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At some point, all of us looked up techniques to speed up hair growth and discovered that brushing was one of several options. But how true is this? Does brushing actually stimulate hair growth? In this post, we'll debunk the myth about brushing and hair growth to ensure you're not doing more harm than good.
What Is Hair Brushing?
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Hair brushing is the process of using a comb or brushes to untangle hair and smooth its surface. Brushing your hair regularly has numerous benefits than just detangling.
For instance, combing your hair stimulates your scalp's sebaceous glands, which are in charge of producing sebum, a natural oil that lubricates and waterproofs your hair. When you comb your hair, you not only stimulate these glands but ensure that these natural oils are evenly dispersed throughout your hair shaft and hair follicles which will keep your hair healthy and moisturized. Furthermore, brushing encourages blood flow to the scalp, which can help stop hair loss.
The Truth About Hair Brushing and Hair Growth
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Does brushing hair stimulate growth? Unfortunately no. In reality, there is no quick fix to stimulating hair growth. If you want your hair to appear longer and healthier, the best way is to prevent it from breaking off. This can be accomplished by getting regular haircuts, using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, and using minimal heat styling tools.
How Often Should You Brush Your Hair?
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At a minimum, you should brush your hair once a day. The best time to brush your hair is right before bed in order to distribute the natural oils that have built up during the day throughout your strands. If you don't have time to brush your hair at night, you can do so in the morning before work or school.
Can Excessive Brushing Damage Your Hair?
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Overbrushing can damage the hair strands and result in split ends. To reduce this, make sure you only brush your hair as often as is required for detangling or styling.
If you have long hair, a loose ponytail or bun helps keep it out of your face and prevents tangling in windy situations. As a result, you might not need to brush it as frequently. To prevent traction alopecia, be careful not to wear your ponytail or bun too tightly.
Should You Brush Your Hair When It Is Wet or Dry?
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For people with straight hair, brushing wet hair can be more damaging than brushing dry hair. Because wet hair is usually weaker and more fragile, there is a lot of friction, which leads to breakage.
On the other hand, people with curly hair will experience the reverse. Since curly hair is more difficult to detangle, it is recommended to brush it when it is wet. This will not only prevent breakage but it will also keep the curls' natural pattern.
How to Brush Your Hair
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The most crucial thing to keep in mind when brushing hair is to avoid using force or vigorous motions.
Generally speaking, when detangling and maintaining normal hair health, you want to start with the ends. Work upward in sections, gradually untangling hair gently from the bottom and moving up with each subsequent pass. Use short, steady strokes for optimal results; you can even "comb" through with your fingertips as you go. As you untangle each new section, you'll eventually reach the scalp region and be able to use longer strokes.
What Type of Brush Should You Use?
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Experts recommend using boar bristle brushes since they have the same organic composition as your hair and provide a delicate touch that can reduce hair breakage. These brushes can also help to lessen the buildup of dirt and dead skin cells in your hair that makes it frizzy.
Other than a boar bristle brush, you can also use nylon and other synthetic materials. These materials work best at releasing sebum from the scalp and detangling hair.
Summary
Even though it doesn't promote hair growth, hair brushing does help to distribute natural oils and reduce tangles which prevents hair breakage. The key to having long, healthy hair is avoiding products that break your hair. One such common product that leads to breakage is using the wrong type of hair tie. To shop for hair ties that minimize hair breakage, check out Burlybands.
