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Hello hairy people, I need to hydrate the ends of my hair more, and am thinking of investing in a boars hair bristle brush, as finger combing isn't moving the sebum to the tips, and I would rather go this natural route with natural oil distribution.
What are the benefits of these over normal brushes? Do they work?
Thanks all
~ Dave
I use one for that very reason. I don't use it exclusively but at night 100 strokes or so.
Hey Dave! I have a boar bristle brush and I find that it doesn't work all that well and since my hair is so fragile I don't use it all that much anyway. You have to be careful to de-tangle as much as possible before you run the brush through from your scalp down to the ends.
Personally, I just use extra conditioner every now and then when the ends seem dry.
Hope all is well in your part of the world.
Cheers,
Maxie-babes.
Thanks for the reply Maxie-babes!
What sort of comb/brush do you use now, or do you finger comb?
Cheers Dave
Hey Dave, I use a reg. comb...very carefully to detangle and I also finger comb...very carefully. I have fragile hair. I do use the bristle brush sometimes to get a smooth look, but like I said, I don't think it works for me for transferring oils to the ends, etc.
Cheers,
Maxie-babes
Yes, they work and here is how to best take advantage of them. You're into the third day without a wash so, there is a bit of sebum available. Use the boar brush then. This works well on a weekend when the weather is keeping you inside or you're just not that into dealing with hair. It's also good to stimulate your scalp this way. When it's time for a wash follow your usual routine but rinse the last or only time with cold water, let air dry and do your groove. Avoid brushing, just comb until you have noticible sebum to distribute again, then go back to work with that Boar bristle brush. Use a good once weekly conditioner such as Hask Henna and Placenta, you'll be glad that you did. The best solution for split ends is a trim by a long haired professional who understands the meaning of "no more than an eigth of an inch, please." Do that once every five months or so. You'll notice the grow and the glow man. Let your freak flag fly and if you need more guidance just ask. If I don't know the answer, I know the research route to take you to the answer. However! I think that it is not possible for me to braid my own hair so, that may be something best saved for purgatory. Happy Day!
Boar bristle brushes come in different qualities. The top quality (expensive) ones are made from the root of the bristle with the rounded end facing outward, which makes them gentler and less likely to snag.
Seems to be a "Love/Hate" Thing. Some folks swear they are great for spreading natural oils.
I have thin hair and the boar brush causes severe Frizzies.
Great Forum question, Thanks Dave
Walter
Yes, a great question. I am most definately lurking on this thread cause I've been wondering if I should concider a boar brush myself. (although I am happy with what I'm currently doing, which anything at all was better than what I was....nothing at all) However, I am very concerned about frizzies because I am historically prone to frizziness.
Daniel
I always imagined the spreading of oils through the hair would help to lessen frizzies.
~ Dave
Hi Davieeeee,
I only picked up my very first boars bristle brush about six months ago and after using it wondered why it took so long for me to get one.It was a pleasant surprise how good it felt going through my hair compared to those crummy synthetic ones. Personally I would recommend them.Cheers
Mark
Hey there buddy, do you find it lessens frizzies or adds to them, I really like my textured hair and don't want to end up with a frizz!
~ cheers mate, Dave
Actually Davie using this brush smooths my hair down making it look more silky than unsettled.Maybe this is not the result you are looking for but it definately doesn't frizz my hair at all.When I use the brush I glide lightly over the surface and avoid just digging in.This prevents pulling too much hair out and into the brush.As I proceed brushing and the surface is smoothed then I'll let the brush go deeper into my mane.I'll also underbrush as well using the same method.This brush,I find,doesn't yank out a lot of hair like the cheap ones do.Hope this helps and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask my friend:)Cheers
Mark
Thanks Mark, I have ordered one, so I shall see how I get on, I certainly don't want to lose my trademark wild mane, but I do want healthy hair.
Your tips are much appreciated sir,
take it easy bro, Dave
Hi Dave,
I have oily skin on the forehead and nose. Sometimes, I'll blot this excess skin oil off with the ends of my hair. Or, I'll rub my face with my fingers and then finger-comb.
- Oren
Hey Dave,
I have 2 favorite brushes: 1) a wooden one (because the teeth of that brush pleasantly stimulate my scalp best); 2) the boar's bristle (because it smooths & finishes best).
Jonalbear had mentioned how the boar's bristle does such a good job of "finishing" and smoothing, as I remember one time us chatting about it. I think of it as quite gentle on hair, yet the bristles themselves are firm, --- and, for me, help distribute the natural oils down the hair shaft to the ends.
The pic I included here is from awhile ago ('05, I think), where I'm using my old favorite brush, a black plastic one. My partner insisted I throw that one out after he got me a boar's bristle one for Christmas 2 years ago, --- and I've never regretted it since!
- Ken
Thanks Ken, very useful :-)
~ Dave