the tool lab brushes

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.

DANCE MAKEUP

There’s nothing quite like watching your child light up the stage at an eisteddfod or dance concert. Hair and makeup play just as big a role as the costume, ensuring each dancer looks their best under the stage lights.

For many parents—and even dancers applying their own makeup—creating the perfect stage look can feel overwhelming, especially if makeup isn’t your strong suit.

To help, we’ve put together some essential tips for achieving dance makeup that truly stands out.

First, let’s take a look at a before-and-after photo of the lovely Isabella. Her makeup highlights her features, making them pop beautifully on stage!

Great makeup starts with the right tools! Investing in a good-quality yet affordable brush set can make all the difference in achieving a polished look. Priceline offers budget-friendly options, including Manicare and Models Prefer brushes. For a reliable choice, Real Techniques brushes are among my personal favorites!

Step 1 – Primer

Dancers often wear their makeup for an entire day, so choosing the right products to enhance longevity is essential. Primer plays a crucial role in keeping foundation in place and creating a smooth base for application.

One of my favorite primers is the Laura Mercier Primer, available at David Jones, but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Face of Australia Primer from Priceline is a great choice for under $12.

For teenagers with oily skin, a mattifying primer helps control shine, especially in the T-zone. I highly recommend the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Mattifying Primer for this.

Don’t forget to prep your lips! Apply a nourishing lip balm like Lanolips or Paw Paw Ointment to keep them soft. Regularly exfoliating with a toothbrush is a simple trick to remove dead skin and keep your lips smooth.

Step 2 – Eyes

I always start with the eyes first, especially for stage makeup, as eyeshadow fallout can get messy. Doing this before foundation allows for easy cleanup and gives the primer more time to settle into the skin.

Prepping the Eyes

  • Apply your foundation over the eyelid and under the eyes to create an even base.
  • Use an eye primer to ensure eyeshadow adheres properly and stays in place. This also prevents smudging and creasing throughout the day.
    • Top picks: Too Faced Shadow Insurance (Mecca Maxima) or Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.
    • Budget-friendly option: Face of Australia Eye Primer (Priceline, under $9).
  • If you don’t have an eye primer, concealer can work as an alternative.

Eyeshadow Application

  • Set the base – Apply a nude eyeshadow over the entire lid.
  • Define the crease – With a small fluffy brush, blend a soft brown shade into the crease and down toward the lash line.
  • Deepen the outer lid – Layer a medium brown/taupe shade on the outer lid, blending well. Gradually build intensity by adding darker brown, then black, ensuring the black remains closest to the lash line. Use a clean blending brush to seamlessly blend the shades together.
  • Brighten the inner lid – Apply a shimmery gold or bronze shade to the inner lid and inner corners to open up the eyes.
  • Highlight the brow bone – Use a pearl shimmer shade just below the eyebrows.
  • Lower lash line – With an angled brush, apply lighter shades toward the inner corner and darker shades on the outer lash line for added dimension.

For a great dance-friendly eyeshadow palette, try the CHI CHI Nudes Palette (Target, under $23) or Models Prefer Nude Palettes (Priceline).

Finishing Touches

  • Clean up fallout using micellar water and cotton buds or a makeup wipe.
  • Line the eyes:
    • Apply gel or liquid eyeliner along the upper lash line.
    • Line the lower lash line, stopping just short of the outer corner, then extend it horizontally for a lifted effect. A pencil liner works well here.
  • Mascara: Coat the top and bottom lashes for added volume.
  • False lashes:
    • Trim strip lashes to fit your eye shape.
    • Apply lash glue and wait about 20 seconds until tacky before placing them on the lid.
    • To create a lifted effect, position the outer corner slightly above the lash line.
    • Press the false lashes into your natural lashes using tweezers or fingers.

For stage-perfect lashes, I recommend Modelrock’s Pick and Mix lashes—affordable at under $2 per pair. Styles 212, 259, and 236 are great for stage performances.


Step 3 – Base

With the eyes complete and the skin prepped, it’s time to perfect the base.

Foundation

  • Use a buffing brush to blend a waterproof foundation into the skin.
  • For stage makeup, choose a shade one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone to ensure your features stand out under bright lights.
  • I used the Atelier Paris Waterproof Foundation on Isabella, but a great alternative is Revlon ColorStay Foundation.
  • Investing in a high-quality foundation is worthwhile, as it lasts longer and eliminates the need for frequent touch-ups.

(For local dance mums and students, I offer color-matching if you’re interested in ordering Atelier Paris foundations.)

Concealer

  • Apply concealer in a V shape under the eyes, down the nose bridge, and on the center of the forehead and chin for a brightened, even complexion.
  • I used MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, but Maybelline offers great budget-friendly options as well.

Blending is key—use a smaller buffing brush or a damp beauty sponge for a seamless finish.

Step 4 – Contour, Blush & Highlight

Once your base is perfectly blended, set everything in place with a translucent powder. A colorless powder is best to avoid altering the foundation shade. I recommend Ben Nye Translucent Powder, available from Scotty’s.

Contour

  • Using a contour powder, apply a line just below the cheekbones and blend upwards (making a “fish face” helps find the right placement).
  • Blend contour along the temples, jawline, and sides of the nose for added definition.
  • I used the Anastasia Contour Palette, but a great budget alternative is Models Prefer Contour Powder from Priceline for just $10.

Blush

  • Use a fluffy brush to apply a rosy pink blush to the cheekbones for a natural flush.
  • On Isabella, I used NARS Deep Throat, but any soft pink blush works well.

Highlight

  • Apply a highlighter to the tops of the cheekbones for a radiant glow.
  • My favorite is The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer, available at David Jones and Sephora for under $30.
  • A great budget-friendly option is the Models Prefer Highlighter, available at Priceline for under $11.

Blending is key—make sure all the products transition smoothly for a flawless, stage-ready finish!

Step 5 – Brows & Lips

Brows

  • Fill in the eyebrows using a brow pencil or an eyeshadow that is one shade lighter than your natural brow color.
  • Apply with an angled brush for precision and blend well for a natural yet defined look.
  • Remember, eyebrows frame the eyes, so shaping them correctly enhances the overall makeup!

Lips

  • Outline the lips with a red lip liner to define the shape and prevent feathering.
  • Fill in the lips with a long-lasting red lipstick for a bold, stage-ready look.
  • Revlon ColorStay is a fantastic option for a vibrant, long-wearing red.

Step 6 – Setting Spray

To lock in the makeup and ensure it lasts under the bright stage lights, finish with a makeup setting spray.

  • Skindinavia Setting Spray is my go-to for long-lasting wear.
  • For a budget-friendly option, the Models Prefer Setting Spray from Priceline (under $15) works well to keep everything in place.

A few spritzes will help prevent smudging, fading, or melting—so your dancer’s look stays flawless from the first step to the final bow!

Let the show begin!!!!!