Time-honored Boar Bristle Brush Benefits
Since the 1800’s, boar bristle brushes have been used to create shiny, healthy hair without styling products. Boar bristle brushes were also a ubiquitous item on dressing tables in the first half of the 20th century. Thanks to a boar bristle brush, Lauren Bacall, Rita Hayworth, Katherine Hepburn and other Silver Screen Sirens were able to obtain their glamorous wavy hairstyles.
Brushing Redistributes Oil. Using an old-fashioned boar-bristle brush rather than a synthetic hair brush helps to distribute the scalp’s natural oils more evenly throughout the strand. When you brush your hair with a boar-bristle brush, you’re allowing your scalp’s moisturizing oils to coat the whole strand rather than just staying concentrated at the top of your scalp.
Today they are what I recommend to all my hair extension clients and here are six reasons why:
1. Boar bristle brushing naturally conditions hair
Above all, boar bristle brushing is a conditioning treatment. While it does boast styling benefits, it was originally designed to improve hair texture and shine before products like conditioners and hair serums existed. The unique structure of the boar bristle carries sebum – the oil produced by the scalp – from the scalp to the end of the hair shaft. By coating each hair strand with a very, very small amount of sebum, a boar bristle brush repairs dry hair and adds lustrous shine. You’ve heard the outdated advice “brush your hair 100 strokes per day” right? This originated in reference to boar bristle brushes, since a lengthy period of brushing meant well-conditioned, healthy hair.
2. Boar bristle brushing improves hair texture
The most remarkable difference I’ve seen after regular boar bristle brushing is the improvement in my hair texture. After my morning brushing, my hair settles into a bouncy wave. I wouldn’t say that a boar bristle brush changes hair type, it just brings out the best. If you have straight hair, it will add bouncy volume and shine. If you have curly hair, it will condition and slightly loosen the curl.
3. Boar bristle brushing reduces frizz
Sebum is the original and most effective anti-frizz serum. By using a boar bristle brush to lubricate each hair strand with sebum, you’ll notice a significant decrease in frizz! Sebum, which is a natural oil transferred from the sebaceous gland to the hair follicles, is one of the secrets to softer hair. Since hair extensions don’t naturally grow from the root, you have to acquire this natural oil from specialized products that mimic sebum.
4. Boar bristle brushing stimulates scalp
I find my daily session of boar bristle brushing a meditative and relaxing experience. A boar bristle brush feels divine on the scalp and stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles, which can improve hair growth.
5. Boar bristle brushing reduces the need for styling products
I do not recommend using heavy styling products with a boar bristle brush (see instructions below). Fortunately, you’ll end up saving time and money on styling products by incorporating boar bristle brushing into your hair care routine. As your hair becomes healthier, softer, and conditioned with regular brushing, you’ll use less products and leave-in conditioners.
6. Boar bristle brushing reduces the frequency of washing
Frequent hair washing is actually a modern practice. Up until the 1960’s, before handheld hair dryers and curling irons, women would wash and set their hair once every week, and often less frequently. A boar bristle brush helped them maintain healthy, clean hair. A boar bristle brush prevents oil build-up at the scalp, which weights hair down and makes it look greasy. By transitioning to our recommended shampoos and using a boar bristle brush, most women find that they can reduce the frequency of their hair washing.
