We spend a small fortune on shampoos and conditioners and styling products. We will sacrifice creature comforts to afford the best hair stylist who gives us the perfect cut and style. Yet somehow we cannot achieve the salon-look for ourselves. There is a lot to be said for technique, but could it be as simple as using the right hair brush?
The right hair brush for the right job
Recently Jeanie Syfu from TRESemme was on the Rachel Ray Show talking about the 3 Must Have hair Brushes. “You need different brushes for different things,” said Syfu. She recommended a paddle brush for detangling, a big round brush for volume with blow outs, and a teasing brush for creating a full look.
There is the best and there is the best for less
The last hairbrush I bought was 8 years ago at AVEDA. It is wooden with nylon bristles and has a cushion head. The bristles are far apart and it is great for detangling, but I have used it for just about everything. It’s a real bargain at $18.00 and it has held up incredibly well. I have also found a great website called MetroBeauty.com. It offers a good variety of hair brushes for affordable prices. I also came across a few rave reviews for a hair brush company called Marilyn Brush rumored to be named after, you guessed it, Marilyn Monroe because of its curvy hourglass design. But if you can afford the best money can buy, you are definitely buying a Mason Pearson hair brush. Personally, I have never owned one of these mysteries of life, but I dream of the day my budget allows this luxury.
How many hair brushes are too many?
One, two or three? Maybe four and a few combs? It depends on the length and style of your hair. One for daily brushing, one for curling, and another for adding volume at the roots, and another and another … I have two hair brushes. My AVEDA brush that I don’t have the heart to put out to pasture and another one I bought at Target. It is a smaller version of the wooden one but plastic instead. It was in the dollar bin and it’s available when my husband takes off with my favorite one.
Boar’s hair & nylon
Natural boar’s hair and nylon bristle brushes are the best for daily hair brushing and are the materials used in my dream brush from Mason Pearson. There are many similar types made because the natural boar’s hair helps to stimulate the scalp and the nylon bristles help the hair glide right through. I have also learned that this helps distribute sebum from the scalp to give you smooth and glossy hair. Did Marsha Brady have the right idea with her obsessive hair brushing?
100 hair brush strokes?
The short answer is “No.” Too much friction will give you split ends, and if you brush your hair too much you may actually cause serious damage to your hair.
How to brush wet hair
Your hair is very fragile when it is wet. Use a wide-toothed comb if you have some tangles after shampooing and conditioning. Then let your hair air dry if possible, and brush when it is dry. You can avoid excessive tangling if you brush your hair well before entering the shower to shampoo.
How to Add Volume
A natural round bristle brush is the right tool. Brush your hair up and away from the scalp while pointing your blow dryer down to follow the path of the brush to the end of the section of your hair. Repeat this wherever you need extra volume.
How to keep your hair brushes clean
Most recommend that you clean the hair from the bristles and swish your hair brush in warm soapy water and rinse. Dry your hair brush upside down on a towel and never immerse wooden handles. Julie Edelman, the Accidental Housewife, suggests using baking soda and water to clean hair brushes.
If it’s broke, don’t fix it
If your hair brush breaks, it can also cause breakage to your hair. Try to get nylon bristles with rounded ends that are one piece. If the tips come off of the nylon bristles, it will damage you hair. Save yourself the trouble and buy a new hair brush.
Every woman for herself
Do not share your hair brushes with anyone for the obvious reasons, but also because, as I have now discovered, if you spend the time, effort and money to get the right brushes for you, it is a personal thing. A little luxury, if you will. Enjoy it! You will feel pampered and your hair will show it.
Thanks to the wife for supplying this article.
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