the tool lab brush

11 BEST HAIR BRUSHES FOR THIN HAIR

Whether your hair is straight or curly, preventing needless damage to it is likely your top hair-related worry. Fine hair is especially vulnerable to damage. While sulfate-free shampoos and heat-styling equipment are well-known causes of breakage, poor-quality hair brushes are also to blame. The best brushes for thin hair are kind to the hair, won’t pull on strands or tangles, and aid in distributing the natural oils from your scalp throughout the shaft of the hair.

CROWN AFFAIR THE BRUSH NO. 003

Crown Affair’s The Brush No. 003 is a delight for delicate hair. It is manufactured by hand in Italy with pure boar bristles, which gently work on hair, enveloping every strand in the natural oils of the scalp from root to tip. Every stroke gives the scalp a pleasant massage as well as preventing dry, brittle hair. With each application, those with fine or thinning hair will feel an increase in volume and luster, making it one of the best hair brushes for thin hair.

The flexible, cushioned pad with a breathing hole that holds the boar bristles lessen pressure on the scalp. The ergonomic handle made of natural beechwood offers a comfortable and solid grip. Utilize it just on dry hair to avoid any harm. If you want to detangle and restore shine to your hair, brush it from the scalp to the roots.

BLACK EGG WOODEN BOAR BRISTLE BRUSH

The lightweight beechwood handle of this oval brush is pleasant to hold. The adult boar hair used to manufacture the soft bristles is put through a thorough screening procedure, which leaves the hair silky and full of natural shine. In actuality, this procedure eliminates a significant portion of the oil from those natural bristles, leaving just enough behind to aid in balancing the oil in your own hair and scalp with each brushing. 

Together with a wide-tooth mahogany comb that’s great for detangling and distributing product throughout wet hair, the soft bristles help to gently eliminate frizz. In fact, the company suggests using the comb to untangle and defrizz your hair before using the boar brush on a regular basis if you’re new to utilizing natural brushes. 

TANGLE TEEZER THE ULTIMATE DETANGLER FINE & FRAGILE

Whatever the hair type, wet hair has to be properly cared for, but fine and delicate hair especially needs to be treated gently. If you’re familiar with Tangle Teezer’s Ultimate Detangler, you should know that this model is much softer than the original and is designed for delicate hair.

This oblong brush has flexible, soft bristles despite being made of plastic. They also don’t have any points that might break off and grip your hair. Wet hair is easily detangled by the widely spaced bristles, and the thin handle offers an ergonomic grip. The long and short teeth work in tandem to remove knots and smooth hair, reducing breakage and frizz. There are many more cool colors of this brush, such as Lilac/Mint and Hypnotic Heather.

SISLEY-PARIS THE RADIANCE BRUSH

An excellent paddle brush is a fantastic tool for scalp stimulation and hair smoothing. Soft, supple bristles of the Sisley-Paris Radiance Brush gently work on both types of hair, making it easier to untangle hair and prevent frizz. This works on all hair types, both wet and dry, and with continued application, you should see shinier, more voluminous hair. It seems sense that you would be a little shocked by the sticker price, but the investment is worthwhile. 

DYSON DYSON DESIGNED PADDLE BRUSH

This paddle brush would be a terrific addition to your haircare collection whether you’re seeking a new brush to pair with your Dyson Supersonic hair dryer or if you’re finally saving up for one. Because the flexible bristles are arranged in an oval shape on a padded base, the scalp is not as stressed. When styling, the weighted grip makes the tool seem balanced in the hand. 

This brush is quite robust and mild enough for all hair types. When it’s time for a blowout at home, this brush is ideal since it can withstand temperatures as high as 302°F. We also appreciate that this brush is available in five distinct colors: Prussian blue, black, rosé, fuchsia, and purple.

BELULA BOAR BRISTLE ROUND BRUSH FOR BLOW DRYING SET

For sensitive hair, a circular brush might be problematic, however, this one seems to be soothing. Its nylon and boar blend of bristles is gentle on delicate strands. Because of its size, the 2.7-inch barrel is ideal for blowouts since you don’t have to worry about it being tangled. This round brush distributes the natural oils from your scalp into your hair strands, making your hair seem smooth and shining, in contrast to other brushes with harsher bristles.  

Three crocodile hair clips are provided with this brush to assist divide your hair for effortless style, and a hair cleaner tool makes cleaning the bristles between usage simple.

