Hair Combing and Brushing Basics
• You should brush your hair 100 strokes every night.
• Never brush your hair when it's wet, and never comb it when it's dry.
• Sharing combs and brushes can cause dandruff.
• Daily brushing makes hair grow faster.
• Brushing the hair is better for it than combing.
• You can train your hair to follow a style by combing it in that style daily.
Every single one of these is a myth, and is untrue. Let's take them one at a time and see what makes them false.
You should brush your hair 100 strokes every night. Over-brushing the hair can lead to hair damage, such as split ends. If you are brushing your hair before bedtime, you should only brush it sufficiently to remove any tangles (doing so gently). You should also use a natural-bristle brush (such as boar's hair) and work from the ends of the hair to the scalp.
Never brush your hair when it's wet, and never comb it when it's dry. This hearkens back to the days before we had "brushes" with tines. Bristled brushes by their very nature pull the hair in hundreds of slightly different angles as the brush passes through the hair. When the hair is wet, it is swollen and weaker and brushing with bristled brushes can stretch and damage the hair. It IS advisable to always use a wide-toothed comb on wet hair, but a brush that has widely-spaced tines is an acceptable tool for detangling wet hair.
As for combing dry hair, the idea was that a regular comb would snarl in long hair and worsen tangles. However, using a wide-toothed comb to detangle long hair is perfectly fine, as long as you always remember to treat the hair gently and with respect.
Sharing combs and brushes can cause dandruff. This is untrue. Dandruff is caused by a fungus that is found in everyone's hair. The difference between someone with dandruff and someone without dandruff is that the fungus responsible for dandruff isn't active in the person without it. That being said, sharing combs and brushes isn't a good practice because there are many other things that can be spread by sharing these implements.
Daily brushing makes hair grow faster. There are benefits to brushing the hair that are proven, specifically when using a natural-bristle brush. Brushing helps to remove dirt, and product build-up in the hair and from the scalp. It helps to distribute the natural oils produced by the follicles and glands of the scalp. It helps to stimulate the scalp to promote blood-flow and regulate the oil production. But there has never been any studies done that indicate daily brushing has any effect on the growth rate of the hair.
Brushing the hair is better for it than combing. This relates to our first myth at the top of the page. Your hair actually responds better to combing because it creates less stress on the hair and the stress it does generate is more uniform in nature. Brushing the hair became popular because brushes tend to work faster at removing tangles and smoothing the hair, but where a comb has a single row of tines that separate the hair into small clusters of strands, a brush has several hundred bristles that separate the hair into several hundred strands. The brush therefore creates more stress on the hair itself.
You can train your hair to follow a style by combing it in that style daily. As nice as this would be if it were true, it isn't. This myth is generally proffered by those who wear short hair styles (usually men). What generally happens is that it's the wearer of the style who becomes "trained" and finds it easier to create the desired look with his or her hair.
The application of moisture and heat can make physical changes in the wave pattern of the hair, and many times, by styling the hair immediately following a warm shampooing and conditioning, you will create the desired wave pattern in the hair which will "set" as the hair dries and cools.
Identifying and Selecting Quality Tools
Combs
Combs are the easier group of styling tools to categorize and label, because there are so few differences to be found among the different types. You should select combs made from smooth, hard plastic and be sure that there are no sharp edges or seams left by the molding process.
The Styling Comb is generally six to eight inches in length and has two different sets of teeth on either end. One end will have moderately spaced teeth that are thicker and the other end will feature closely-spaced, fine teeth. The end you use on your hair will depend on your hair's density and texture. The styling comb is best used on hair of average density and texture.
The Tail Comb has a combing region of closely-spaced teeth at one end and a long thin "tail-like" handle. The tail is used for separating and sectioning the hair for various styling processes, from roller sets to braiding.
The Wide-Tooth Comb comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. It is generally larger than the styling comb and can have teeth that are as much as ¼ to ½ inch apart. In many cases the teeth are wider at the spine of the comb and taper toward the ends to aid in separating the hair. A wide-tooth comb is good for combing through wet hair and for combing dense or curly hair.
The Pick is a variation of the wide-tooth comb, although its teeth may be more closely spaced. The pick is used for detangling and "fluffing" very curly and kinky hair. It can also be useful to separate the curls in hair that has been styled to be curly without causing the hair to frizz.
The size of the comb you choose will depend largely on the length of your hair, its density and texture. A good rule of thumb is to take the comb and insert it into clean, dry hair. The wide tooth comb should pass easily through the hair without any hindrance. For a styling comb, however, you should be able to insert the comb easily into the hair and release it, having the comb stay in place until you move your head, at which point it should fall out easily.
Brushes
There are nearly as many different types of brush as there are types of hair, and there are new designs constantly being developed and introduced. Many of the new styles of brush are created specifically for use with a particular styling technique and may or may not be suited to all hair types.
The Styling Brush is a brush with bristles - either synthetic or natural - and can come in many shapes and sizes. The best styling brushes use natural fiber bristles - usually boar's hair. However, if you choose to use a synthetic bristle brush, be sure to choose one that is well made and will be gentle to your hair and scalp. A good test is to take the brush and run it along the soft inside of your forearm near the bend of your elbow. The bristle should feel smooth, but firm. If the bristles feel scratchy or harsh, then the brush isn't for you. The last thing you want is a brush that is going to leave tiny scratches on your scalp or be harsh to your hair.
