Awhile back I mentioned that I was going to try the Aveda Paddle Brush. A lot of kinky/curly headed folks love this brush and I wanted to see why.
Now I have fallen in love! Yes, I do love the Aveda Paddle Brush for styling. I will still continue my love affair with the Denman brush (or the D12) for detangling, however.
What I love about the Aveda Paddle Brush:
- Smooths curls out without as much shrinkage (or “smooshage”, as I like to think of it…i.e. it smooshes all my curls together) as the Denman does
- Great for scalp massages. I have used paddle brushes in the past and though the humongous balls on the ends are great for the scalp, they get caught in my hair making it a painful experience. Once I saw in the Aveda store that this brush had very small, almost imperceptible, balls on the ends, I was ok with using it.
- Aesthetically more pleasing than the Denman. Unless you like hot pink, alien looking brushes. The Aveda brush is made of wood.
- Wider than the Denman, covering more hair
- Detangles well
- It’s cushioned. I’m not sure if that makes a difference or not, but it sounds nice, doesn’t it?
What I don’t like about it:
- 20 bucks for a brush?! Dang…Makes the 8 bucks (that I grumbled about) for the Denman seem well worth it
- Does not get out as much shed hair as the Denman
- Not good for slicking hair back, I still prefer my boar bristle brush
Here’s my hair after using the Aveda Brush. I’ll try to post some wash n go pictures using it, but this was a low puff that I did yesterday. I used Wet Set Pudding over KBB Hair Milk.
This was after my swimming episode, so I'd already deep conditioned
After rinsing out the conditioner I applied the Hair Milk and combed it through with the paddle brush
I then applied the WSP and brushed once more
Next, I used some Almond Glaze and my boar bristle brush to put it back in a low puff. Look at how great my edges look here!
I used a prestretched goody headband soaked in olive oil to secure the puff
BTW, this is a very conservative style if you are looking for that "executive natural" look 
I was pretty happy with the results. Fingercombing gets the best results for curl definition (for me), but the knots and tangles get to be too much. I’m happy I’ve found a happy medium with this brush.
Now, some of you may be saying, Kcurly, I do NOT want to spend 20 dollars on a brush. I don’t blame you. Here are some alternatives that I’ve seen mentioned as good replacements:
The Denman D8
Price: ~$12.00
Spornette ZHU Paddle Brush
Price: ~$16.00
Goody Styling Therapy Jojoba Paddle Brush
Price: $9.99
Really, I would think that any seamless paddle brush would work fine. I think there may be some 2 or 3 dollar ones that work well.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Yeah, $20 is a lot for a brush. I was tripping over spending $7 for my Denman back in January. I’ve been wanting to try out that exact Goody’s brush for so long now but I can’t find it here. At least not yet. I really don’t want to order it online but I might not have a choice.
And how did I miss your WSP review?
Wow! 20 bucks for a brush?
And I’ve never seen your hair pulled back before. It looks lovely.
BTW, I’m big chopping tomorrow. I have cold feet right now. My friends are holding their breath in anticipation, lol.
Congrat Didi and good luck!
Congrats Didi!! Let us know how it goes!!
I just got a brush this weekend from (I forget if it’s Conair or Goody) which seems to be a Denman 9-row brush knockoff, with a VERY sturdy rubber base for the teeth of the brush, and It does not slide off, which is the main complaint I have heard from many Denman users. I paid $3.xx+tax for it in CVS.. I tried to google it to find a picture of it, and I can’t find it online.
Hi, I’m new to your blog, however I’m enjoying them. I’ve been natural for about 10 years, however I’ve never grown my hair out like yours. I’ve worn locks and short boycuts. So right now I have about 6 inches of loose natural hair that is hard to tame and has different textures. It is of a wirey and freezy type with a lot of bulk at the top toward the front of my head.
I would like to know, how long did it take you to grow your hair to the picture featured in this post? I’m getting frustrated at my growth. And what product do you consider helped it along?
Any help is appreciated!!
Thank you,
Ann
Ann, I’m sorry I’ve only jut seen your question! I was about 18-19 months post relaxer in these pictures. You can visit my Products I Love page for suggestions. Hope that helps!
Hi KCurl,
I love your site. I have never, ever, ever blogged b4 but I keep coming back to your site for information. I am only 6 weeks from last relaxer, but I have already cut about 5 inches off to get a head start. I have been wearing a natural look half wig for the past few weeks to get a feel for the natural. I am so excited reading all the comments and suggestions from this site. I have learned so much I planning the big chop in Feb. I have already started the natural hair care regimen. Thank you for inspiring me.
BTW I love your hair can’t wait to get to your level of success. Have you any experience with the “long lovely locks” products. I am curious because my cousin gave me a sample set and I have not used it yet?
Hey NewKurlz, thanks for reading! No I haven’t tried that product line. Good luck on your transition, sounds like you’re off to a good start!