What’s a ‘Brush Wardrobe’ and Why Do I Need One?
Nikki is a writer, former makeup artist, and Communications Specialist at Adore Beauty. She kicked off her writing career at Fashion Journal, penning beauty articles and interviewing musicians she’d still name-drop seven years later. In 2023, she made a very big and bold career leap (writing about fashion instead of beauty). Now, she’s come full circle – but still loves to think outside the box.
In Partnership With Denman
It seems like in the last few years, hair and scalp health have been hot topics of conversation in the beauty space. Brands are upping their technology to focus on longevity, while people are investing more into their at-home routines to make the most between appointments.
Case in point: I was in Paris last month (Paris plug) and bought a really fancy boar bristle brush to try and extend my wash days and unlock my hair’s fullest, shiniest potential. Now that I’ve discovered the true meaning of hair oil distribution, there’s no going back.
We’ve written about building a fragrance wardrobe before, but the concept of having more than one hair brush, I admit, is still a new concept for me.
Enter, cult-favourite hair brand Denman.
Denman’s signature four-step system – which breaks your brushing routine into stages – is thoughtfully designed for different scenarios, much like your wardrobe. Plus, the brand’s newest Blue Belle range arrives in a pretty, vintage-style print (my personal fave), which kind of doubles as bathroom decor.
So, what is each Denman brush for exactly?
Denman D28 Deluxe Blue Belle Wide Tooth Detangling Comb, $29.95
The D28 for wet hair
Aka the stage when your hair is most fragile and all the experts collectively shout: don’t you dare brush it. The solve? A wide-tooth comb that detangles wet hair without causing breakage. I use it mostly for combing through product in the shower, so it’s a caddy essential.
Denman D3 7 Row Styler Blue Belle Brush, $31.96
The D3 for curl definition
Specifically designed to define curls, Denman’s best-known brush has been used by pros since the ‘50s and featured in curly hair routines since the early days of TikTok.
Spoiler: I’ve been a D3 devotee for the last five years, so I can attest to its magic.
Unlike your regular detangling brushes, the D3 works by pulling the hair taught, letting your curls snap back into shape. Like a pair of scissors gliding through ribbon to create the perfect spiral.
I like to section my hair in smaller pieces and angle the brush up and away from my face to create more volume at the root, twisting my hand in the process. It adds like 5–10 minutes to my routine, but the return on investment is so worth it.
Denman D38 Blue Belle Power Paddle Brush, $46.95
The D38 for detangling
If you do want to go more capsule with your brush wardrobe, the Denman D38 paddle brush is the most universal. Designed with a soft, air-cushioned pad, it’s perfect for detangling both wet and dry hair, and can also be used to achieve a sleek blowdry.
It even features the same round-ended pins as the beloved D3 brush, so your curls and waves are safe.
Denman D81M Blue Belle Style & Shine Brush, $43.95
The D81M for sleek styling and shine
Maybe you rock a slick-back daily and are already privy to the power of a half nylon, half boar bristle brush. Or maybe you bought a fancy one in Paris and realised you can get the same shine-boosting benefits for a lot less than what you paid for on a whim (just me?).
This Denman brush detangles, smoothes and helps distribute your hair’s natural oils evenly. It’s perfect for wigs and hair extensions, too.
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