women properly brushing hair

7 Tips for Brushing Your Hair Properly

The "brush your hair 100 strokes a day" myth has been passed down from one generation to the next. It’s not only too time consuming in today’s busy world, but it’s also likely to damage your hair. So, what’s the right way to brush your hair so it doesn’t cause breakage?

#1 Use a Good Quality Brush

Many people think any old brush will do the job but that’s not the case. It’s not until they switch to a good quality brush that they realise what a difference the right tool can make, especially when trying to brush curly hair or thick hair.

A natural bristle brush will distribute the hair oil from the scalp and down the hair cuticle to the ends where the oil is needed most. Boar bristles come in different qualities. Good quality brushes use first grade because the bristle has a rounded tip which is gentle on the scalp.   

Hand-dipped nylon pins provide tangle free hair without pulling and tugging on a sensitive scalp. Whether you're trying to detangle curly hair or simply keep your hair healthy, a combination brush with flexible bristles allows you to gently brush your hair without the need for a wide tooth comb.

#2 Brush Hair Starting From the Crown

When faced with a head full of knotty kinky hair, it’s often instinct to take a handful of hair and start brushing out the ends because it will hurt less, particularly in young children. The problem with starting at the ends is that you don’t have the benefit of the scalp’s oils to help with the detangling. Good quality brushes such as Scream-Free brushes don’t cause pain because they gently comb through the hair rather than getting caught in the knots and pulling on hair. 

#3 Wet Hair or Dry Hair Is Fine

Some people will tell you to never brush wet hair because it will damage or break the hair shaft. But, it comes down to the tools you use. A Scream-Free brush is perfect for brushing dry hair and gentle enough to use as a wet brush that won’t pull, stretch or break damp hair. So no matter your hair type, it is completely safe to use in the shower while washing your hair or straight after your shower or swimming. For some added protection and styling benefits, consider adding some leave in conditioner.
See how Australian beauty vlogger Chloe Morello uses an Ugly Swan brush to detangle her hair

#4 Frequency of Brushing

For the majority of the population, it’s a good idea to brush your hair two times per day - morning and night. If you have curly or very short hair, once per day may be enough and very long or dry hair may benefit from brushing three times per day. 

Brushing is like a mini massage for your scalp. It helps increase blood flow which can improve hair health and hair growth. Brushing also stimulates the scalp’s oil glands so brushing twice daily won’t lead to over stimulation and oily hair.  

#5 Removing Dead Hair

Brush your hair twice daily to remove loose hair. We lose up to 100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair renewal process so brushing helps remove those dull hair strands and distribute your scalp's natural oils to keep your hair healthy.

#6 The Right Brush for Styling

If you’re brushing your hair to place it in a ponytail or bun, use a brush that sits in your palm rather than a long-handled paddle brush. A palm-sized brush gives you more control allowing you to get a smoother, neater result than a paddle brush with a handle.  

#7 Know When to Replace Your Brush 

If you own a boar bristle brush, it’s recommended that you replace it every 6-18 months depending on your type of hair and what products you use.  Hair brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, dandruff and yeast that continually get recycled through your hair. They can all lead to irritation and clog your hair follicles. We recommend having your own hair brush as it is similar to a toothbrush, with your own DNA and bacteria. 

If your brush is missing bristles, it’s not going to work effectively. The most obvious sign that your Ugly Swan brush needs replacing is our wear indicators, missing pins or when you’re unable to get your brush clean. 

Remember, if you have any questions about how to brush your hair or your specific hair type, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  

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