New Jersey Cosmetology and Hairstyling Practice Exam

What type of brush is best for detangling wet hair?

1. A narrow-tooth comb

2. A wide-tooth comb

3. A round brush

4. A vent brush

The correct answer is: A wide-tooth comb

A wide-tooth comb is the best choice for detangling wet hair because its spacing allows for greater clearance between the teeth, which minimizes the risk of breakage and damage while working through tangles. Wet hair is more fragile and susceptible to breakage, making it crucial to use a tool designed to gently separate knots without exerting excessive force on the hair strands. The wider spacing helps glide through the hair more easily, reducing tugging and pulling. In contrast, a narrow-tooth comb can catch and pull on wet strands, increasing the likelihood of breakage. A round brush is primarily used for styling and blow-drying hair, rather than detangling, and might not efficiently navigate through knots. A vent brush, while designed to dry hair faster when using a blow dryer, isn’t as effective for detangling wet hair since it can also grip the hair too tightly. Therefore, the wide-tooth comb provides the best approach for safely detangling wet hair.