What to Look for in a Hair Brush
The Right Shape
When it comes to shopping for hair brushes, hairstylist and salon owner Anthony Nader recommends first making sure the brush shape will fit your specific hair needs. “If you want to achieve more volume with a blowout, aim for using a medium to large round brush,” he says. However, if you’re looking to achieve a quick and effortless blowout with minimal drying time, he recommends investing in a large, flat cushioned paddle brush. “The larger the brush, the more area you can cover in a shorter amount of time,” he says.
Boar Bristles
When it comes to bristle material, Nader is a big fan of bristles made of boars hair. “These are soft, so your strands will glide through them with ease,” he says. “They help reduce the amount of tugging on strands, which can cause hair breakage, and they’re fab for promoting blood flow which is beneficial for hair growth.”
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Ergonomic Design
Blowouts can take some time, especially if your hair is on the thicker or more unruly side. With that in mind, shop for an ergonomically designed brush that fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to maneuver. This will make your blowout experience less of a hassle and help prevent sore wrists and hands post-blow dry.
FAQs
Does brushing make hair grow?
Brushing your hair won’t make it magically grow overnight, but Nader considers brushing to be the alarm that wakes up the blood cells underneath the scalp’s surface. Stimulating these blood cells leads to a healthier scalp and strands, creating the right environment for optimal growth.
How do you clean hair brushes?
According to Nader, cleaning your hair brush shouldn’t be a complicated process. “I just mix warm water with clarifying shampoo and let the brushes soak for an hour, that way all the buildup can disappear,” he says. “Then, I rinse them in cool water and lay them out in the sun to dry.”
How often should you brush your hair?
When it comes to brushing, Nader’s rule is to never brush more than twice a day. “Any more than that, and you’re asking for trouble,” he says. He explains that over-brushing causes the sebaceous glands in the scalp to work overtime, leading to oily roots and the need to wash hair more frequently.
Is it bad to brush hair when it’s wet?
Nader doesn’t recommend brushing your hair when it’s wet. “Each hair strand will stretch and won’t bounce back to its original length, which causes breakage and frail, wispy ends,” he says. If you have to brush wet hair, opt for a wide tooth comb, as these are much less damaging and will help to gently detangle any knots.