The brush wardrobe: why one brush isn’t enough

A favourite brush can do a lot. But brushing out tangles, creating a bouncy blow-dry and smoothing the final style are different jobs. The shape of the brush, its bristles and the way it works through a section all affect the result.

Think of a brush wardrobe as a few well-chosen tools that work together. If your routine is simple, yours can be too. Start with what you actually do with your hair, then give each brush a reason to be there.

Before you start shaping, ease out tangles. Work in manageable sections, begin at the ends and move gradually upwards, supporting the hair above a knot rather than pulling through it.

The Lagom Paddle EL04 is designed for detangling and drying, with a generous shape and round-tipped ionic nylon bristles. Prefer a smaller oval shape? Look at the Classic Oval EL01.

For curls and coils, brushing may belong in your detangling routine rather than your dry finishing routine. Choose your approach around your texture and the result you want.

A paddle gives you a broad working surface. A round brush lets you work around a barrel to create bend, lift and movement during a blow-dry. That is why the brush you use to prepare your hair may not be the one you reach for to shape it.

Choose the diameter to suit the section and finish. Smaller barrels offer more bend and detail; larger barrels lend themselves to softer movement and smoothing. Hair length, density and technique matter too.

EMME Pro Styler comes in four barrel diameters: 14, 22.2, 32 and 38 mm. Start with one that suits your usual style. Our round-brush guide explains the options.

Once you have created the shape, a finishing brush helps refine the surface. For a smooth finish, use light, controlled strokes on hair that is already detangled.

The Classic Oval Polish EL02 combines ionic nylon and boar bristle and is designed for smoothing and polishing. It brings a different purpose to your routine from a paddle or round brush.

Keep the finish you want in mind: brushing through a defined curl or wave will change its shape. Sometimes the best final step is to leave it alone.

For everyday brushing and a simple blow-dry, start with a detangling brush and a round brush in a useful size. If sleek styling is part of your routine, a polishing brush may earn its place. Short hair or a fringe might call for a smaller barrel alongside your everyday size.

You do not need every shape or every size. You need tools that suit your hair and the styles you enjoy wearing. Ask your stylist to show you which brush they use at each stage of your appointment.

A considered collection deserves a little care. Remove trapped hair regularly, keep wooden bodies out of standing water and let brushes dry fully before putting them away.

Read how to care for your EMME brush, or explore the range to find the tools that fit your routine.