Brushing Technique

Avoid using a comb with plastic bristles to prevent hair breakage from static electricity. The best way to brush your hair is by first brushing the ends to remove tangles and then take the long stokes from the roots of the hair to the ends. This technique will help proper spreading of natural hair oil and thus prevent breakage.Use an inexpensive, plastic hair brush with widely-spaced needles, advises dermatologist Paradi Mirmirani, M.D. Expensive natural boar bristle brushes are often promoted as the best type of brush to use for your hair. In fact, these can be extremely damaging to your hair. Dr. Mirmirani explains that boar bristle brushes create a lot of friction as they slide through your hair, rubbing against its natural grain.Dont brush your hair when its sopping wet if you have straight hair, advises the AAD. Your hair is very flexible when damp, and brushing it can make it break. Only brush straight hair when its dry. However, if you have curly or kinky hair, you should only comb or brush it when its wet to avoid breakage, says the AAD.Wait until your hair is almost dry before using a brush to style it if you blow dry your hair. Not only is this less damaging to your hair, says skincare expert Paula Begoun, its simply easier to style slightly damp hair than it is wet hair. To achieve maximum smoothness, you may need to blow dry and brush your hair at various levels of almost dry to find out what works best.Brush your hair less, not more. The AAD points out that contrary to what you may believe, brushing your hair with vigorous, powerful strokes damages it. Keep brushing and styling to a minimum. Also, never use your hair brush to rat or backcomb your hair, Begoun advises. Not only does this type of hair style date you, its extremely bad for your hair.