The right hairbrush will save you time and even improve the condition of your hair.

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For Quick Drying

The Vent Brush
Why it works: The barrel openings allow for better airflow and faster heat styling. It's ideal for straight and wavy types who want to preserve their hair's texture as they blow it dry.
Best of the bunch: The Bio Ionic iBrush Vent Brush, $27

For Shine

The Natural-Bristle Paddle Brush
Why it works: This flat brush has a cushioned head to protect your scalp and natural boar bristles to distribute the oil from your scalp as you brush, giving hair luster. It's also great for pulling hair back into a sleek ponytail.
Best of the bunch: Warren-Tricomi Oval Cushion Brush, $35

For Detangling

The Rectangular Paddle Brush
Why it works: The long, stiff bristles are widely spaced, making it easy to comb through thick hair when dry or gently detangle it when wet. The ball-tipped ends stimulate circulation.
Best of the bunch: Olivia Garden Ceramic + Ion XL Pro Large, $16.50

For Straightening

The Natural-Bristle Round Brush
Why it works: The tightly packed natural boar bristles grab hair evenly, helping to smooth and straighten as you turn the brush. Natural bristles are often shorter than synthetic bristles, so you'll need to style small sections of hair for best results.
Best of the bunch: Marilyn Double S Pro Round Brush, $19.89

For Greater Volume

The Thermal Round Brush
Why it works: The metal barrel heats up quickly and locks in the style while the round shape lifts hair at the scalp for extra fullness.
Best of the bunch: Goody Styling Solution So Hot Large Hot Round Brush, $9.99

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal, September 2006.