Choosing the perfect hairbrush can feel a bit like the rose ceremony on The Bachelor. A choice that can be nerve-racking and leave you with potential regret. A good brush is a necessity for healthy, beautiful hair and is just as important as any other styling tool you have. Choose wisely!

Brush Benefits

Brushing does more than give your hair that glorious shine. Doing so will keep snags and painful yanks to a minimum.

It can help stimulate the scalp which is essential to healthy hair growth. It can also distribute oil to naturally condition hair–getting rid of that pesky case of oily scalp that comes from second (or third) day hair.

Brush pitfalls

You can have too much of a good thing. Beware of brushing too often. That old wives' tale about brushing your hair 100 times is excessive and potentially damaging.

Brushing too hard is also going to cause damage, so have a light hand when you brush. If you're tugging on your scalp, it's too much pressure. Ease up!

Keep your brush clean. Using a dirty brush is not going to be as effective. Scrape off buildup with soap and water and clean excess hair from your brush on a regular basis. You can buy a brush cleaner or use what you already have, such as a fine-toothed comb.

If you can't remember when you've last cleaned your brush, it's been too long. Clean your brush as often as you clean your makeup brushes: once a week or biweekly. It will prolong the life of your brush and yield better hair days.

4 tips for a good hair day

1. Choose your tools wisely.

Choose a hair brush that is best suited for your hair type and texture. Whatever brush you choose, make sure the bristles can touch your scalp.

A boar bristle brush is a good option because it distributes oils down the length of your hair and stimulates your scalp. A Tangle Teezer is another good choice for most hair types and is suitable on wet and dry hair.

2. Brush from ends to roots.

To minimize snagging and split ends, brush from ends to roots in small strokes. It’s a longer process but far gentler than brushing from scalp to ends.

3. Brush before showering.

This may sound obvious, but brushing your hair before jumping in the shower will keep your hair snag free. The exception to this rule is very damaged hair, which may benefit from a gentle brush with a mask. Try the TO112 Mask for Damaged Hair in combination with the Tangle Teezer to detangle, moisturize and strengthen your locks.

TO112 conditioners can also be used with the Tangle Teezer or a wide-toothed comb in the shower to fortify and moisturize hair.

4. Be gentle!

It bears repeating: whichever brush you use, make sure to use it with little force. Take your time while brushing your hair, which is easier said than done on days when you’re all but rushing out the door.

(Cover Image: @tangleteezer)