SHASH BOAR BRISTLE CLASSIC HAIR BRUSH

We chose a brush from Shash, a firm that has been producing boar bristle brushes since 1869 since natural boar bristles work best on hair that needs some TLC. Hundreds of natural bristles on this German-made brush are ready to transfer the natural oils from your scalp through your hair in a gentle and equal manner. 

This brush not only reduces dandruff and other irritations of the scalp, but also encourages healthy hair development. Every time you apply it, it’s like giving your scalp a little exfoliation. When brushing or styling, the ergonomically designed smooth handle feels good in your hand. 

WET BRUSH ORIGINAL DETANGLER

In addition to being excellent for detangling wet hair, the appropriately called Wet Brush is also terrific for removing knots from dry hair. Without worrying about snagging delicate or brittle hair, the IntelliFlex bristles are tucked into a cushioned base that eases tension as it runs through your hair, wet or dry.

For a pleasant detangling experience, the bristles are robust but flexible enough to go through all types of hair. In fact, you’ll need to work 55% less to get your hair silky and have 45% less breakage. Although the fact that it comes in a range of colors is appealing, the performance of this brush is actually what makes it worthwhile. 

AVEDA WOODEN PADDLE BRUSH

The flexible, cushioned base of the Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush eases the strain on your scalp as it works through your hair. This rectangular paddle’s long bristles stimulate and massage the scalp gently to encourage healthy hair growth. Because of their broad spacing, knots in all types of hair may be easily and swiftly removed. While you brush and style your hair, you won’t experience hand tiredness thanks to the long wooden handle’s comfortable grip and the lightweight design of the entire item. Smooth, straight styles can be achieved with this brush rather well.

PAUL MITCHELL PRO TOOLS 413 SCULPTING BRUSH

Paul Mitchell’s compact yet effective fine-hair hair brush is an affordable way to up your hair care game. Its flexible, widely spread bristles softly smooth and untangle hair, whether it’s damp or dry. It’s ideal for adding the final touches to any hairstyle or blow-drying hair. 

To lessen hand strain when brushing and styling, the design is lightweight and thin. It’s ideal for travel as well because of its small size, which makes it fit in most cosmetic bags. For home use, this Paul Mitchell brush should be used in addition to your collection of hair tools rather than as your only choice, but considering the price, it’s an easy choice.

TANGLE TEEZER BRUSH

Any hair type can experience breakage from knots and snarls, but fine hair is particularly vulnerable to their destructive effects. For this reason, it’s critical to invest in a high-quality detangling brush, such as this Tangle Teezer brush that has won several awards. This brush works well on both wet and dry hair because of its memory-flex bristles, which are tough but kind to delicate hair strands. Its design combines long and short teeth, the former for smoothing and the latter for detangling hair. The brush is mild enough, according to the makers, to be used on wigs, weaves, and hair extensions. Overall, this is the best brush for fine thin hair.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

If you know where to search, you may find the best brush for thin hair, which can create volume and make hair care a thousand times simpler and more effective. If you belong to the fine hair family, you are certainly well aware of the advantages and disadvantages that come with this type of hair. It may be styled using a wash-and-go method, making it potentially less upkeep than other hair types. However, you may have limp, oily roots and hair that is too obstinate to curl. The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert to obtain the sort of hairstyle you like; you simply need to know what you’re working with.

THE HISTORY AND TUTORIAL OF AUTHENTIC 1940S MAKEUP

1940s makeup is one of the most “vintage” looks, and is rather simple to recreate. There was a push for all things natural, unlike the 1930s and 1950s, which favored reshaping eyebrows and contouring the face. 1940s makeup enhanced natural beauty with just a few tools.

During the war, European women dealt with huge cosmetics shortages, since petroleum and alcohol – some of the main ingredients in makeup at the time – were used for the war effort. When makeup ran out, women turned to home remedies to substitute, such as using beetroot juice to stain lips and petroleum jelly to darken lashes and shape eyebrows.

In the United States, cosmetics continued to be manufactured throughout the war and were seen by the government as a morale booster for the busy women on the home front. Women were encouraged to wear makeup all the time to hide sadness and attract men, even while at work. Athletes even wore makeup. Color films had a big impact on the market, as women could now imitate the shades worn by Hollywood starlets. By 1948, between 80 and 90 percent of women wore lipstick, two thirds wore rouge, and a quarter wore eye makeup.

