Haircare Tools and Uses

When getting to know your grooming tools its good to begin with the basics and the two most basic grooming tools are the comb and the brush. There are many different types of combs and brushes that range in similarity. But understanding the difference and purpose of each type can truly simplify the haircare grooming process saving you both time and money, as well as protecting your hair and scalp.

What is a Comb?

A comb is a grooming tool designed with teeth that glide through hair. Combs can be used to clean hair, remove tangles and knots from hair, and for styling hair.

What is a Brush?

A brush is a grooming tool designed with bristles in order to coat and smooth hair. The bristles of a brush can be made of synthetic, natural (keratin-like), or a blend of both fibers that distribute natural oils from the scalp and throughout the hair.

Common Uses

Combs

Wide-tooth Comb used for combing wet hair, untangling knots reduces damage to hair and scalp damage and especially reduces breakage and split-ends by minimizing tension on the strands. Commonly used on fine, curly or wavy hair. 

Fine-tooth Comb brings hair closer together. Styling, smoothing and finishing straight or straightened hair. Not advised for thick and voluminous hair. Also a great tool for parting straight or straightened hair.

Detangling Comb for thick or long hair that is prone to knots and tangles.

Pick for stretching, shaping, and separating hair. Creates fullness and texture and prevents frizz. Known to increase blood flow in the scalp and stimulate hair growth.

Tail (Rat Tail) Comb used for teasing and layering hair while styling updos and braids.

Rake Comb used for detangling wet long, thick, curly or afro textured hair.

All-purpose Comb untangling and smoothing hair, as well as hairstyling. 

Brushes

Vent Brush used for volumizing and quick drying hair

Round Brush tames frizz, volumizes and adds body to hair.

Teasing Brush used for volumizing and styling hair also called “back combing” or gently fluffing and positioning hair upward.

Detangling Brush scalp stimulation and to brush out knots.

Paddle Brush scalp stimulation, detangling and rough drying. Perfect for creating a sleek, straightened look. They also help to smooth and stretch strands. Produce less friction when they glide through the hair thus reducing frizz, and preventing breakage. Great for long, thick and straight hair types. 

Boars (Natural) Bristle Brush a good choice for fine, thinning, or aging hair. Highly recommended for curly and textured hair types. Also recommended for those with sensitive scalps, sensory issues, and little ones.

Synthetic Bristle Brush great for brushing out natural or set curls and shaping waves and stretching curly or textured hair. While bristles are firm and long lasting they can scratch the scalp and cause damage to the hair if misused or if hair is already damaged.

Mixed Bristle Brush best for detangling hair and moving natural oils from the scalp down the length of the hair.

Cushion Brush suitable for longer length hair and static resistance (frizz reduction). Produces a gentler brush and helps with smoothing hair down. Not recommended on wet hair.

Denman Brush great for amplifying curls and spirals and creating ringlets. Also used for shaping wavy hair and increasing definition. Best if used on wet hair after cleansing and conditioning and before using styling products.