Yes, Your Hair Brush Matters, Here’s Why
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Think all hair brushes are the same? Discover why the right brush can completely transform your hair, from shine to strength.
Most of us grab a hair brush without giving it much thought, but the truth is the one you use can completely change your hair. The right brush can make it shinier, help prevent breakage, and even improve the overall health of your strands.
People have been brushing their hair for thousands of years with early tools made from wood, bone, and animal hair, but the boar bristle brush as we know it today first appeared in France in the 1800s. Unlike combs and other rough tools, it was designed with natural boar hairs, which are surprisingly similar to human hair. This allowed the bristles to move smoothly through strands while picking up the scalp’s natural oils and spreading them from roots to ends. That oil distribution is what gives hair a soft, glossy finish. It is also why the boar bristle brush became such a coveted tool among royalty and society women of the time, and why it is still loved today by stylists who want hair to look polished and healthy.
That said, pure boar bristles do not work for everyone. They are perfect for shine but not always strong enough to detangle, especially if hair is thick or curly. This is where mixed bristle brushes come in. By combining nylon pins with boar hairs, they give you the best of both worlds. The nylon bristles reach deeper to untangle and smooth while the boar bristles continue to boost shine. This combination has made mixed brushes a go-to for many hair types, from fine to dense to textured.
Beyond the material of the bristles, the design of a brush also plays a role in hair health. A cushioned base allows the bristles to flex as they meet resistance, which reduces pulling and helps protect fragile strands. The size and shape of the brush can also make a difference, whether you are looking to detangle, smooth, or create volume. Choosing the right design means your brush is not only a styling tool but also part of your hair care routine.
To get the most out of any brush, start by gently working through knots at the ends of your hair before moving toward the roots. Use smooth, careful strokes rather than harsh tugging, and avoid brushing wet hair too vigorously, since it is more prone to breakage. Regular brushing, done mindfully, helps keep hair smooth, shiny, and healthy without causing unnecessary damage.
Below is our curated list of the best brushes out there, whether you want a classic boar bristle for shine, or a nylon mix for everyday styling:
