In Their Kit: The Best Hairbrushes for Your Locks

When it comes to styling your hair, a quality brush can make or break your routine. Whether it’s a post-wash detangler, a gentle brush for finer hair or the ultimate blowout accessory, finding the perfect tool is serious business.

We’ve tapped several of Australia’s best hairstylists for their go-to hairbrush. They’ve given their honest opinions on their favourites, so you can upgrade your haircare game asap.

Elly Paynter, independent hairdresser and educator

Why do you love it?

“The Dyson Vented Barrel brush is so comfortable to use, it glides through the hair and polishes perfectly with little effort. The end of the barrel is finished with cork material. I love this because it doesn’t get piping hot from the hair dryer, making it far more user-friendly than a lot of round brushes on the market.”

How should you use it?

“On damp hair, the Dyson Vented Barrel brush is best used to blow-dry using a hair dryer to create shape, movement and to polish the strands. It’s suitable for many hair types; depending on the style and shape you want to create and the length of your hair, you can utilise the different barrel sizes.”

Do you have any advice before buying?

“Practice makes perfect with blow-waving, getting the hang of using a hair dryer and barrel brush at the same time will be far more of a challenge than the brush itself. Take your time with each section and let the brush do all the work!”

Tara-Lee Mitchell, founder of Mitch

Why do you love it?

“I love that it is great for all hair types and also promotes a healthy scalp. They last forever – I know people who have had them for years! They also come in a range of sizes; you can get a mini that is great for your handbag.”

How should you use it?

“Mason Pearson is meant to be used on dry hair. They’re also a great tool for updos, ponytails and sleek buns. I also recommend using it to dress or brush out a blow-dry or curls.”

Do you have any advice before buying?

“It’s worth noting that it’s a very expensive brush to own. I was recently doing some hair education in Italy and someone had the Lady Jayne dupe. The educators from a very cool salon in London loved the dupe brush!”

Lauren Cooper, co-owner of Etcher Adelaide

Why do you love it?

“The Evo Hank brush is perfect for big, bouncy blow-dries that are trending at the moment. It comes in three sizes, is perfect for blow-drying fringes, and has a ceramic coating to help smooth and create shine in hair.”

How should you use it?

“It can be used on either wet or dry. The Evo round brush is best used when blow-drying from wet to dry. It’s a great price point for consumers and is from an Australian business.”

Madison Finn, founder of Madison’s World

Why do you love it?

“As a colourist, I love this brush as it moulds to the head and is soft on compromised hair. It doesn’t pull due to the design of this mad brush.”

How should you use it?

“I like to use it on all hair types, wet and dry. It’s best on wet, though. Be careful if you have super thick and dense hair. I personally think this brush would be too soft for you, and you should try a denser brush.”

Jaimme-Lee Hallgath, founder of Salon Jaimmelee

Why do you love it?

“The Eleven Australia medium round brush features a magnesium barrel that truly changes the game when it comes to styling. It significantly cuts down on blow-dry time, which is a huge time saver in the salon or at home. The anti-bacterial protection keeps it cleaner for longer, while the anti-static coating helps prevent flyaways. The combination of wild boar and nylon bristles glides through the hair beautifully, making it easy to create the perfect texture.”

How should you use it?

“The round brush is perfect for creating big, voluminous waves and movement, and it’s especially great for blow-drying fringes to add shape and body.”

Becc Snow, founder of Alchemy Salon

Why do you love it?

“My favourite is my mini pink Mason Pearson brush that I have had in my kit for years and years! It has been through the washing machine and everything, but it is still going strong. I can’t do hair without it. It’s really high quality, small and compact but does more than enough. And it’s pink.”

How should you use it?

“It’s best used on dried hair. It’s really good at giving the hair smoothness and fullness.”

Nina Metta Lee, founder of Extra Silky

Why do you love it?

“My favourite brush is my Tangle Teezer, it’s amazing for in-salon, as well as home use for wet or dry hair. Tangle Teezer is so good as the bristles are malleable and don’t rip through the hair.”

How should you use it?

It can be used on wet and dry hair, as well as all hair types. I’m all about using versatile tools.”

Jaye Edwards, founder of Edwards and Co

Why do you love it?

“This is the only brush you will ever need to detangle hair and blend colour, creating the most seamless colour you ever did see! It features flexible pins for zero colour transfer and optimal care, being ultra gentle on each strand of hair.”

How should you use it?

“I use this brush in the salon to detangle hair and when I’m doing a colour service, typically on wet hair. I carry this brush with me everywhere I go. Just keep the brush dry where possible to prolong the life of the brush and bristles.”