I get a lot of emails from folks who are experiencing shedding and hair loss and are therefore hesitant about brushing or combing their hair since this practice yields even more hair coming out in the brush or comb. It can also be confusing when you read advice that tells you that brushing is an important part of scalp hygiene and health. Also confusing are tips that tell you that a boar’s hair brush can help to halt hair loss. In the following article, I will offer some information and tips to help you understand the best way to comb or brush when you have hair loss.
How Much Brushing Or Combing Is Really Necessary?: First, I’m going to address the myth that you should brush very 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 debris from my scalp as actually washing my hair. I think that this myth comes from the days when folks just did not have access to a daily shower and had to do the best that they could. For them, brushing was something that they could do everyday, no matter what the weather was, so they made it a necessary task.
Of course it is necessary to keep your scalp clean and your hair follicles free of debris and build up. But, this can be done with daily washing. Granted, brushing does help to stimulate the scalp, but massage can do this as well. At the end of the day, I believe that the real purpose of this practice is styling. It’s often necessary to untangle your hair and to place it where it looks best. You also want to avoid tangling. Folks with longer hair will likely have to do this more. People with short hair can often just run their fingers through it without much trouble. Luckily, if you do need to brush, there are ways that you can do this without it being so harsh that it pulls out hairs.
Tips For Gentle Brushing And Combing (With As Little Shedding As Possible:) First, you never want to manipulate your hair while it is wet. For whatever reason, it is going to be harder to pull any tool through wet hair, so wait until the hair is dry. Second, you want for your hair to be conditioned so that the comb or brush doesn’t get tangled or pulls. I do realize that some people feel that conditioner makes shedding worse. In these cases, I often advise to use a 2 in 1 product (both shampoo and conditioner combined) or to use spray in conditioner. Whatever method you chose, your hair must be conditioned or the combing process is going to be much harder.
Once your hair is dry, you want to first check for any tangles. If you find any, try to work through them with your hands and fingers before you use the brush or comb. I personally have wavy hair, so I actually much prefer to use a wide toothed comb (sometimes referred to as a “rake”) rather than a brush, which pulls out any curls or waves I may have (which helps make my hair look more full.) No matter what tool you are using, you do not want to pull that tool from the root to the tip. This is unnecessary manipulation and will pull the hair right out when you are shedding. Lean at your waist and bend over. This way the hair is already hanging down with gravity. You basically want to work on the roots and the tips separately because this is the most gentle way.
Start with the roots and gently work the brush or comb through them. Do not pull. You are just moving the roots downward. This will loosen debris, stimulate your scalp and make your hair look fuller. Do not move the tool more than an inch or two down. Then, grab your hair at the nape in your palm (like you would if you were putting it in a ponytail) and work through the ends with the tool. By only focusing on the ends with the roots already combed, you should not be pulling hard at all and the result should look nice and full.
So how often should you do this? Your hair will probably tell you that answer. Folks who have more wavy or curly hair really do need to brush or comb less because doing so just makes their hair look frizzy. If your hair starts to look unkempt or tangled, then obviously you need to address this. Basically if your hair is in place, you are washing regularly enough to rid your scalp of DHT and build up, and it looks relatively healthy, use your own discretion, but use common sense.
Do Some Brushes Really Help With Hair Loss? What About Boar’s Hair?: I’ve had numerous people tell me that boar’s hair brushes help to 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 must tell you that it was a disaster. It tangled in my hair and was a nightmare to pull through. Of course, when I got it out, tons of hair came out with it.
There are actually brushes and combs made for hair loss. There is a brand called “ouchless” that I particularly like which has more give and takes less hairs with it. Just experiment with what works best for you and stick with that.
At the end of the day, folks with healthy hair and scalps don’t really have to worry every time they brush because they have normal and non worrisome amounts of hair loss. They brush without any worry. It’s just another task to them. The best way to deal with this issue, in my opinion, is to get to the bottom of your shedding and loss and to fix the cause. However, until you are able to do that, be as gentle as you can with your hair and scalp.