How to Choose a Hair Brush for Your Hair Type
Quick answer: Choose a hair brush to suit your hair's texture and length. Straight and fine hair does well with a gentle detangling or paddle brush, wavy hair with a detangling brush used from the ends up, and curly or coily hair with a wide-tooth comb or flexible detangling brush worked through conditioned hair. For everyday detangling on most hair types, try The Good Hair Brush.
Your hair changes over the years. It might feel finer, drier or more prone to frizz than it used to, and the routine that worked a decade ago may not suit it now. The good news is that caring for your hair gets much easier once you know your hair type. It helps you pick the right shampoo, conditioner and styling products, and it's also the key to choosing a hair brush that glides through rather than snags. Here's how to work out your hair type, look after it, and find a brush that suits you.
How to Work Out Your Hair Type
Hair is usually grouped into four types: straight, wavy, curly and coily. The easiest way to find yours is to wash your hair, skip the styling products and let it air-dry. Then look at the shape of your strands.
- Straight: hair falls flat from root to tip with no bend. It's often finer and can look oily at the roots more quickly.
- Wavy: hair has a loose S-shape. It can be fine or coarse, and often looks flatter at the roots and fuller at the ends.
- Curly: hair forms spirals or ringlets, from loose curls to tighter ones. It tends to feel drier and frizz more easily.
- Coily: hair forms tight coils or zigzags. It's usually the driest type and needs the gentlest handling.
It's also worth noticing your hair's thickness (fine, medium or coarse) and how much of it you have. Many women find their hair feels finer and drier with age, so you may need lighter or richer products than you once did.
How to Care for Each Hair Type
Straight hair: use a gentle shampoo and a lightweight conditioner on the lengths, not the roots. Skip heavy styling creams that can weigh fine hair down and make it look flat.
Wavy hair: a moisturising shampoo and conditioner help keep waves soft. A light mousse or curl cream scrunched through damp hair can help define your waves without stiffness.
Curly hair: choose a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and a rich conditioner, plus a deep-conditioning mask once a week. A leave-in conditioner or styling cream helps curls look defined and less frizzy.
Coily hair: use a hydrating shampoo and a nourishing conditioner, then seal in moisture with a hair oil or butter on the lengths for softness and shine.
Good Hair Habits for Every Hair Type
- Wash as often as your hair needs: every two to three days suits many people. Washing too often can leave hair feeling dry, while too little can lead to product build-up.
- Condition every time: conditioner softens hair and makes detangling much easier. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
- Go easy on heat: use heat styling tools on the lowest setting that works for you, and apply a heat protectant spray first.
- Get regular trims: a trim every six to eight weeks keeps ends looking neat and fresh.
- Cover up outdoors: a hat keeps your hair and scalp shaded on long days outside.
How to Choose a Hair Brush for Your Hair Type
The right brush makes brushing more comfortable and helps your hair look smoother. Here's a simple guide:
- Detangling brush: flexible bristles that move with your hair. A great everyday choice for most hair types, especially fine, wavy and long hair.
- Paddle brush: a wide, flat base that smooths long, straight hair quickly.
- Round brush: used with a hair dryer to add lift at the roots and a soft bend at the ends.
- Wide-tooth comb: the gentlest option for curly and coily hair, best used while conditioner is still in.
If you have curly or coily hair, avoid brushing it when dry, as this can break up curls and leave them frizzy. Comb through in the shower instead, then style with your fingers.
Our Picks
The Good Hair Brush
Best for: gentle everyday detangling on wet or dry hair, for all hair types.
A lightweight detangling brush that combines soft boar bristles with nylon. More than 20 different bristle heights spread the pressure as you brush, so it glides through knots with less pulling, and the curved shape gently massages the scalp. The vented design helps when blow-drying and makes it easy to clean.
- Soft boar and nylon bristles
- 20+ bristle heights to spread pressure
- Use on wet or dry hair, in or out of the shower
- Vented, heat-resistant design with a non-slip handle
Smooth Hair Wand
Best for: smoothing flyaways, frizz and baby hairs after you've styled.
A clear gel on a specially shaped wand that smooths flyaways, stray ends and baby hairs so they blend in with the rest of your hair. It holds without the hard, crunchy feel of hairspray, and it doubles as a brow gel.
- Clear gel with a strong hold
- Doesn't harden or flake, and leaves no residue
- Suitable for all hair types
- Portable, and can be used on brows too
Xcellerate35 Serum
Best for: adding a leave-in step to your hair care routine for fuller-looking hair.
A spray-on hair serum made with 35 ingredients, including castor oil. Spray it onto clean, wet hair, massage it into your scalp and brush through from root to tip to spread it evenly. Thin Lizzy's clinical testing reported longer hair after 45 days of daily use. Results vary.
- Made with 35 ingredients, including castor oil
- Spray onto clean, wet hair
- Brush through from root to tip for even coverage
How to Brush Your Hair Gently
- Start at the ends: hold your hair a little above the ends and brush out any knots there first.
- Work upwards in sections: move a few centimetres higher each time until you reach the roots.
- Be patient with knots: ease tangles out slowly rather than tugging the brush through.
- Use conditioner for wet detangling: if you brush or comb in the shower, do it while conditioner is still in your hair.
- Finish smooth: once you've styled, sweep a little Smooth Hair Wand over flyaways for a neat finish.
- Keep your brush clean: remove hair after each use and wash your brush in warm, soapy water every week or two.
Want more hair inspiration? See our Xcellerate35 hair care tips and our complete guide to using hair curlers.
What Customers Say
"This is the first brush that is so comfortable to use, and quickly takes out any tangles you might have."
Linda T., verified customer (The Good Hair Brush)
"Really good on very long hair. Detangles really well."
Jennifer T., verified customer (The Good Hair Brush)
"Easy to use and keeps fly aways, AWAY."
Kate O., verified customer (Smooth Hair Wand)
Read all The Good Hair Brush reviews →
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of hair brush is best for my hair?
A detangling brush suits most hair types for everyday brushing. A paddle brush is handy for long, straight hair, a round brush adds lift when blow-drying, and a wide-tooth comb is the gentlest choice for curly and coily hair.
Should I brush my hair wet or dry?
Straight and wavy hair can be brushed dry, starting at the ends. Hair is more fragile when wet, so if you detangle in the shower, do it gently with conditioner in. Curly and coily hair is best detangled wet rather than brushed dry.
How often should I clean my hair brush?
Remove loose hair after each use and wash your brush in warm, soapy water every week or two. Let it dry with the bristles facing down.
How can I tame flyaways without making my hair stiff?
Sweep a clear gel such as the Smooth Hair Wand over flyaways and baby hairs once you've styled. It holds them in place without a hard or crunchy feel.
Can I buy Thin Lizzy hair care in stores?
Yes. Thin Lizzy is available at Priceline, TerryWhite Chemmart and Wizard Pharmacy stores across Australia. The range can vary by store, so the easiest way to get the full range, bundles and online deals is to shop online. See our FAQ page for stockist details.
Looking for a deal? Many of our best sellers are available in bundle offers from time to time. See our current Bundle Offers →
Final Thoughts
Knowing your hair type makes every part of your routine easier, from choosing shampoo to picking the right brush. Brush gently from the ends up, keep heat low and conditioner generous, and your hair will look and feel its best.
