1) For daily brushing

The must have brush for all hair types is the oval, paddle-shaped natural boar and nylon bristle brush responsible for the adage, “100 strokes a day.” Janine Shuman, educator and master stylist of the Florida-based Superstars International, explains that this combination of bristles polishes hair perfectly. Nylon bristles won’t stretch or break hair as it slides past, while boar bristles easily slide through to stimulate blood circulation under the scalp and distribute the natural sebum from the scalp throughout hair length for shiny, healthy tresses. (More info)

2) For blow-drying to straighten and to de-frizz

An hourglass-shaped round natural bristle brush gathers hair toward the brush center and holds taut for greater styling control. The largest ones are for longer hair, while the smallest straighten shorter hair. Your basic daily paddle brush works to straighten hair while blow-drying, too: The longer nylon bristles penetrate the hair to detangle unruly, knotty tresses while the boar bristles grasp the hair shaft to straighten hair, creating frizz-free looks, says Nick Arrojo of Arrojo Salon in New York City. (More info)

3) For blow-drying to curl

Look for the newest metal and ceramic barrel round brushes in many different diameters, some as small as tiny rollers or as large as three inches across. The metal or ceramic center retains the heat and works like a curling iron when used with the heat of your blow-dryer. (More info)

4) For adding volume at roots

A basic round natural bristle brush pushes the hair away from the scalp. Just brush your roots up, away from scalp while pointing your dryer toward the roots, following the path set out by the brush. Use anywhere you want to see fullness, says Arrojo. (More info)

5) For wet hair brushing

A flat, wide, cushioned square paddle brush will straighten, smooth and de-tangle wet hair every day because the cushioned base creates ‘give’ for hair to slide through without grabbing or tearing, Arrojo says. If your hair is overly curly or prone to tangling, use a wide tooth comb to untangle wet hair first, suggests Elizabeth Alvillar of Isvara Beauty & Wellness Center. (More info)

6) For basic, quick blow-drying

The rectangular vent brush, with its large-spaced bristles and open vents, is ideal for basic blow drying quickly because the vents let air throughout the hair adding body. You can also use this brush for gel-sculpting wet hair, Arrojo says, but not for curling or straightening, because this brush does not hold hair well. (More info)

7) For distributing product, separating curls

Actually fingers are the greatest "brush" for both uses. For distributing product, apply to palms and fingertips, then use fingers to gently distribute to roots through hair lengths. Better than a brush or comb, use fingers to separate curls that have been styled, scrunched or set. Gently shake and tousle with fingers so they look more natural, Arrojo suggests.

High-quality hair brush must-haves

Quality boar or other natural bristles

Nylon, not plastic bristles

Ergonomically-designed foam-wrapped or wood handles for best grip and control when styling

Cushioning under bristles on all paddle brushes, whether round or square

Look for ball tips on nylon bristles that are molded, not glued Good quality brushes are an investment item that can serve you years and years of use, advises Janine Shuman. So buy the best you can afford and take care to clean brushes by removing hair and swishing in soapy warm water about once a month!