The 1940s makeup look exudes classic sophistication and is surprisingly easy to recreate. The emphasis was on a flawless, fresh-faced appearance—natural, never overly done. Less was definitely more, which worked out well, especially during the war years when many women had to make do with fewer products and resources.

Although the final result seems simple, a woman’s 1940s makeup routine could take some time—quick five-minute makeup wasn’t a thing! The process began with applying and blending thick foundation. Women were encouraged to shape their face with both light and dark shades of foundation—darker tones could be used to contour areas like a large nose, broad forehead, or square jaw, while lighter shades on the cheeks would add a fuller, plumper appearance.

Next, eye shadow was applied, followed by moist rouge. This was often used not only for color but also for subtle shaping, always ensuring the look remained natural. Afterward, a generous application of powder was pressed into the face with a large velour or wool puff. The powder was applied heavily to ensure a matte finish, covering the entire face. Excess powder was then brushed away with a powder brush to reveal a smooth, polished look.

If the moist rouge needed extra reinforcement, a powdered version was applied on top of the powder. The final steps included defining the eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil, applying mascara for fuller lashes, and finishing with the signature bold lipstick.

What You’ll Need:

  • Foundation: Choose a shade that closely matches your skin tone.
  • Powder: Loose powder that matches your skin tone to set the foundation.
  • Cream Rouge: Go for a rose-pink cream rouge (avoid powder if possible, unless that’s all you have).
  • Eyebrow Pencil: Choose a pencil that matches your natural brow color, or one shade darker than your hair.
  • Eye Shadow: (Optional, for evening wear) Use matte shadows that match your eye color—avoid shimmer.
  • Mascara: Dark brown or black mascara, or you can even use petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) for a more subtle lash effect.
  • Lipstick: A classic, matte red lipstick for that bold, vintage look.

1940s Foundation and Powder

Foundations in the 1940s were quite different from today’s lightweight options. There were fewer shades available, and most foundations had a pinkish tint, which worked well for white women, but wasn’t always suitable for women of color. Many Black women, for instance, either mixed their own makeup or often went without powder.

Foundations during this time were much thicker and creamier compared to today’s formulations. Liquid foundations as we know them didn’t exist, and the creamier formulas helped provide a fuller coverage. Face powder, which was essential, was used to set the foundation and keep the face matte throughout the day. It matched the skin tone but was also used to help the foundation adhere better to the face—foundation alone would often cause powder to slip off.

The foundation and powder were extended down the neck and onto the blouse or dress line, as it was common for the foundation shade to not perfectly match the skin on the rest of the body. This helped create a seamless, blended look.

Tip: For a smooth application, lightly coat your face with baby oil (or mineral oil) before applying foundation. This helps create a smooth base and allows the foundation to blend more easily.

1940S FACE POWDER

Powders should match your natural skin tone as much as possible. Light shades kept a woman looking fresh and youthful, while a slightly bronzed shade added a sun kissed glow, popular with movie stars. Almost all makeup lines carried a sun kissed color or two.

If you are over 40, your skin is prone to yellowing, in which case a powder with a pink tinge will work better for you.  To apply, use a puff to dust your face all over and then brush from the neck up to the forehead. Only brush down once to finish and smooth out face fuzz.

Tip: A fluffy face puff makes a difference. Don’t use compressed powder with a flat pad for early 1940s looks. Pan-cake compressed makeup came out in the mid 1940s with big success. To women who could afford it, it provided more coverage applied in less time. Just remember to always brush up, never down.

1940s Blush

In the 1940s, blush (referred to as rouge) was applied sparingly to create a natural, rosy glow. The shades of rouge were limited, typically ranging from peach and coral to raspberry tones, with darker shades for those with bronze or deeper skin tones. Cream rouge (moist rouge) was the preferred choice, giving a more natural look, and was often blended directly into the foundation. Powdered rouges were also used lightly over the cheeks to give a soft flush.

Although rouge was an important part of the look, it wasn’t strictly necessary for achieving the 1940s style. You could still achieve the desired effect without it.

Tip: If you can’t find cream rouge, a light matte lipstick in a pink or peach shade works well. Simply apply it with your fingers, dab it on the cheeks, and blend it in until it seamlessly matches your skin tone.

Cream or liquid rouges were sometimes found in theatrical costume makeup stores and, in modern times, can be found in some makeup brands on platforms like Amazon.

