Different Types of Hair Brushes and Combs (Plus How to Use Them)

Shown: Agave Natural Paddle Brush Smooth & Shine ($25, sephora.com)

Got tons of tangles? This is a good pick for you. "A paddle brush is great for detangling really thick, wet hair," says Toth, who advises starting with the ends of the hair and working your way up to the roots.

Shown: Drybar Half Pint Small Round Brush ($36, sephora.com)

If you want big curls but would prefer to skip the iron, Toth recommends using a ceramic round brush with synthetic bristles: "While the synthetic bristles lightly detangle and wrap the hair around the brush, the heated ceramic barrel actually molds the hair into a shiny, bouncy curl." No curling irons and way less fuss.

Shown: Spornette DeVille Boar Bristle Round 2.5" Hair Brush ($20, birchbox.com)

These brushes offer tension and control over your hair, making them a favorite of stylists. "Pros tend to favor wooden round brushes with natural boar bristles because they rely on technique and control more than they do on the heated barrel," says Toth. Bonus: They're healthier for your hair because the bristles don't snag and the barrel doesn't overheat.

Shown: Revlon Perfect Tunnel Vent Brush ($8.59, ulta.com)

This brush allows air from the blow dryer to pass right through it, which speeds up your blow dry time. The downside: You can lose a lot of control over your hairstyle. "The vent brush is great for a fast but imperfect hairstyle," says Toth, so if you're in a hurry and can do without the best possible blowout, reach for this pick.

Shown: Cricket Amped Up Teasing Brush ($4.58, ulta.com)

Teased hair is one of the biggest (pun intended) hair trends of the year, so get this tool if you're ready to add lots of volume. But big hair isn't all this handy teasing brush can do — if you have thin locks that you wish could look thicker, try our handy root teasing trick for instantly fuller locks.

Shown: Denman D3 Medium 7 Row Styling Brush ($16.25, denman.com)

Short-haired ladies, rejoice: This brush is perfect for you. "The Denman brush makes your fresh bob haircut sleek and straight with just a subtle bend on the bottom," says Toth.

Shown: Julien Farel Haircare Extra Small Hairbrush ($40, dermstore.com)

"You generally only use round brushes on hair that has been layered," explains Toth. A small round brush creates a wavier style with more lift at the roots, while a large round brush simply delivers smooth bounce and soft definition.

Shown: Mason Pearson Handy All Boar Brush ($230, bergdorfgoodman.com)

If your locks are dry and you need to detangle, Toth recommends using a detangling brush to get those knots out.

Shown: ghd Detangling Comb ($22, sephora.com)

Curly-haired girls, listen up: You need this tool if you want hydrated, healthy locks. "A large wide tooth comb is great for detangling hair in the shower," says Toth. "And if you have curly hair, you should use it while conditioning your hair so that every last strand gets the right amount of moisture and nourishment."

Shown: Mason Pearson Tail Comb ($26, barneys.com)

Love to add drama to your hairstyle? This skinny tool creates the best statement hair part. "With a tall comb, you can create a severe center, dramatic deep side, or even zig zag part, or clean sections for braids," says Toth. For the most perfect line, he recommends firmly pressing the point of the tail comb onto your head as you create the part.

Shown: Herstyler Easy Comb ($10.99, jet.com)

If you want perfectly straight hair, this is the tool to try. "A heat resistant comb is great for flat ironing because it can guide and control a section of hair without melting from the iron," says Toth.

Pin this handy infographic to your Pinterest board and you'll forget which brush or comb to use for your styling needs again!