Choosing the right hair brush for healthy hair

I don’t know about you, but I definitely can’t get through the day without brushing my hair at least two (sometimes 3 or 4) times.  I do it mostly to soften and detangle my hair, but there are other reasons why brushing (with the right brush) may benefit more than just the short term look and feel of your hair.

Brushing your hair with the right tools can improve hair health in a couple of ways. One, it spreads the sebum, or natural hair oils, from your scalp through to your ends where those oils are needed to moisturize and protect the hair.  Two, brushing can stimulate the scalp which both encourages circulation and prevent irritation, things it needs to produce healthy hair.
The key to getting those hair brushing benefits is having the right tools.  While deciding on a hair brush can seem simple enough, there are infinite options so my advice is to take two things into consideration:

• The brush bristles and how they work with your hair type
• The purpose of the brush and the outcome you’re looking for

Looking at the brush bristles can help you determine whether or not the brush will work for you hair type. If you have very thick or curly hair, look for brushes with bristles that are spread further apart.  You’ll also want to find something that actually detangles as some brushes are too weak or soft to effectively get through unruly hair.  For finer hair types, look for brushes that gently detangle and don’t cause friction or static. No matter what your hair type, it’s very important to find a brush that doesn’t tangle, pull, and ultimately break your hair.

Bristles come in several forms.  There are natural versions like boar bristles that come from the hair of an actual hog, and synthetic bristles made of nylon, metal, and plastic. There is plenty of debate on whether all natural bristles are worth the escalated price (sometimes $200+), but most people agree on one thing: you get what you pay for.  Most brushes are made with a combination of bristle types and because each type distributes oils differently, it may take some experimentation to find the best for you specifically.

Once, you’ve determined which brushes are best for your hair type, the next step is to decide what post-brushing outcome you’re looking for.

Paddle brush – The paddle brush is universal and a brush that can be used daily to detangle and style your hair.  Paddle brushes are very good at distributing oils evenly throughout the hair (depending on the bristle), feel great on the scalp, and are comfortable to hold.

Classic or Styling brush – The styling brush is the classic hair brush and is basically a paddle brush with less surface area.  It too is universal and a popular choice for everyday use.

Round brush – Round brushes serve a few different purposes.  They are perfect for adding body to lifeless hair when used at the root.  They also work to style hair while blow-drying, either to add curl or even to straighten without a curling or straight iron.

Vent brush – Vent brushes come in all forms, from round to flat, and everything in between. The vents allow the air to flow through to the hair, making blow drying more effective.   They are also great brushes for styling hair without hot styling tools and because of their variety, can style hair in countless ways.

Wide tooth comb – A wide tooth comb is a very effective way to get through tangles with minimal breakage for all hair types, especially when hair is wet.  For Ovation users, a wide tooth comb is the most effective way of spreading Cell Therapy throughout the hair in the shower.  They are also a must for super curly hair types because they detangle without loosening the curls.  For very thick and course hair, especially if it breaks easily, a wide tooth comb may be even better for your hair than an everyday brush.

Teasing brush – A teasing brush is an excellent alternative to using a comb for teasing fine hair.  Teasing brushes are gentler so you can pump up the volume with minimal breakage.

Choosing the right hair brush is a huge step in the right direction toward healthy hair. Another important step is investing in the right hair care.  By using a sulfate free, naturally derived hair care line like Ovation, healthy hair is inevitable.

For more information on Ovation products or to make a purchase, visit our website.
Healthier hair is within reach, even if just one brush stroke at a time!
-          Emily