Your Brush With Fame
The Brush Q&A
How many brushes should a woman own?
Every woman should own one (1) paddle brush and three (3) round brushes. The paddle brush, flat and wide, is best for brushing out long hair and for creating straight, smooth styles. Think of a classic one-length style. Because of its size and shape, don't use this brush to style layers. It'll never add volume, which is what layers are for. Round brushes are available in small, medium, large and jumbo-sized barrels. When used with the heat of a blow dryer, smaller round brushes act likes rollers to create curl and movement. Larger round brushes smooth locks and add body. The length of your hair and the desired finished look determine which size brush to use.
How often do you need to replace a brush?
Good brushes are an investment; if they are good quality and well cared for, they should last years. What are the signs of a brush that needs to go to brush heaven? Check your brush regularly for split and melted bristles as these can damage the hair. Brushes can cost between $8 -$125. Make sure the brush handle feels comfortable and easy to work with when styling your hair.
Do you recommend brushing hair just in the morning? All day as needed? Brushing the hair before shampooing is most important as it will assist in avoiding breakage after you shampoo and try to comb tangled hair. Brushing the hair before going to sleep will also help in removing the natural shedding of hair and scalp exfoliation will occur. Brush your hair as often as you like. Natural hair loss occurs each day and can be about 100 hairs daily.
What’s better – nylon, plastic or wild boar brushes?
Traditional brushes have close-set bristles made of nylon, plastic or wild boar hair. Natural boar bristles are softer and more pliable, so they're gentler on your hair and scalp, and don't usually cause breakage or other damage. They also help distribute the hair's natural oils, create healthy shine and reduce static. I would stay away from Brushes that contain plastic as they may damage the hair.
Recommend some of your favorite brands.
I really like The Mystique 100% boar brush with ionic pins. It allows for consistent diffusion of the heat to the hair and does not damage the hair. CeramIon brushes are also my favorites. Their paddle and styling brushes massage, untangle and smooth all types of hair. Their thermal round brushes act as a setting tool as the metal around the bristles heat up and act as a roller to give that smooth or wavy finished look. These brushes can be purchased in most salons.
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(Images of brushes actually owned and recommended by BeansTalk: paddle brush by Mason Pearson, round brushes by Marilyn)
