, wrap the damp bristles in a paper towel, then secure with a rubber band. Once the bristles are dry, slip your brush back into its cardboard sleeve to maintain their shape.

Use the hole in the end of the handle to hang your brush to dry with the bristles pointing down, letting any remnants of stain or finish escape before hardening.

Good, Better, Best.

As I told John, not all brushes are created equal. They can range in price from less than a dollar to more than twenty dollars. You can spot the difference in three areas: the handle, the bristles, and the ferrel, which holds the bristles to the handle.

Handle &#; If you used a brush every day to make a living, you would want a contoured handle. Most of us are perfectly content with a standard handle that costs less to make.

Ferrel &#; Check the metal band holding the bristles to the handle to make sure it is secure. Tug gently on the bristles to see if the ferrel has a firm grasp on them.

Bristles &#; These should be soft and pliable.

In this photo, the foam brush at the top rates a &#;Good,&#; the bristle brush in the middle is a &#;Better,&#; and the professional brush at the bottom rates a &#;Best.&#;

It Takes All Three.

Just as you have different sizes and types of screwdrivers in your workshop, odds are you will need all three types of brushes: foam, natural bristle, and synthetic bristle. You will also want to have them in different widths to fit the different size of cans of stains and clear finishes. The best time to buy them is before you need them, so pick out a selection of types and sizes, store them in a drawer to keep the dirt and dust off them, and clean them after each use. The reward for your efforts will be a stain and a finish that is as smooth as any professional could have achieved.

Good Luck!

Bruce

If you want to learn more, please visit our website End Brush.