The Vented Brush is one that has tines instead of bristles. The tines are set into a base that has open spaces to allow air to pass through it. The vented brush is designed for use with blow drying allowing the hair to be dried more quickly because the brush doesn't inhibit the warm air from circulating through the hair. There are tined brushes that are not vented, but instead have the tines set into a solid base (or a rubberized base) in a variety of shapes and designs. These "brushes" are little more than an attempt to get the effect of using several combs at once. I personally abhor these and will not use them. Generally, they are no good for use when drying the hair, and are more damaging to the hair than combs.
The Round Brush with Bristles is a styling tool that is best suited to short, wavy hairstyles. They are best used to provide lift and uniformity to the hair by rolling them through the hair to create a smooth, wavy effect. These brushes can come in a variety of sizes, though they tend to be smaller.
The Round Brush with Tines is designed for use with blow dryers for styling the hair into soft curves and waves. Initially created as a variant of the vented brush, most current designs feature a metal- or ceramic-covered base that holds the heat of the dryer to create soft curls and curves in the hair. These brushes are available in many sizes, from small barrels with long tines to create smaller, tighter curls, to large barrels with shorter tines to create big, soft waves.
The Paddle Brush generally features a wide, flat base with short to mid-length tines and is designed for use with a blow dryer for straight hair styling. Originally, these brushes were designed with vented plastic bases like the vented brush, but now can be found with metal- and ceramic-covered bases to make better use of the dryer's heat to straighten and smooth the hair.
In all cases, the size of the brush you want depends on the density of your hair and its length. For shorter hair, smaller brushes are generally preferred to give better control in styling. With long hair, however, a larger brush is usually beneficial to enable you to style the hair more quickly.
http://www.hairfinder.com/info/combingbrushing.htm
Which Hairbrush Is Best For You?
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hairbrushes for every man
We recently pointed out some of the most fashionable haircuts for men, and we've also revealed a host of hairstyling products that work well with different hair types, but we've never covered the various instruments that should be used for different hair textures.Picking the right brush for your dome can make your head look fuller, healthier and if you know how to use it, more stylish. So if you're fed up with all those bad hair days, then read up to find out which instrument is best for your hair.
thick/coarse hair
You lucky ones who boast a full head of coarse hair shouldn't be complaining about bad hair days. Just think of the guys who have to deal with all those no -hair days, every day of the week. Nonetheless, if you're looking to improve your thick hair's appearance, try a natural-bristle brush.Natural-Bristle Brush
Its softer bristles make it easier to pull through thicker, coarse hair. The brush's texture also helps distribute the hair's essential oils, making your hair look shinier and healthier.short, buzz cut
Hail Caesar! Shorter hair is definitely easier to maintain, but it still requires some attention if you want it to look good. How do you think George Clooney gets such nice results with his hair? Genetics obviously help, but I'm pretty sure he, or should I say his stylist, uses a plastic-tip brush to comb his hair.Plastic-Tip Brush
A hard-bristled brush will shift your hair easily into place for perfect styling and texture. The relaxing tips will also help keep dandruff away by stimulating the blood flow to the scalp.curly
Can you imagine combing through golden locks, like those of the little guy in The Blue Lagoon , or even shock jock Howard Stern? All I can say is ouch! ; it must feel like you're yanking out hundreds of hair follicles after each and every stroke. If you have a set of curly hair, I suggest that you start using a wide-tooth comb.Wide-Tooth Comb
The larger distance between the comb's teeth makes it less likely for the comb to get stuck in the layers of curls, thereby making the styling process easier both on your arms and your hair follicles.wavy
If your girlfriend has beautiful wavy hair, would you want her to flatten it out by combing it with the wrong brush? Obviously not, and I'm pretty sure she thinks the same way of your wavy hair, so don't mess up your nice natural texture. Whether your hair is short or long, if it's wavy, then the best instrument for you is a vent brush.Vent Brush
The nicely rounded tips attached at the tip of the nylon bristles are perfectly designed to let you gently shape and style your hair without hindering its natural shape and texture.thin, straight
The biggest problem with having thin, straight hair is its evident lack of volume. This might suit some styles very well, but generally, every man prefers having a thick head of hair instead. Rest assured because you can easily add volume with a classic styler.Classic Styler
The nylon bristles from the classic styler will make your hair stand taller and look thicker. But be realistic and don't expect miracles. Don't assume that a properly brushed comb-over will look like a full head of hair.
the bald look
First came Bruce Willis, then came Andre Agassi, and now many guys are flashing their crowns, whether they're losing hair or not. The bald look is definitely one that will remain stylish, unless of course Merck's miracle pill Propecia really makes hair grow back fully. Nonetheless, if you're looking to keep your head freshly shaven every day, you should be using a head blade.Head Blade
Take out the Armor All boys -- a good old head blade will cost you only $15 and it'll hook nicely around your finger for an easy head shave. Please note that a traditional blade also works well for a close shave.So whatever hair type you have, keep your hair looking great with these brushes, combs and blades.
http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_60/61_fashion_advice.html
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