What Hairbrushes do I need in my Professional Kit?
Posted by CoolBlades | 24th Oct 2024
Choosing the right hairbrushes for your hairdressing kit might seem straightforward; however, curating the right brushes to suit a wide range of hair types and textures is very important. A single brush cannot do it all, making it even more important to curate a versatile brush collection.
Whether you’re upgrading your existing brushes and combs or starting a professional hairdressing kit from scratch, using the right brushes can make a world of difference in how your client’s hair looks and feels.
So, without further ado, let’s break down the options and help you find the perfect brushes for your professional kit.
What Hairbrushes do I need in my Professional Kit?
But first...Hair Types: What Do They Mean?
Before we get into the different types of hairbrushes available, it’s important to acknowledge that your clients will have a range of different hair types and textures.
A wide-ranging kit that supports your client’s hair texture, whether it be curly, straight, thick, or fine, will enable you to be prepared and adaptable to work with whatever hair type comes through the salon door!
Here’s a quick guide to the different hair types...
Hair type is determined by genetics, and the shape of the hair follicles determines whether somebody’s hair will be straight, wavy, or curly.
Type 1: Straight Hair
Straight hair lies flat and is often smooth and shiny because the oils from the scalp easily travel down the hair shaft.
Challenges: Can sometimes lack volume and may get greasy faster.
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Wavy hair has a natural “S” shape that can range from loose waves to more defined ones. It’s a nice middle ground between straight and curly hair.
Challenges Prone to frizz and can be a bit tricky to manage without the right products.
Type 3: Curly Hair
Curly hair has more defined loops or ringlets. It often lacks moisture since the scalp’s natural oils have a harder time reaching the ends.
Challenges: Tends to be dry, frizzy, and prone to tangles.
Type 4: Coily or Kinky Hair
Coily hair has tight, springy curls or zigzag patterns. It’s often the driest hair type because of its tight curl pattern.
Challenges: Extremely fragile and prone to breakage and shrinkage.
Hair Texture: What’s the Difference?
While hair type refers to the shape of the hair, texture describes the thickness of individual hair strands.
There are three main categories of hair texture:
Fine Hair
Thin strands that are more delicate. Fine hair often lacks volume and can be easily weighed down by heavy products. Prone to getting greasy quickly and can be fragile.
Medium Hair
The “in-between” texture, where strands are neither too thick nor too thin. It generally holds styles well and is less prone to breakage. Can get frizzy, but is fairly easy to manage.
Coarse Hair
Thick strands that are often strong and can handle more styling. Coarse hair usually feels rougher to the touch. Can feel dry and frizzy and may require more effort to keep smooth.
Porosity: A Key Player in Hair Care
In addition to type and texture, hair porosity is another important factor. Porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture. There are three categories:
Low Porosity
Hair doesn’t easily absorb moisture because the cuticles are tightly packed. Products may sit on top of the hair, making it harder to keep hydrated.
Medium Porosity
Hair absorbs and retains moisture well.
High Porosity
Hair absorbs moisture quickly but also loses it fast. High porosity hair can feel dry and frizzy, and it’s more prone to damage from chemicals or heat.
Which Brush To Use For Each Hair Type
Now let’s get into the brushes!
With so many different options out there, it’s all about matching the right brush to your needs.
Paddle Brush
Best for: Smoothing and detangling medium to long hair, especially if it’s straight or slightly wavy.
Paddle brushes have a wide, flat surface, which makes them great for covering larger sections of hair. They’re perfect for creating a sleek, straight look because they distribute the natural oils from your scalp down the length of the hair, adding shine. Paddle brushes also work well for detangling when the hair is dry.
Why not try...
The glossy black body with a generous sprinkling of glitter for a sparkling approach to taming your client's mane. The round-ended pins are cushioned for extra comfort.
Round Brush
Best for: Adding volume, curls, or waves to your blowout.
Round brushes come in different sizes, with smaller barrels creating tighter curls and larger ones giving your client's hair voluminous waves. They’re the go-to tool for blow-drying, as they help you add shape and movement to the hair.
