Hair Brushing

Brushes, combs and pins are the basic tools of styling. But the greatest thing that can be done with a hair brush is keeping our hair naturally moisturized as you transfer natural skin oil from the roots to the tips of the hair when brushing. Brushes help to remove tangles and knots and generally smoothens the hair. The action of brushing from the root to the ends removes dead skin cells and dirt, and encourages the cuticles to lie flat, thus reflecting the light. Brushing also stimulates the blood suppy to the hair folicles, promting healthy growth. Hair should always be brushed when dry, never when wet, when it can easily be stretched or damaged. If you have long hair that tends to tangle easily, brushing is best done before washing and shampooing. To remove tangles and knots, start by using s wide-toothed comb, then move on to a brush, starting at the tips of the hair and working your way back towards the roots. While a quick brush or a run of a comb through the hair can help make it look good, too much brushing and combing can actually harm it, especially if the hair already dry or damaged. With backcombing or back-brushing, the brushing action goes from the tip of the hair towards the root, rubbing the cuticle in the wrong direction and making the scales stand up rather than lie down. This leaves the hair looking dull and may make it liable to further damage. The hair was therefore greasier or oilier, and brushing and combing enabled the sebum to be spread more evenly throughout the hair, acting as a natural conditioner; the sebum could also be brushed from the hair, taking the dirt with it. Nowadays, when hair is washed so frequently, such regular, vigorous brushing is no longer necessary. Wide-toothed combs can be used when the hiar is wet, and are also useful for spreading conditioner into the hair. They are essential if your hair is long.

You need at least three brushes-one natural-bristle, synthetic or plastic brush used for brushing out hair when it is dry; one round brush which adds curl to your hair while you blow it dry; a third is a small version of the natural-bristle brush to carry in your purse. You should know that a natural-bristle brush is best for gentleness to your hair. When you brush your hair, do it thoroughly but softly-don't pull. Remember, a hair in the head is worth two in the brush!

Hair Brushing Tips

• Don't brush rude. Often the end of a hair fiber is much brighter than the hair cuticle just one inch above. This indicates that the hair fiber was broken, or stretched to rip, which is the result of rude brushing or combing.
• Replace brushes and combs with damaged bristles or broken teeths, the sharp edges can damage your scalp.
• After brushing you can apply a spray to make your hair more shiny. If it is a good product, it will also protect your hair additionally.
• Keep your brushes and combs to yourself, never lend to other people.