You know that hair brush? The one you've had since college, with a melted spot from your curling iron, more than a few missing bristles, and a dusty film made up of unknown products (and who knows what else)? Well, it's time to give it the boot. Listen, brushes get nasty; like dust mites, yeast, and bacteria nasty — and you don't want to transfer that stuff to your lovely locks! An old brush can weigh hair down, irritate your scalp, and even damage your strands.

As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your brush at least every year — which, if you're anything like us, means it's definitely time for a new brush. Here are some of the best hair brushes for every type of hair at every price point, and for everything you want it to do.

Image via Imaxtree

Try: Wet Brush Original Detangler, $14.98

For good old fashioned snarls, this drugstore basic simply can't be beat. Aaaaaand, it comes in the "it" color of the season — orange.

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Try: Beauty By Earth Boar Bristle Hair Brush, $17.99

This one is a combination of boar bristles to spread natural oils and nylon pins to gently detangle for happy, healthy hair.

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Try: Olivia Garden Ceramic+Ion Speed XL Round Thermal Brush 45-mm, $24.95

We love how this hair brush is designed to deliver better blowouts (and even helps your hair dry a little faster). It's great for delivering body and smoothness.

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Try: T3 Smooth Paddle Brush, $35

It's got a no-slip handle so it doesn't go flying across the room (we're not the only ones who have done that, right?) and it smooths without pulling.

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