Since many of us aren’t going to the salon as often as we used to before the pandemic, our best hair days may be fewer and far between. But it doesn’t have to be this way! The key to having a good hair day isn’t just using the right hair products, but using the best tools for your hair, too. This includes using the right hair brush for your hair type and the styles you want to achieve.

If you are looking for a new hair brush, don’t just choose any brush— choose one that will specifically help you achieve your hair goals. We recommend consulting with your hairstylist who knows your hair best and can recommend a great brush for your needs. If your stylist offers retail, it’s also a great way to continue your support while purchasing expertly curated products and tools that are best suited for your hair and its needs. 

We wanted to get a better idea about what brushes are best for different hair types, so we turned to Cherry Petenbrink, an international educator and renowned stylist, whose hair color and styling has been seen everywhere from A-list celebrities to editorial in top magazines. Petenbrink is also the artistic director for Olivia Garden, a brand known for their high-quality professional brushes and tools. Check out these helpful tips and for more brush selection help, check out the brush selection tool on the Olivia Garden app. 

Cherry Petenbrink’s Hair Brush Tips:

Fine/thin hair: Look for a brush designed specifically for your hair type. I would recommend the perfect detangle brush OG Brush for fine/thin hair. Ceramic + Ion brushes are also excellent for styling fine, thin hair. No snag, frizz-free, shiny finish. The technology locks in moisture, too.

Someone with hair loss/hair that gets pulled out easily/ends up in the brush: Often brush bristles get frayed or melt from the high heat of a blowdryer snagging and creating breakage and split ends in fragile hair. Olivia Garden brushes have specially designed bristles that are heat resistant up to 400+ degrees. This is great news for fragile hair or healthy hair. Flexible brush with combo bristles like NanoThermic Vent Combo or NEW Essentials Vent is a perfect option.

Thick Curly Hair: For wet hair, detangling with the OG Brush for medium/thick hair is perfect. A boar brush or combo like the Divine or Supreme are great for brushing through thick hair.

Thick, straight hair: Olivia Garden Paddle Brushes are the perfect option for this hair type. (NanoThermic Paddle or Essentials Paddle are  more economical options.)

Long, straight hair: For styling, there are so many options depending on what look they are trying to achieve. Ceramic Ion XL is great for styling long hair because the barrel is 25% longer, allowing more even heat distribution as more hair can fit on the longer barrel.

Hair that is constantly getting pulled out by the brush because of knots/tangles: When detangling, flexible bristles are key. If the bristles are too stiff, they will pull out and tear the hair. OG Brush detangling options for fine or medium/thick hair or a Combo Brush depending on the individual's hair type.

[Images courtesy of Olivia Garden]

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy