Hair brushing and using a hair brush is something most of us do everyday, and most probably something we only really think about when we're actually brushing our hair! Hair brushing is a very important part of any hair care routine, however, so the next time you're standing in front of the mirror, brush in hand, keep these hair brush and hair brushing tips in mind.

Hair brush and hair brushing tips

If a brush feels nice on your hands then it’ll feel nice in your hair so test the bristles over your hands before buying.

There is lots of variety when it comes to brushes and the right one for you might not be available in your local stores. Use the internet or ask your hairstylist to special order any brush that you can’t find instead of settling for what you can. The difference it could make to your hair will be worth the effort.

A radial or round brush is great for getting to your roots when blow-drying.

Brushes with holes in them (vent hair brushes) allow the air from your blow-dryer to pass right through them and right into your hair roots and hair shaft for faster, more focused hair drying.

If you’ve got medium to long length hair then a paddle brush will help you to achieve smooth locks when blow-drying.

If you have thick hair or strands that are curly, wavy or prone to tangles then choose a hair brush with staggered, wide-spaced bristles as it will move much more easily through your hair.

If you have short hair then use a small to medium sized round barrel brush to style and add flicks to your hair. If your hair is longer than a large barrel brush should be used as it will allow you to pick up more hair and stop your hair from knotting in the brush.

Brush dry hair before washing to loosen dirt and remove knots. Smooth locks before washing means less tangles after washing when your hair is wet and at its most fragile.

Keep your brushes in good shape with a regular monthly clean. Simply use shampoo or a mild detergent and some warm water to give your brush a thorough clean and then allow it to air dry. It’ll remove dirt, grime, old hair and oils from your bristles so you don’t keep brushing them back into your hair.

Replace your hair brush as soon as the bristles begin to fray, become bent or look and feel damaged to avoid your brush causing tearing or damage to your hair strands.

Try to only use brushes with natural bristles if you can as synthetic bristles can damage your hair and scalp. If you must go synthetic then choose the kind of brushes that have rubber tips or balls on the ends of the bristles.

Use your brush to stop static. Spray the bristles with hairspray and then run it through your locks to tame fly-away hair strands.

That old hair myth of brushing your hair 100 times does more damage than good. Just brush your hair enough to get it detangled and styled.

Never use a brush on wet hair. Wet locks should only ever be detangled with a comb to avoid causing damage.