Wiley has a few tips on how to select the right brush for your hair length and type. For starters, those with short hair will want to opt for a round brush with a smaller barrel so that it’s able to gather the hair and turn even at a shorter length. Medium-length hair types can opt for a larger brush with an ideal diameter between 1.7 and 2.75 inches. Longer hair types (especially if yours is also thick) can even go for a jumbo-sized brush around three to four inches in diameter. 

If you have wavy or curly hair, Wiley also has a few notes on what to do before going in with a round brush. “Wavy, curly, and coily hair need different tools and techniques because the hair grows out of the scalp differently,” she says. “So as to not create frizz, rough up the cuticle, and damage the integrity of the curl, specific tools are needed. You’ll want to detangle and define when starting with wet or damp hair. Great options for wavy, curly, and coily hair are the Wet Brush Shower Detangler ($6) and the Denman Classic Styling Brush ($20). These will detangle and define the curls rather than separate and diffuse.” Wiley’s picks and a few of our own favorite round brushes are down below.