For long straight hair use a paddle brush. It’s shaped like a paddle with a larger brush and handle than you’re average run of the mill hairbrush.  
Make sure your hair brush has balls on the tips. If not it may cause split ends and a sore scalp!
Clean your brush by “combing” out the hair and washing with water and a bit of shampoo.
Use thermal brushes when blow drying your hair. These specially designed round brushes heat up better enabling them to hold a style.
Every time you brush your hair you release sebum. This is a good thing as it keeps your scalp from drying out. Brush two or three times a day to moisturize your scalp.