The good old comb is on its way out or at least it should be! Hairstylists suggest that you brush your hair instead of combing it. With a range of brushes available, what's best for your hair?

Brush up

Depending on their shape and design, type of bristles and their use, a whole range of brushes are available. However, while choosing a brush, you need to know what's best for your hair.

The Bristle Brush comes with natural boar bristles or synthetic nylon or wire quills. It is advisable to use the natural bristles because nylon bristles damage and pull hair. Check for wide spaced rows between the bristles because this will allow you to brush you hair easily. Anyone can use this brush, irrespective of hair length and texture.

The Cushion Brush is oval shaped, has a flat back and has a padded head where the bristles are attached. This brush has a massaging effect on the hair. The back of the brush accentuates the sleekness of the hair. It is best suited for medium length hair that is naturally straight.

The Paddle Brush is a flat brush that resembles a paddle, with ball tipped nylon bristles set in a cushion base. It also gives your scalp a mini massage. It is great to smoothen out medium length and long hair and hair that are slightly wavy. However, if you have layers then do not consider this at all because it adds no volume at all.

The Round Brush has a round metal barrel and is used to curl hair. It works well for blow drying your hair and helps you get the straight look. You get different sizes for different hair lengths.

The Sculpting Brush is used to backcomb short, textured hair. It best suits short cuts and round layers.

The Thermal Round Brush has a metal barrel and is used for hair drying. These are available in small, medium, large and extra large sizes depending on the length of the hair. It helps in styling your hair. Perfect for all hair lengths, it comes in different sizes for different hair lengths.

The Thermal Flat Brush is used to straighten out hair. It works like a straightening iron and gives hair a sleek, prim-n-proper look. It is best suited for long hair.

The Vent Brush has wide spaced, flexible bristles and holes at the base. It is usually used for blow drying. The holes speed up the drying process and makes hair voluminous. Works best for short hair.

Know you hair, keep the length and style in mind and choose you brush accordingly. Brushing your hair is in - so choose wisely!

(With inputs from Kunal Chhetri, Senior Stylist, Javed Habib's)