Hairbrushing 101
Hair Brushing is making a comeback!
Let’s talk about hair brushing…
Remember how back in the day Mom and grandma used to brush their hair 100 times every night? Well, hair brushing is making a comeback, and I’m here for it!
Let me just preface by saying that since the 60’s/70’s, we have been basically made to believe that we should wash our hair everyday (think about the new shorter “wash and go” styles), and since we didn’t need the oils distributed to make our hair soft and shiny, or to brush out all the hairspray and product, we got away from brushing.
I think we’ve finally come out of that belief, and realize that our hair doesn’t need to be washed every day, and even more recently, learned that traditional lathering shampoos are stripping away all of the good oils our scalp produces (because of detergents), that actually, because it strips, the scalp OVERPRODUCES oils (creating the “need” to wash more often). See the vicious circle? The shampoo companies are rolling in the money…. but I digress….
Aside from what you are washing with, (of course you KNOW I have opinions about this) brushing your hair has always been not only a “mechanical wash” and a good thing to do for your hair, but also a great method of self care.
Let’s dive in….
Brushing hair is usually for two reasons: To detangle or to brush for shine and health. The sebaceous glands produce oil to lubricate the scalp and hair. Brushing is a good way to distribute natural oils through the hair to the ends, resulting in shiny hair after brushing.
But it’s more than that.
Besides the benefits above, brushing also is good for
Stress relief
Hair growth
Fascial release (Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle in place. The tissue does more than provide internal structure; fascia has nerves that make it almost as sensitive as skin. When stressed, it tightens up.)
Lymphatic release (help create flow in your lymphatic system and remove toxins from your body)
Blood flow (which is great for your scalp)
Bring this ritual into your daily life to reap the benefits.
Before showering/bathing or before bedtime: Take 3-5 minutes to brush out that gorgeous head of hair from all directions. if your hair is short, brush your scalp.
Breathe deeply, release any bad feelings from the day or energetic dead weight.
Be present. Feel the sensation of the bristles, knowing that the flow of blood is returning vital nutrients to your scalp, encouraging relaxation and hair growth.
This is for everyone! YES, curly hair can be brushed! Just take small sections at a time
If done before bathing, follow with a good rinse of warm water, or cleanse with New Wash. (or quality shampoo+conditioner)
*This would also be good to do with kids. Brush their hair and talk about their day, or have them brush your hair and have a chat.
Steps for brushing dry hair
Start in the midsection or a few inches away from the ends. Brush down to the ends. (if you have short hair 1 and 2 are moot)
Move the brush up an inch or two from where you started (if that part is now tangle-free) and continue brushing downward until you have removed all tangles from that section.
Continue moving up your hair until you get to your scalp, and then brush the entire length of your hair a few times. Move in ALL directions. Brush it all forward, then all to the right, then all to the left, then all back. You get the picture. Take your time and enjoy the process.
Be gentle and go slow. Most damage happens when we battle with our hair and are rougher with our brushing than we need to be.
Steps for brushing wet hair
You can use a Wet Brush here if you tend to get tangly, but if you start brushing your hair dry, you’ll be surprised at how much less tangled you are when wet.
Use the comb or brush on the very ends of your hair first.
Comb down and gently remove any tangles. Don’t force the comb through your hair.
Small brush strokes are best. Feel free to use your fingers to loosen any knots.
If your hair is particularly tangled or knotted, spray on a leave-in conditioner first to give more slip to your hair strands.
Once you have the tangles removed from the ends of your hair, you can move up a few inches and start combing down again, working out the tangles.
Repeat until you get to your scalp and have completely tangle-free hair.
Here are some great options for brushes that will last for years and can also be used in blow dry styling. (the first 2 are my favorites that I personally use, and have affiliate links where I may earn a commission)
Free Your Hair Brushes
Classically mixed all-vegan bristles are made with nylon on a rubber cushion bed and beech-wood handle. Engravings are hand painted with acrylic paint and brushes are oiled with jojoba oil. Designed for all hair types, including coarse curls and kinks! The FREE YOUR HAIR Brush is for everyone. Small and Large sizes.
Use my link for 10% off
https://www.freeyourhairbrush.com/?ref=kq2VpbJm
code FLAIR4HAIR (if not already added)
CULT+KING Brush
FSC Certified ensures protection of fragile ecosystems, respecting natural cultures, preventing illegal logging, and restricting clear cutting. FSC® Bamboo is the most sustainable wood on the planet.
Choose between two color combinations: Red/Black and Yellow/Black. Each Styling Brush comes in a beautiful (of course) felted wool carrying case. With its own little Brush Rake, the hairstylists’ secret for always making a brush look brand new.
Small size brushes.
Splurge: Mason Pearson Junior Brush
The OG top of the line. They have options with or without nylon bristles.
(You may find a more affordable version on Amazon)
For fine hair/Kids hair: Shash small size. (I have one of these, but it doesn’t quite get through my hair the way I’d like)
So now you have an idea of how good brushing your hair is, and some great options for a brush to start your new healthy habit routine!
I’m always here if you have any questions, and when I see you next, don’t be surprised if I start brushing your hair before we start your hair service. :)
All the best,
