Tennessee Cosmetology Practice Exam

What type of brush is most suitable for styling hair?

1. A flat brush

2. A round brush

3. A teasing comb

4. A paddle brush

The correct answer is: A round brush

A round brush is specifically designed for styling hair because of its shape and the way it interacts with the hair while blow-drying. Its cylindrical form allows for the creation of volume, curls, and waves, making it ideal for styling techniques that require manipulating the hair's texture and shape. When using a round brush, stylists can pull the hair through the center of the brush while using heat from a blow dryer, which helps set the style and adds body to the hair. The design of the round brush, with bristles that are evenly spaced and often varied in length, allows for both smoothing and curling as the hair is wrapped around the brush. This enables a stylist to achieve various looks, from sleek, straight finishes to bouncy, voluminous curls, depending on the technique used and the size of the brush. Other types of brushes, such as a flat brush, paddle brush, and teasing comb, serve different purposes. A flat brush is more suited for straightening hair and distributing products. A paddle brush is typically used for smoothing and detangling longer hair but does not provide the same styling versatility. A teasing comb is primarily meant for backcombing and adding volume at the roots rather than for overall styling. Thus, the round brush