Your hair is your canvas; having the right tools will make you picture perfect. Your hairstylist wields tools of wizardry like magic wands. Among them is the humble round brush. It stands as a versatile maestro. It is capable of transforming limp locks into voluminous masterpieces. How do you find the best round brush for your hair? There are hundreds of options lining your beauty supply store aisle. At BLU Salon in Monrovia, CA, we believe in empowering our clients. We give knowledge to achieve salon-worthy results at home. We are diving deep into the world of round brushes. We are exploring their types and benefits. We specifically recommend Ergo Brushes.
Why the Round Brush Reigns Supreme
The round brush isn’t just for creating bouncy blowouts. It’s a multi-tasking wonder that can:
- Add Volume and Body: The curved shape lifts hair at the root, creating fullness and dimension.
- Create Smooth, Polished Styles: The bristles grip the hair, allowing for controlled tension and a sleek finish.
- Curl and Wave: A round brush can create soft curls or defined waves depending on its size and technique.
- Enhance Shine: Certain bristle types, like boar bristles, distribute natural oils, leaving hair glossy and healthy.
Navigating the Round Brush Landscape: Materials and Sizes
The best round brush isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors like hair type, length, and desired style play a crucial role.
Bristle Types:
- Boar Bristles: Ideal for fine to medium hair, boar bristles gently grip the hair, distribute natural oils, and add shine. They create a smooth, polished finish.
- Nylon Bristles: Sturdier than boar bristles, nylon bristles are suitable for thicker hair and creating defined curls. They offer excellent grip and tension.
- Combination Bristles: Combination bristles combine boar and nylon, providing grip and shine, offering the best of both worlds.
- Ceramic or Metal Barrels: These barrels heat up with the blow dryer, helping to set curls and create lasting volume. Be cautious with these on damaged hair, as excessive heat can cause further damage.
Barrel Sizes:
- Small Barrels (1-1.5 inches): perfect for creating tight curls, adding volume to short hair, or styling bangs.
- Medium Barrels (2-2.5 inches): versatile for creating bouncy curls, waves, and adding volume to medium-length hair.
- Large Barrels (3 inches and up): create smooth, voluminous blowouts and add gentle waves to long hair.
Finding Your Perfect Match: Hair Type Considerations
- Fine Hair: Look for a boar bristle brush with a medium barrel to add volume and shine without causing breakage.
- Thick Hair: For utmost control and tension, opt for a nylon or combination bristle brush with a large barrel.
- Curly Hair: A large barrel brush can help smooth and define curls, while a smaller barrel can create tighter curls.
- Damaged Hair: Choose a brush with soft bristles and avoid excessive heat.
BLU Salon’s Recommendations:
The Best Round Brush for Thick, Wavy, Curly Hair: Ergo’s Ionic Ceramic Round Brush is our top pick. It’s ideal for those lucky ducks with thick, wavy or curly locks. The ionic + ceramic technology will help smooth the hair and reduce frizz. In our opinion, the nylon bristle moves through the hair better. It minimizes getting the brush tangled up in longer, thicker hair. Make sure to opt for a barrel that is 2.5 – 3 inches for a smoother blowout.
The Best Round Brush for Hair Extension and Sensitive Scalps: Hair Extensions are fabulous for adding length and volume. Nonetheless, they do need some TLC. Ergo’s Super Gentle Round Brush has flexible nylon bristles specially designed for our tender-headed and extension clients. This new Ergo brush combines tourmaline and ceramic coating on the barrel. It provides high shine and low frizz. Because of the tourmaline technology, this brush works best with the lower temperature settings on your blow-dryer. Using a lower heat setting will achieve the same great shiny smooth blowout, without the risk of damaging the hair.
The Best Round Brush for Fine, Fragile, or Damaged Hair: We like the Dom Dom Boar/Nylon Bristle Round Brush. It combines the qualities of a gentle boar bristle with the performance of a nylon bristle. It does not have a ceramic barrel element, reducing the risk of breakage and hair burning.
If your hair is getting static with the Dom Dom round brush, your hair is lacking hydration. Static is a common problem for our fine hair clients, especially in the cooler months. Many people with finer hair struggle because they do not use conditioners and masks. They feel these products make their hair flat. Just because your hair is delicate and fragile does not mean it doesn’t need hydration. We would be happy to recommend a shampoo and conditioner. They won’t weigh fine hair down. They will give it the pizzazz to increase the volume without the static.
If you’re struggling with static, you want to learn more about managing those nasty fly-aways. Read our BLUprint on The Science of Static.
Both Ergo and Dom Dom round brushes are superior to the other brushes on the market and offer:
- Design: Dom Dom and Ergo brushes are designed with your comfort in mind, reducing hand fatigue and improving control. Their handles are made for optimal comfort, and their barrels are longer for faster drying time!
- High-Quality Materials: Premium materials, including durable bristles and heat-resistant barrels, ensuring longevity and performance. Their bristles are designed to be smooth, and gentle on the hair.
- Innovative Features: Unique features, like specialized bristle patterns and barrel coatings, enhance styling results.
- Variety of Options: Both offer a comprehensive range of barrel sizes, catering to all hair types and styling needs. This means you can find the absolute perfect brush for your specific needs.
- Focus on Hair Health: Healthy hair is beautiful hair. Their brushes are designed to reduce damage and promote shine.
Tips for Using Your Round Brush Like a Pro:
Now that we’ve spilled the tea on the best round brushes out there, here’s some pro tips for a salon-worthy blowout at home:
- Always start with damp, towel-dried hair.
- Use a heat protectant to prevent damage.
- Section your hair for better control.
- Keep tension on the hair while drying.
- Cool the hair before releasing it from the brush to set the style.
Check out Back of Bottle’s (BOB) Shining Armor Frizz and Heat Primer. It’s lightweight and silicone-free, so there’s no irritating static. It leaves hair with a light aroma of lavender and verbena, with a hint of lemon, grapefruit, and frankincense. YUM!
Investing in the Best Round Brush: A Worthwhile Investment
A round brush is more than just a tool; it’s an investment in your hair’s health and style. Choose the right brush. Master the proper technique, and you can achieve salon-worthy results from the comfort of your own home.
We hope this guide has helped you navigate the world of round brushes. At BLU Salon, we’re passionate about helping you achieve your hair goals. Visit us in Monrovia, or explore our BLUprint Blog for more tips and tricks.