Hair is one of the most important and defining parts of the human body. Healthy and shiny hair creates a good impression. On the other hand, hair loss and baldness spoil our self-esteem. So, it’s too important to take care of our hair and abide by all the means that help it grow.
There is a proverb that 100 strokes of the brush each night before bed, gives a beautiful hair. But, is this true? Does brushing your hair help it grow actually? Well, the answer is yes but there are some conditions as well. You have to brush your hair correctly according to your hair type. If you have a hair loss disease or such a physical condition as a fungal infection, chemotherapy, hormonal imbalance etcetera, only brushing won’t help it grow. You must consult an expert dermatologist and do proper treatment.
But there is a lot of evidence of having many benefits of brushing hair. You just need to follow the proper way.
Hair Growth Factors
Why Brush?
Nowadays people are so busy that they cannot brush their hair properly and curly hair takes a long time. We should not skip brushing our hair as it increases the possibility of hair loss. Brushing regularly is a good practice indeed because it-
- Increases blood circulation and stimulates the capillaries of the scalp.
- Helps the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
- Cleans the scalp by removing old hair, dead skin cells, and other particles. These things can promote bacteria and bar the scalp’s pores and follicles.
- Stimulates the sebaceous gland that produces a protective oil and natural conditioner called sebum. It makes your hair stronger, shiny, smooth, and healthy.
- Flatters the cuticles of the outer layer of the hair shaft and makes it shinier.
- Helps in styling and adding volume.
How Does Brushing Your Hair Help It Grow?
It’s clinically proven that brushing your hair correctly is an important factor in increasing the growth movement. Brushing correctly increases the blood circulation of the scalp. So, oxygen and nutrients can transfer easily to the hair follicles. The scalp stays healthy and the secretion of keratin remains natural. This keratin controls the growth of the hair.
Brushing somehow excites the sebaceous gland and increases secreting sebum which also helps to moisture the scalp. It also removes dead skin cells, dirt and other particles from the root and controls hair fall through fungal or bacterial diseases.
Thus brushing your hair daily, helps it grow naturally and keeps it healthy, shiny, and arranged at the same time.
How To Brush Your Hair Correctly?
Brushing your hair will help it grow when you will use your hairbrush correctly. Well, it’s not a big deal at all. Here are some tips on how to brush your hair correctly.
Straight Hair
If your hair is straight or wavy, don’t brush it while it’s wet. Wet hair is weak, elastic, vulnerable, and includes more possibility of damage. Don’t tousle your wet hair with a towel and try to style as little as possible. You must use a wide-toothed special comb gently starting from the bottom and then up to the roots.
Curly Hair
You shouldn’t brush your curly hair when it’s dry. Dry hair gets frizzy quickly. At first use, your fingers to remove the knots and then use a wide-toothed comb or hair pick smoothly. Curly hair needs extra care. Use conditioner and anti-frizz products to keep it healthy.
Brush From The Bottom
You should always brush your hair from the bottom especially when you have knotty long hair. Brushing from the roots can cause tugging and breakage. Start brushing with short strokes from the bottom and then move from tips to root. Keep freeing in sections until the brush passes down easily the whole length of the hair.
Be Gentle
Never pull your hair forcefully when brushing. Always be patient and gentle with your hair. Most hair needs a few strokes of the brush two or three times a day. Instead of fighting with your knots, use a moisturizing conditioner or hair detangling spray. Try to avoid excessive chemical products as much as you can.
Use The Right Brush
Brushes have a variety of shapes and sizes. Choosing the right brush for your hair can be a tricky move. You must consider the length, thickness, texture of your hair, and the sensitivity of your scalp while choosing a brush. If you have long, thick and knotty hair, you should use a wide-toothed comb otherwise you can use any of your choices.
Clean Up Brushes
It’s important to keep your brushes clean. Clean at least twice a month to remove oil, dirt, hair product, and other residues. Use warm water and a little shampoo to clean it. An old toothbrush can be used for scrubbing between bristles.
Does Brushing Too Much Can Cause Damage?
Yes, too much brushing can cause damage. If you vigorously pull a brush through your hair all the time, this is definitely going to weaken the strands and cause damage. If you use a wrong brush or do it in the wrong way, this damage can be serious. Itching is also a reason for too much brushing. Fungal or bacterial infection on the scalp is the main reason for itching. This loosens the root and causes hair breakage.
In short, brushing your hair obviously helps it grow but you must do it in the correct way. Use a hairbrush that best suits your hair. Start brushing gently from the bottom of the hair and then move from tips to root. A few strokes of the brush two or three times a day is enough to help it grow. Excess brushing can cause damage. So, be careful while brushing your hair.