Ernie McCraw

If you ask ten different women what they consider a "must have" for hairstyling, you get similar answers. Most likely, you will hear gel, mousse, hair spray, a blow dryer, a curling iron or a straightening iron. Professional hair stylists know, however, that the simple hairbrush can be the most important tool for creating a great hairstyle.

So, what selection criteria should you use for choosing the right brush? There is a whole world of hairbrushes out there, and you need to make sure that you're using the right one for your needs.

Styling brushes are all-purpose brushes that usually have six to nine rows of firm bristles. The bristles are generally nylon or boar bristle. Variations include half-round brushes to curve ends, large-faced paddle brushes, super- soft baby brushes and narrow teasing brushes. These brushes help give hair a polished look.

Paddle brushes are great for brushing out a variety of hair types-especially long hair. A paddle brush can also be used to blow hair straight or finish the hair after drying. Cushioned paddle brushes have a soft rubber base that gives, so it is gentle on hair and scalp. All professional-quality rubber cushion brushes have a hole in the cushion so that air can circulate underneath, keeping the cushion dry and preventing bacteria growth.

Vent brushes are designed to allow air to pass through the brush. Tunnel vent brushes diffuse the airflow throughout the length of the brush. Thermal vent brushes have a metal base to conduct heat from the dryer, decreasing drying time even further.
When you have selected the right hair brush for the job, any hairstyle becomes easier to create.
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Ernie McCraw is a licensed cosmetologist and director of professional beauty education for Sally Beauty Supply, the world's largest distributor of professional beauty products. With more than 25 years in the beauty industry, Ernie has expertise in all phases of cosmetology. If you have a beauty question, please e-mail Ernie at ask sally@sallybeauty.com. To find a Sally store near you, call 800-ASK-SALLY or go to www.sallybeauty.com. [NAPSI]