Brushing your hair is one of the most basic tasks that you can do to take care of your locks, but many people make mistakes while doing it. If you want to avoid damage, avoid these common mistakes this year.
Brushing from Top to Bottom
One of the most common mistakes that people make when brushing their hair is to brush from top to bottom. This can be especially problematic if you have thick or textured hair because it causes breakage and split ends. To avoid this problem, start at the ends of your hair and work your way up. This helps to distribute natural oils throughout your head, which can help your hair to look healthy and shiny.
Not Brushing Enough
Another common mistake is not brushing enough. While it may seem like you’re being gentle on your hair by brushing less often, this usually leads to the opposite. When your hair isn’t brushed regularly, tangles and knots can form and make it difficult to get the brush through your hair. This puts extra strain on your scalp, and could even lead to damage if you’re not careful. To avoid this problem, make sure to brush at least twice a day.
Using a Brush with Nylon Bristles
While nylon bristle brushes are often cheaper, they can also be more damaging to your hair. The nylon bristles can be too harsh and cause breakage or split ends. Look for a brush with natural bristles instead, as this will provide a much gentler way to detangle knots without causing damage. Natural bristles are also better at distributing the oils in your hair and reducing static.
Not Taking the Time to Detangle Knots
Trying to brush through those tough knots can be painful, but it’s important not to rush this step. If you try to take a shortcut, you could end up causing split ends or breakage. Take your time with knots and use a wide-toothed comb to gently tease them apart. Work in small sections and use the comb to loosen knots before brushing with your natural bristle brush.
Not Using the Right Brush
These days, there are so many types of hair brushes available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Generally, natural bristles are best for most people as they’re softer and more gentle on your hair. Plastic bristles can be too abrasive and cause damage or breakage. If you have thin hair, look for a brush with short, widely-spaced bristles to avoid breakage. If you have thick or curly hair, look for a brush with longer and denser bristles. When seeking a curl brush for defining curls, look for one with ball-tipped bristles to avoid breakage.
Brushing Too Much and Too Hard
We said that brushing infrequently was a problem, and brushing too much and hard is also a mistake. Many people think that brushing their hair more frequently or with more force will make it look healthier, but it can actually be damaging. Too much brushing can break the hair, particularly if you’re using a brush with stiff bristles or forcing it through knots.
Brushing When Wet
Finally, another common mistake is brushing wet hair. Human hair becomes more fragile when wet and more prone to breakage. This means that brushing it while it is still wet, especially if you’re using a brush with stiff bristles, can lead to excessive breakage. If you need to detangle wet hair, try using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers and working through tangles gently. Alternatively, you could wait until the hair is almost dry before brushing.