DEFINITION

Hair brushes are used to brush the hair. They come with different bristles and in many shapes and sizes.

DESCRIPTION

There are two main types of bristles, natural and synthetic.

NATURAL BOAR
Natural boar or "pure" bristles are excellent for grooming and styling hair.

Good quality boar bristles have a natural stiffness to brush thoroughly yet "give" as they are drawn through the hair. They are renowned for their strength and resilience.
They maintain good hair condition by keeping it clean, stimulating the scalp and distributing oils for a healthy, glossy look, without ever damaging it or causing split ends. Using a natural hair product such as boar bristle will never damage human hair. Hair on hair is actually very beneficial and encourages natural shine and health.
The quality of boar bristles varies considerably. Bristles are judged by their stiffness. When the hair is collected from the boar, the best quality and the most expensive are the bristles found closest to the body. Pale tipped bristles are the premium bristles as the white tip was actually embedded in the boar's skin.
The tufts on a natural bristle are usually uneven. This allows the bristles to penetrate easily through the hair, allowing for longer, fuller brush strokes.
The natural bristles are sterilised to remove germs commonly found on the boar and then set in brush blocks. Small lumps can often be detected on the bristles. These are ticks that were killed during the sterilising process and are perfectly harmless.

Pure bristles should not be used on wet hair as the bristles will not penetrate effectively.

SYNTHETIC BRISTLES
Synthetic bristles are either singular or tufts of multiple strands known as "fill", and are made from nylon or stiff plastic. It is important that synthetic bristles are round and smooth at the tips to avoid tearing the hair.
Generally stiffer than boar bristle, synthetic bristles are recommended for thicker, heavier hair, but may be used by all hair types.

BLENDS
Also known as reinforced, buffered or fortified, blend refers to a mixture of natural and synthetic bristles.
Blended brushes are ideal for coarse, wavy or thick hair - boar bristles polish the hair to help it shine, while the nylon bristles penetrate the hair.
A blended brush penetrates longer, thicker hair more easily than 100% boar bristle and will not cause split ends.

BALL OR EPOXY TIPPED
A bristle that can be used to style all hair types. Nylon bristles are flexible, while plastic ones are stiffer. Both types of bristle are gentle to the hair and scalp, detangle and hold the hair perfectly for blow-drying.
Bristles are ball tipped or feature a tiny ball of resin to ensure hair is not damaged while being brushed.

WIRE
Stronger than boar or nylon, wire bristles are perfect for thick, coarse or curly hair. They are embedded in a pneumatic cushion so that they "give" as the brush moves across the contours of the head. Many brushes are now ball tipped for protection of the scalp.

Never brush vigorously with wire bristles as the scalp may become irritated.

MOULDED QUILL
Rounded bristle tips provide gentle penetration and also massage the scalp. They are embedded in a soft flexible base to allow the bristles to adjust to the contours of the head.
These brushes are ideal for detangling fine, wet hair and for stimulating scalp circulation.

WOODEN
Wooden bristles provide excellent penetration through the hair and have a massaging effect on the scalp. This stimulates the blood circulation to nourish the hair follicle and encourage faster growth and healthier hair.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
1) Always use a quality hair shampoo and conditioner. Ask your Pharmacist for advice. Remember the cheapest is not always the best.
2) Ask your Pharmacist for the correct brush for your particular hair. A natural bristle brush is usually suggested.
3) If the diet is inadequate some nutritional supplements might be taken. Vitamin A, called the cosmetic vitamin might be recommended. If the hair is dry, vitamin E may be recommended.

NOTES

1) Towel dry wet hair gently before styling and detangle with a wide toothed comb or a single bristle brush. Always use a suitable hair conditioner after a shampoo.
2) Never force a brush through the tangles. Gently work through the tangles with a wide toothed-comb starting from the ends of the hair up, one small section at a time.
3) Avoid too much brushing for oily hair as it can stimulate oil production.
Purchase from your Pharmacy a static free brush for thin, "fly away" hair and keep brushing to a minimum.
4) Permed hair is often fragile and is easily damaged. Use a wide-toothed or "Afro" comb, or a brush with widely spaced nylon or plastic bristles.

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