Which hair brush to choose for what

Do you know which hair brush is which? The difference between a paddle brush and a vent brush? When to use a large barrel or a small barrel? HJ’s 2014 Scottish Hairdresser of the Year Philip Bell from Ishoka in Aberdeen gives us the lowdown on the brushes for your kitbag. Setting brush "These brushes are a great alternative to rollers and are available in a variety of different sizes, letting you create different-sized curls from bouncy waves to tighter curls. It allows you to create a gorgeous style without having to blow-dry hair and then put rollers in. Once the brush attachments have cooled you can remove them, leaving gorgeous waves." Why not try… Click n Curl has three different-sized barrels that fit with the universal detachable handle for versatility. Paddle brush "A paddle brush has a large wide shape and is commonly used to create a straight, smooth style. This brush has larger, flexible pins, which reduces hair breakage. Using a paddle brush you can create a fantastic shine on a client’s hair by directing heat onto a section while pulling through the hair." Why not try… BaByliss Pro Carbon Paddle Brush has a carbon barrel and bristles to ensure it heats evenly while reducing static. Styling brush "A styling brush is a kitbag classic. Great for when blow-drying, as it helps to shape the hair and it provides great control. Great for brushing through the hair, too." Why not try… The Denman D3 Classic Styling Brush is famous for its half-round rubber pad, and is perfect to use on short to medium-length hair for smoothing, creating sleek bob shapes and flicking out. Extensions brush "When dealing with extensions you must be careful when brushing so as not to damage the hair and bonds. Having a brush specifically designed for your extensions is essential. The bristles are soft, so they don’t pull the extensions. When brushing ensure you hold the bonds." Why not try… The Balmain Hair Couture Ionic Brush has a specially developed ceramic coating that enables the brush to heat up quickly, hold heat longer and create even heat distribution. Small barrel "I use a small barrel brush to create volume at the roots in shorter styles. It works well on those with short hair or short layers with texture by lifting the root. Using a small barrel brush allows you to concentrate on smaller sections, with heat directly hitting the barrel. I would always advise using your nozzle on your dryer to allow heat to be directed to the desired section." Why not try… The ghd small barrel size 1 brush is perfect for creating root lift in shorter styles and blow-drying fringes or shorter layers. Dressing brush "This is one of my favourite brushes. Made from natural bristles it creates a smooth, shiny finish and can be used every day. Always brush the hair from the scalp to the roots – this stimulates the follicles and promotes natural hair growth." Why not try… Shine Angel creates a polishing effect by smoothing the cuticle for enhanced shine and conditioning. Large barrel "A large barrel brush is something you should have in your kit – it allows you to create voluminous styles or straight, smooth styles. It allows even heat distribution through the pinholes, meaning you are not focusing on one solid section constantly. This in turn cuts your drying time while leaving hair with a healthy shine, as it allows you to smooth out the cuticles." Why not try… Headjog radial brushes, which contain boar bristles to reduce snagging and pulling, and tourmaline-infused nylon bristles to eliminate frizz and add shine. Vent brush "A vent brush is useful, but not essential. It’s great for detangling hair as the flexible pins allow it to be just that – flexible. The vents within the brush allow heat to flow more freely, which in turn decreases drying time and allows the hair to be treated more gently than with other harsh brushes." Why not try… The Philip Kingsley Vented Grooming Brush. Sizable holes allow heat to disperse quickly, which means that hair dries faster and more evenly. Ceramic barrel (heat retaining) "A ceramic heat-retaining barrel brush is great for curling the hair: it helps to change its shape, heating the curl from the inside out. The brush retains the heat resulting in longer-lasting curls." Why not try… The Kent Salon KS10 55mm Ceramic Brush features a specially-developed ceramic coated metal head. This heats up quickly for faster blow-drying and more ­accurate styling. Children's brushes "These brushes reduce tangles and knots, as the bristles have been softened and are ­perfectly placed to move freely throughout the hair without any pain or discomfort. ­Generally most children’s brushes have an ­air-cushioned pad that allows smooth, damage-free grooming." Why not try… AirMotion’s detangling brush glides through the hair without causing pain. It also smooths and straightens, while reducing wear and tear. Detangling brush "I’ve seen a rise in the number of clients ­purchasing a detangling brush. It gently ­detangles the hair and is completely pain free. The bristles are perfectly placed to ensure they glide through the hair easily and quickly get rid of any knots." Why not try… The Original Tangle Teezer is suited to all hair types. It glides effortlessly through wet and dry hair.