If the first thing you grab when you notice unkempt tresses is your old brush from who-knows-when, then it might be time to invest in a new hairbrush. But with myriad shapes, sizes, materials and price points, who knows what kind is best? The answer lies in the texture of your hair, how you like to style it and what materials you prefer. If your hair is super short and you need a precise tool to style it, then a comb might be your best bet. If your hair is straight and you like to curl the ends under, then try a round brush. Those with long, thick hair may try a plastic paddle or cushion brush, which will get through the layers and pull tangles out gently. For fine hair, try a paddle or cushion brush with natural, thin bristles. Brush materials can be natural or manmade, and what it’s made of will determine the price. Natural bristles tend to be the priciest – you may see bristles made of boar hair, bamboo or wood in the $50-$80 price range, depending on size.

Natural materials tend to be softer and a better choice for those with fine hair – they can cause curly girls to frizz. A blend of natural and plastic or nylon bristles strikes a happy medium for many hair types. New materials being used now include tourmaline, which most likely would be seen on a brush with a metal bed – it helps conduct heat while minimizing damage from heat styling. Be sure to choose a brush that reaches all the way to your scalp in order to stimulate growth, exfoliate dead skin and pull out styling product residue. It’s always a great idea to brush before you wash to loosen dirt, and don’t forget to give your hairbrush a wash now and then to remove oils, styling product residue and dirt.