Brush Strokes for Healthy Hair
A: While the old tradition of counting out 100 brush strokes a night is a nostalgic image from our grandmothers' days, modern dermatology tells us that the "magic number" of strokes is actually a myth. In fact, counting strokes is far less important than the type of brush you use and your technique.
To properly care for your hair and promote its health, choosing the right tool is key. A natural boar-bristle brush is excellent for straight to wavy hair types because it helps gently redistribute your scalp's natural oils along the hair shaft, keeping your strands conditioned and shiny. However, if you have thick, curly, or highly textured hair, a flexible synthetic brush or a wide-tooth wooden comb is safer, as natural bristles can cause too much friction and lead to breakage.
To properly brush for healthy hair, here are some tips:
• Start from the bottom: Using your brush or a wide-tooth comb, begin detangling the hair at the ends (the bottom) and gradually work your way upward toward the roots. Starting at the top just packs tangles into a tight knot at the bottom, forcing you to rip through them and cause breakage.
• Be gentle at the roots: Once the brush slides smoothly from the ends up to the scalp, you can brush in gentle, even strokes from the scalp down to the ends to distribute oils.
• Avoid aggressive techniques: Avoid flipping your hair forward or brushing heavily against its natural growth pattern. This puts unnecessary stress on the hair follicles and can lead to damage or thinning.
• Handle wet hair with care: Hair is weakest and most prone to snapping when it is wet. If you must detangle wet hair, always use a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for wet hair, preferably paired with a leave-in conditioner.
Ultimately, the number of strokes isn't what matters. What's important is being gentle, minimizing friction, and using the right tool to keep your hair smooth and intact.
©hairfinder.com
See also:
Hair combing and brushing basics
How to choose a good hairbrush
Should you not brush hair when wet?
Tips and tricks for hairstyling tools