I get a lot of emails from people who are experiencing shedding and hair loss and are therefore hesitant to brush or comb as this practice causes even more hair to come out on the brush or comb. It can also be confusing when you read advice that brushing is an important part of scalp hygiene and health. Also confusing is the advice that tells you that a boar hair brush can help stop hair loss. In the following article, I will offer information and tips to help you understand the best way to comb or brush your hair when you have hair loss.
How much brushing or combing is really necessary?: First, I’m going to address the myth that you need to brush too often for scalp and hair health. When I was younger, my mother used to tell me that running a comb or brush through my hair removed as much residue from my scalp as washing my hair. I think this myth stems from the days when people just didn’t have access to a daily shower and had to do the best they could. For them, brushing their teeth was something they could do every day, no matter the weather, so they made it a necessary chore.
Of course, you need to keep your scalp clean and your hair follicles free of debris and buildup. But, this can be done with daily washing. Of course, brushing helps to stimulate the scalp, but massaging can, too. At the end of the day, I believe that the true objective of this practice is styling. Many times it is necessary to detangle the hair and place it where it looks best. You also want to avoid tangling. People with longer hair will probably have to do this more. People with short hair can often just run their fingers through it without much trouble. Fortunately, if you do need to brush, there are ways to do it without brushing so hard that you pull out the hairs.
Tips for brushing and combing gently (with as little shedding as possible 🙂 First, you never want to handle your hair while it’s wet. For some reason, it will be more difficult to get any tool through wet hair, so wait until your hair is dry. Second, you want your hair to be conditioned so the comb or brush won’t tangle or pull. I realize some people find that conditioner makes shedding worse. In these cases, I often advise using a 2-in-1 product (both shampoo and conditioner combined) or using spray on conditioner. Whichever method you choose, your hair must be conditioned or the styling process will be much more difficult.
Once your hair is dry, you should first check for tangles. If you find any, try working with your hands and fingers before using the brush or comb. Personally, I have wavy hair, so I actually prefer to use a wide-tooth comb (sometimes referred to as a “rake”) rather than a brush, which takes out any curls or waves I may have (which helps my hair stay straighter). look fuller.) No matter what tool you’re using, you don’t want to pull that tool from root to tip. This is unnecessary handling and will pull out the hair when shedding. Bend over at the waist and squat down. This way, the hair is already hanging with gravity. Basically you want to work on the roots and ends separately because this is the smoothest way.
Start at the roots and gently brush or comb through them. Don’t pull. You are only moving the roots down. This will loosen dirt, stimulate your scalp, and make your hair look fuller. Do not move the tool more than an inch or two downward. Then, grab your hair at the nape of your neck with the palm of your hand (as you would if you were putting it up in a ponytail) and work your way up to the ends with the tool. If you only focus on the ends with the roots already combed, you shouldn’t be pulling too much and the result should look nice and full.
So how often should you do this? Your hair will probably tell you that answer. People who have wavier or curlier hair really need to brush or style less because doing so only makes their hair look frizzy. If your hair starts to look disheveled or tangled, you obviously need to address this issue. Basically, if your hair is in place, is being washed often enough to remove DHT and DHT buildup on the scalp, and looks relatively healthy, use your own discretion, but use common sense.
Do some brushes really help with hair loss? What about boar hair?: I have been told by numerous people that boar hair brushes help stimulate the scalp so much that this helps with shedding and loss. I have tried this method and of course I really wanted it to work. But, I have to tell you, it was a disaster. It got tangled in my hair and it was a nightmare to get through. Of course when I took it out tons of hair came out.
Actually, there are brushes and combs made for hair loss. There is a brand called “ouchless” that I especially like because it gives more and removes less hair. Just experiment with what works best for you and stick with it.
At the end of the day, people with healthy hair and scalps really don’t have to worry every time they brush because they have normal and not worrisome amounts of hair loss. They brush without worry. It’s just another chore for them. The best way to deal with this problem, in my opinion, is to get to the bottom of your loosening and leaking and fix the cause. Until you can, however, be as gentle on your hair and scalp as possible.