Brushing the hair does more than just smooth down the hairs going in the wrong direction. Each stroke cleans the hair by removing dirt. Brushing the hair also massages the scalp and encourages the release of the oil sebum that adds a healthy shine to the hair. Years ago, when bathing occurred once a week, brushing hair a hundred strokes served to clean hair and distribute oils.
Selecting the Right Hairbrush - Boar or Plastic?
Inexpensive brushes made with stiff plastic bristles can scratch the scalp. The money saved on the brush won’t seem worth it when the individual can’t use the brush correctly for fear of the discomfort. Look for oar or nylon bristles. Although more expensive, the brush will be more comfortable to use and will likely last longer than a cheap brush.
Boar bristle brushes help distribute the scalps oils. Because the bristles are a natural material, the flexible hairs of a hog, they can help eliminate static electricity. Many of these brushes involve a mix of boar hairs and nylon bristles that add more support as the brush is drawn through the hair.
J. Elaine Spear in Haircutting for Dummies (2002) recommends leaving metal hairbrushes – even those with plastic tips on the bristles – for styling wigs and hairpieces.
Brushes for Styling the Hair
Model Carmen Electra, with Sheryl Berk, in How to Be Sexy, (Broadway Book, 2006) suggests owning at least a couple of hairbrushes for different styles – a paddle brush to smooth hair and a round brush to shape layers.
Although a plastic brush with pointed bristles can hurt the scalp, a plastic brush with rounded bristles will be easier on the hair. This brush should slide through the hair and result in a smooth look.
Look for a paddle, or flat, brush with a lot of close bristles to pull hair straight and smooth while running the brush through the hair. A boar bristle flat brush leaves hair sleek and shiny. Individuals with thick hair should look for paddle brushes with widely spaced bristles that can gently work out tangles.
A round brush allows the user to add lift and volume to the hair while it’s being blow-dried. The resulting style will be straight with some oomph at the roots. Shorter hair? Look for a smaller diameter than a larger brush that will add lift to longer hair.
The vents cut behind the bristles of some brushes allow the air to dry quicker while it’s being blow-dried. With fewer bristles, these brushes won’t tug at the hair. Because it’s harder to hold onto a section of hair, the resulting look will be more natural and result in less lift than a round brush. A vent brush allows wavy hair to remain wavy and straight hair to remain straight.
An article from Ladies’ Home Journal, September 2006, suggests specific hair brush brands for styling needs.
The right hairbrush can result in shiny, healthy hair that is fantastically styled. Using the correct brush can help an individual create a sleek, smooth look or a bouncier, natural style. Maintain the condition of hairbrushes by cleaning them regularly in a mild shampoo and replace the brush after approximately a year of use.
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