Though women’s beauty trends have been the subject of constant change, there’s one trend, in particular, that was present for quite some time: hair brushing. Have you ever heard of the “brush your hair 100 times a day” beauty trick?
Most probably it originated in the Victorian Era, and it remained as a popular practice well through the 20th century. Even though it was thought of as a technique that enhances the hair’s health and benefits its appearance, the beginning of the trend might have been completely different. There’s a possibility it was used as a method to remove lice eggs (nits).
Be that as it may, brushing is still recommended today, though not in the same fashion as decades ago. In fact, it’s as important as choosing the right conditioner and shampoo. If you don’t know much of the benefits, or how to implement brushing into your hair care routine, read along to find out!
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Choose Your “Weapons”
Getting in the habit of brushing every day is helpful with smoothening and untangling your hair, along with providing several other advantages. Before I move on to them, a word of advice is to invest in a quality hair brush to keep your mane looking salon fresh at all times!
People often make the mistake of choosing any brush they first come across, but brush picking is a process that deserves more attention. If you want to be certain what you buy is suitable for your needs, look beyond the brand and the price! Since they’re tools, there are brushes for every hair type. So first things first, consider your type.
Individuals with normal and fine hair would do with a mixed bristle brush, whereas those with curly hair prone to frizz, could use the help of round ionic paddle hair brushes. Oily scalp requires oil control otherwise, it could get clogged, so this calls for the assistance of boar bristle brushes.
Paddle designs are handy with greater styling control as well as dry and damaged hair. For the particularly wavy hairs that make it a struggle to detangle, there’s the help in the form of detangling models designed to minimise breakage and pain. Moreover, such tools are recommended for wet hair too. Anyone in need of adding some volume should acquire the teasing models, whereas those with busy schedules in need of quick blow dry could benefit the vented type.
Got permanent or clip-in extensions? Get yourself a loop brush! And now, the secret “weapon” to get successful salon blowouts at home without the use of curling irons – the ceramic radial brush that styles the perfect curls by heating up with a dryer.
The Brushing Benefits
Moving on to the reasons why you should implement brushing, the first one that comes up is removing loose hair given that with a routine hair shed we lose about 50-100 hairs and it isn’t to be thought of as a problem.
In addition, it’s also helpful with lubricating with the natural oils called sebum that the sebaceous glands produce, as you make strokes from the top of the scalp all the way down to the ends. Then there’s the fact adopting this habit comes in handy with stimulating the capillaries thus increasing blood flow in the scalp, which in turn is useful for hair growth considering circulation is what’s behind the scalp’s supply of nutrients and oxygen to the hairs.
Despite these benefits, remember not to overdo brushing (no going to extremes like 100 strokes a day) otherwise you cause static and you risk breakage due to lifting and damaging the cuticles. If you don’t have much to untangle, then use your hair brush twice a day, once in the morning, and later before bedtime to prevent knots and get natural shine. Quality over quantity!
Brushing Tips
If you want happy and healthy hair, you have to buy hair brush for your needs and invest effort in using it properly.
The Strokes – When you first start using it, especially when detangling long hair, it’s important to work your way up from the ends to the scalp to prevent damage. As soon as you’ve removed knots, brush from the roots down to disperse the natural oils.
Wet Hair – This is when your hair is at its most delicate form. If you want to make the most of brushing and prevent breakout remove the excess water by drying up gently with a microfibre towel, then pick a detangling brush for the task as an alternative for a wide-tooth comb. For damaged hair, it’s advisable to apply conditioner prior to the brushing.
The Blow-Dry – When you’re trying to style your hair with the help of a hairdryer, first it’s essential to apply a product for thermal protection. For more volume, flip your head upside down when drying, but don’t dry it up completely. When it’s drier, separate the hair in sections with a tail comb, then use a styling brush on each of the strands working your way down along with the hairdryer.
The Hygiene – To maintain your hair’s health and prolong the lifespan of the brushes, it’s necessary to clean them regularly, every week or two, so as to remove any hairs on them, dead skin, oils and product residue.
Start the cleaning by first removing the hairs by hand or with the help of a tail comb, then apply a bit of shampoo or liquid soap and make sure it’s all over the bristles by creating a foam. As you finish this, rinse well with warm water and let it air dry.