Why not try...
These ceramic styling brushes offer exceptional value, featuring squared-off edges for maximum volume and excellent straightening. The soft-touch handles ensure comfort during use.
Available in three sizes (25mm, 32mm, and 42mm) in sleek Platinum White, or save with a convenient set of all three!
Detangling Brushes
Best for: Gently removing knots without breakage, perfect for both wet and dry hair.
Detangling brushes are a lifesaver, especially for those with fine hair or lots of knots. They usually have flexible bristles that bend with the hair, making it easier to work through tangles without causing damage. These brushes are also great for kids or anyone with sensitive scalps.
Why not try...
CoolBlades Detangling Taming Brush
The smooth pins glide effortlessly through hair without snagging or pulling, gently removing tangles and taming even the most unruly knots. Suitable for use on both wet and dry hair.The curved design ensures a comfortable grip and easy handling.
Rubber Cushioned Brushes
Best for: Gentle styling and smoothing for all hair types, especially fine to medium hair.
Rubber Cushioned brushes have bristles set in a soft rubber base, making them ideal for a more delicate touch. They reduce static and gently massage the scalp, which helps promote circulation and healthy hair growth. Plus, they’re a great all-rounder for everyday use.
Why not try....
Introducing the Kobe Pro Styling Brush Set, designed specifically for hairstylists. This comprehensive set includes: 4 Squ-Hair Brushes, a Soft-Touch Vent Brush, a Soft-Touch Paddle Brush, a 7-Row Styling Brush, 81 Dual-Bristle Brushes, a BackTeaser Brush, and a complimentary clear zip bag for easy storage.
Ceramic Core Brushes
Best for: Quick blow-drying and reducing frizz, especially for medium to long hair.
Ceramic core brushes are all about heat distribution. The ceramic heats up as you blow-dry, helping the hair dry faster and more evenly. These brushes also help reduce frizz and add shine!
Why not try...
Head Jog Ceramic Wooden Brushes
Ceramic-barrelled, nylon bristle brush with a wooden handle for comfort and style. Available in 7 sizes: 16 mm, 25 mm, 33 mm, 38 mm, 43 mm, 53 mm or 63 mm or get the full set.
Hairbrushes for Men’s Hair
Men’s hairbrushes are typically smaller and more compact but are designed to give a polished, groomed look.
Here are some great options...
Military brushes
Often oval-shaped with natural bristles are great for shorter hair and beards. They distribute oils evenly and keep your hair looking neat.
Why not try....
The largest of Kobe’s military brushes with 100% boar bristles and a curved handle that nestles into your palm.
Dimensions: 13 x 7.5 cm. Available in Light and Dark.
Vent brushes
Vent brushes are ideal for quick styling, especially if you want to add volume or texture to slightly longer hair while blow-drying.
Why not try...
Kent Salon KS02 Curved Vent Brush
A urved brush head which follows the natural shape of the head for an incredible scalp massage and detangling.
Enjoy 50 moulded pins combine with 10 rows of natural boar bristle.
Detangling Combs are perfect for those with longer or thicker hair who need something to work through knots.
Why not try...
Denman D24 Detangling Comb (225 mm)
Black detangling comb that is durable and comfortable to use. Hassle-free detangling is at your fingertips!
Final Thoughts and Tips For Picking the Right Brush
Choosing the right brush isn’t just about finding one that feels good in your hand; it’s about making sure it works for a range of hair types and style needs.
Remember, if you’re using heat tools often, invest in brushes that reduce frizz and help protect your client’s hair from damage, like ceramic core brushes.If you’re dealing with tangles, don’t skimp on a good detangling brush.
Ready to pick your perfect brushes or upgrade the brushes in your existing kit?
Check out the full range of hairbrushes at CoolBlades for more options tailored to every hair type!
Choose CoolBlades for your Professional Salon Supplies
As a family-run business led by a hairdressing expert with over 30 years of experience, our mission is to help salon professionals like you save money without compromising on quality.
If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out the CoolBlades blog for more content written specifically for salon professionals like you.