Long Hair, Don’t Care: Get Perfect Strands With the Right Combs and Brushes

Only rare souls are blessed with perfect hair – the kind where you can simply roll out of bed and don’t even have to look in the mirror to know it’s smooth and in place. The rest of us have to deal with a whole hair styling ritual each morning: washing, blow-drying, combing and straightening it only to have it get tangled and all over the place by the end of the day.

If you’ve invested a significant portion of your money into the right shampoo, a premium ceramic straightening iron and an ionizing hairdryer, and still don’t see the desired results – it’s time to rethink the basic tools you use. I’m talking about your combs and brushes.

Do the Types of Combs and Brushes You Use Matter?

Combs and brushes are ubiquitous items you see in any woman’s beauty kit, even though they receive the least attention. Browse hair tools online and you’ll come across all kinds of brands and designs you didn’t even know existed. From a professional-grade Lady Jayne comb to a simple brush – there’s a variety to choose from. But how often do you take the time and consider what exactly is it your buying?

Did you know that incorrect brushing and using the wrong type of comb can cause permanent damage to your hair and scalp? Each brush and comb you see on the market is designed for a specific use such as detangling, redistributing oil from the scalp or straightening. So, if you use a particular type of hair tool for the wrong reason, you’ll get results that you don’t expect. For instance, if you use a detangling comb for styling your hair may end up lifeless as it loses volume.

Then, there’s also the material to think about. Brushes and combs made of certain materials may be too rough on your hair or cause friction, thus causing too much frizz.

How to Choose a Comb

First things first. Combs are recommended to be used to ease out any tangles and to redistribute the healthy oils from the scalp to the hair so that it will look lusher. Never skip the step of combing your hair before you move on to styling it with a brush, just like you would never skip your primer before applying foundation.

When it comes to combs, the ones that produce the best results are so-called “saw-cut”. A saw-cut comb has teeth with no seams, thus reducing the risk of hair getting caught and torn.

And to ensure a nice smooth result and prevent any static electricity from the act of combing, make sure to get one that’s made of vulcanite (a type of rubber), like for instance the premium Lady Jayne comb. Vulcanite combs are also durable and very easy to clean.

Whatever you do, make sure to avoid metal combs. These ones make the act of combing unpleasant and can even lacerate strands, resulting in split hairs and loss of volume. Plus, they’re likely to scratch your scalp which can be really painful and not to mention lead to infections.

Even though plastic combs are softer than metal ones, they still can cause damage. Cheap plastic combs are usually made using a mould and have seams down their teeth which can cut the hair shaft.

How to Choose a Brush

To Speed Up Blow Drying

If you’re blessed with thick hair, you know that it also has its cons – slow drying time. To speed it up, you need to rely on a blow dryer, and to get the best results you’ll also need the right brush for that. A vent brush allows the air to pass through it and reach the strands better.

But remember, this is only if you’re in a hurry and want a fast blowout. For a perfectly styled hairdo, you’ll need something else.

For Straightening

For bob haircuts and pin-straight locks, you will need a paddle brush. This type of brush creates smooth results due to its flat, wide and rectangular surface that follows the natural cut of the hair. If you want a super slick result, dry the hair with a paddle brush and then follow it up with a straightening iron.

When it comes to the materials the bristles are made of, pick sturdier options like synthetic or nylon for thick hair, and wooden ones for thinner manes.

For Waves and Curls

For getting those big wavy curls, nothing beats a good ceramic brush. Hairstyling experts recommend skipping the iron or curlers and using a ceramic round brush with synthetic bristles instead. This way, you’ll softly detangle and mould the individual strands into healthy, bouncy curls without any damage and a lot faster.

Healthy Hair Styling Tips

Whether you’re using combs or brushes, make sure to be gentle and don’t think that more is better. Regardless of what those cartoon princesses had us believe, combing your hair 100 times before going to bed is the worst thing you can do. Think what would happen if you brush your cashmere sweater 100 times a day – it will pill and wear out. So imagine what would happen to your hair.

Also, whatever you do, never brush your hair when wet. Strands that are wet are swollen up to 20-30% of their size, and using a brush on them can snap them like a rubber band. To prep the hair and remove tangles before drying it, always use a comp by starting from the ends upwards to work out the tangles. Using a brush like this can worsen the tangles and lead to breakage.

Remember to Keep Your Combs and Brushes Clean

Since we use them daily, combs and brushes can get dirty quite fast. When dirt and gunk collect on them over time, germs and bacteria get transmitted to your freshly washed hair. That said, be sure to clean your hair tool collection regularly.

The best way to wash a comb or brush is to use a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid in a pot of water. You can also add a small amount of antibacterial or antiseptic liquid and swirl the comb or brush in it. If there’s significant oil or dirt buildup, use an old toothbrush to scrub it away. After you’re done, rinse with clean and cold water.