1940s Eyebrows

The 1940s eyebrows were a continuation of the 1930s style, with thin, beautifully arched brows being the key feature. Eyebrows were kept natural-looking, with only stray hairs removed to maintain a soft, even arch. The arch itself was well-groomed but not overly thin—most women didn’t over-pluck.

Eyebrows were often defined with a pencil that was slightly darker than the hair color, or some women simply applied a bit of petroleum jelly to keep the brows in place and enhance their natural shape. For daywear, this softer look was more common, while in the evening, brows might be more defined.

As the decade progressed, the full, more defined brows of the late ’40s began to take hold, but they were never as thick as modern-day brows.

1940s Eye Makeup

Eye makeup in the 1940s was quite minimal, especially during the daytime. Most women wore just a light coat of mascara, often in dark brown or black. Some even used petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to achieve a subtle lash definition. Mascara came in different forms—liquid, paste, or cake—often built up by adding a little water or spit to the cake to get the desired consistency. Mascara was applied to both the upper and lower lashes for a fuller look.

For evening looks, eye shadow could be used, but only in neutral tones. The colors were typically chosen to match the eye color—blue-grey for blue eyes, grey for green eyes, and brown for brown or hazel eyes. The eyeshadow was applied in a single color, blended from the lash line up to the brow for an elegant and simple look. No smoky eyes or contouring here—just one shade blended well. For evening looks, sometimes silver or gold was added to create a little extra glamour.

Eyeliner wasn’t commonly used in the early 1940s; it was considered too harsh and “fake-looking.” It didn’t make an appearance until the late ’40s, and even then, it was applied only to the top lash line.

1940s Lipstick

Lips were the focal point of 1940s makeup, especially during the war years, when red lipstick was seen as a mood booster. Lipstick shades varied from bluish reds to orange-toned reds, but they were all red! Bright pinks weren’t worn until the 1950s, so reds were a constant. In the fall, red lipstick tended to get darker, and in the spring, it lightened up a bit.

Most lipsticks of the time were matte, and women were advised to moisturize their lips before applying. After applying lipstick, they would often blot their lips with a tissue to ensure the color stayed put. By 1948, lipstick pencils were introduced, allowing for a more precise application and a perfect outline around the lips.

The ideal lip shape was full and even, with a smooth contour on the top and bottom lips. The “Hunter’s Bow” lip shape, popularized by Joan Crawford, involved slightly over-drawing the lips to make them appear plumper. However, actresses like Lauren Bacall and Ingrid Bergman embraced their naturally thin lips and didn’t over-draw them.

Tip: To achieve a perfectly shaped lip, start with the cupid’s bow and draw the pencil out to the corners of the mouth. Fill in with lipstick and gently rub your lips together to ensure an even finish. Touch up any uneven spots on the bottom lip.

1940s Fingernail Polish

In the 1940s, nails were always neatly trimmed, often filed into a long oval shape. During wartime, nails were kept a bit shorter for safety, but they were still manicured regularly. Cuticles were carefully trimmed and moisturized for a polished look.

Nail polish in the ’40s was almost always red, and matching your nails to your lipstick was the norm. Other shades like pink, coral, rose, and burgundy were also popular. A clear topcoat was always used for durability, and some women embraced the “half-moon” style, where the base of the nail (around the cuticle) was left unpainted.

Tip: To create a half-moon shape on your nails, apply paper reinforcements to the base of each nail, aligning the top of the hole with the cuticle. Paint your nails, then remove the reinforcements before the polish fully dries for a neat, vintage look.

1940s Makeup Products to Buy Today

To create an authentic 1940s look today, you don’t need a complicated routine. A bit of face powder, black mascara, well-defined brows, and red lipstick will give you that classic, vintage style. Modern makeup tends to have more shine and glitter, but for a true 1940s look, opt for matte products—especially for your lips, cheeks, and eyes.

Tip: Many modern makeup lines offer matte formulas, but brands like Revlon and Max Factor (which were popular in the 1940s) still offer products that capture that vintage style. Besame is another brand that specializes in recreating vintage makeup colors and formulas from the ’40s.

For a more subtle daytime look, keep your makeup light—just a dusting of powder, a touch of blush, and a swipe of mascara. For a more dramatic evening or pinup style, go heavier on the lipstick and mascara, and use a little more rouge for that retro glam.