Hair brushes are used not only to keep hair neat and styled, but to distribute the oils from the scalp to the ends of hair strands. Different kinds of hair brushes work on different hair types, hair lengths and hair styles. Hair brushes that are available today include the paddle brush, sculpting brush, round and flat thermal hair brushes, wire brushes, oval brushes and cushioned hair brushes.

Paddle hair brushes are good for smoothing and straightening hair. They can tame down curly and wavy hair as paddle hair brushes are not suitable for creating volume. Paddle hair brushes are usually large, flat and rectangular and offer wide coverage.

Sculpting hair brushes are suitable for use on chopped or razored hair edges. Sculpting hair brushes tend to work best on shorter haircuts as well as on textured shapes and rounded layers. A sculpting brush can also be used for creating volume by 'back-combing' the hair.

Round thermal hair brushes can add shape to short hair, especially when blow drying the hair. Round thermal hair brushes are available in different widths to add different shapes to the hair. When used with a blow dryer, round thermal hair brushes often smooth and volumize the hair. Flat thermal hair brushes tend to stretch out the hair and can help create a flat, smooth look.

Wire hair brushes usually work best on thick hair as they may be too harsh on the scalp of those with finer hair types. Wire hair brushes can also work well on curly hair. Wire hair brushes with the little plastic balls on the ends of the metal spokes are often gentle enough for those with finer hair.

Oval hair brushes do not usually add much volume to the hair and are good for long, straight hair. Cushioned hair brushes are ideal for medium-long to long hair as the longer the hair is, the more susceptible it is to breaking. Cushioned hair brushes tend to cushion the hair and help to prevent breakage and damage.

Besides wire bristles, hair brushes are available with synthetic or natural bristles. Synthetic-bristled brushes are more widely available and usually much less expensive than natural-bristled hair brushes, but they may create static in the hair. Fine hair is especially prone to static. Natural-bristled hair brushes are often made from boar's hair and tend to reduce static in the hair.