Hairbrushes
How Long Should I
Keep My Hairbrush?
Most hair stylists generally
recommend you buy a new hairbrush at least once a year. While your brush may
still appear to be in good condition, once the bristles become worn down they
can actually cause damage to the hair. A brush in poor condition can even break
or pull out your hair at the follicle. The majority of hair brushes have round
tips at the end of the bristles. These are referred to as epoxy ball tips. They
help the brush move through your hair easier without pulling on it.
If the
epoxy ball tips become damaged or break off, they can cause injury to the scalp
by scratching it. The life of your hairbrush will also depend on other factors
such as how often you brush your hair, your hair length and texture, and the
type of hair brush you purchase.
Your hairbrush not only styles
your hair but is needed to stimulate your scalp as well. This is important to
ensure that hair contains enough natural oils to keep it looking healthy. As a
person ages, the amount of natural oil in their hair tends to decrease and can
leave hair looking dull. When the hair is brushed, a natural oil called sebum
is released. Sebum both protects the hair and acts as a natural moisturizer.. By
brushing your hair daily with the proper hair brush, you can keep it healthy
and shiny.
Choosing a Hairbrush
When choosing a hairbrush you
should realize that not all brands are alike. A hair brush made with boar or
nylon bristles is the best type to purchase. While it will be a little more
expensive
than others, it is well worth the added cost. Hair brushes that are made with
plastic or synthetic bristles tend to be stiffer and often will pull out the
hair or scratch the scalp. A brush made with boar or nylon bristles will
outlast one made from plastic.
Cleaning a Hairbrush
Cleaning your hairbrush on a
regular basis is just as important as replacing it. Even if the brush has not
become damaged yet, it may still have natural oil build up on it or residue
built up from hair styling products. This is especially true if you use
hairspray often. Too much hairspray can cause your scalp to itch. If you don’t
clean your hairbrush regularly, the dirt and oil build up will be transferred
to your hair.
After first removing the hairs
from your brush, you should clean it with warm water and a mild soap or
shampoo. You can use an old toothbrush to gently remove excess dirt and oil
residue. Avoid soaking the brush in water since this can cause the bristles to
separate and eventually break off. By taking a little extra time to care for
your brush, you can keep both it and your hair in good condition. Most of us
spend a lot of time caring for our hair. It only makes sense to choose a good
hairbrush as well.
