Using a Brush For Healthy Hair Care

Using a brush to gently detangle hair is an essential part of healthy hair care. It can help promote the flow of sebum, a natural oil that distributes throughout the length of hair, enhancing shine.

Use smart brushes with features like split end detection to help prevent damage and keep your hair healthy. Use data from these tools to adjust your hair routine, and to focus on nourishing treatments for your hair.

Scalp Exfoliation

Scalp exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the scalp to reveal fresh and healthy follicles. Many hair experts maintain that regular scalp exfoliation is key to healthier and stronger hair from the roots to the ends.

There are several ways to exfoliate the scalp, including using a scalp scrub, chemical exfoliants, or a physical scrub. A physical scalp scrub involves scrubbing with your fingers or a brush in a circular motion. Chemical exfoliants brush hair care are more common and are available in a range of formulas, from clarifying and brightening to deep cleansing.

Choosing the right scalp exfoliant for your needs depends on your specific hair and scalp issues. For example, if you have oily or greasy hair, choose a clarifying scalp exfoliant that reduces sebum production and helps to balance your natural oils. If you have dandruff, try a gentle dandruff control scrub that also stimulates hair growth.

If you have dry hair or a sensitive scalp, choose a mild scalp scrub that promotes healthy circulation. Nexxus has a selection of scalp exfoliants for every hair type and concern. The best scalp exfoliants use natural ingredients like coconut oil to help strengthen and nourish your strands, while soothing the follicles with botanicals. For example, our Plant-Based Dandruff Controller uses a proven plant-based formulation to soothe and moisturize your strands without irritating your scalp or leaving behind buildup.

Sebum Distribution

Sebum is a lipid mixture secreted by your scalp’s oil glands and distributed evenly over hair and skin. It contains mostly wax esters and triglycerides with a variable degree and distribution of unsaturation. Some of these triglycerides get hydrolyzed to free fatty acids by the bacteria Proprionibacterium acnes on skin and hair surfaces, making them less dense [18].

The sebum’s main function is to contribute through sweat to the formation of a hydrolipidic film that protects your epidermis from environmental aggressions (fungistatic and bactericidal action) and from dryness (waterproofing). Sebum also acts as a lubricant and waterproofing agent.

Regular brushing helps to distribute the sebum, enhancing your hair’s sheen and health. It improves blood flow to the scalp and enhances the nutrient supply that the hair follicles need for growth.

The sebum also protects the follicles against disease-causing microbes that can cause dandruff and acne. It also provides a barrier that prevents water from penetrating the hair, reducing the drying effects of hot showers and other shampoos. The amount of sebum your oil glands produce depends on a variety of factors, such as your metabolic status and hormone levels. Aging can reduce the production of sebum, leading to a dry scalp and less nourishment for your hair strands. Also, some hair products can trap sebum on the scalp, contributing to rapid buildup.

Reduced Breakage

Hair breakage can lead to shorter strands, and often occurs because of bleaching or heat styling, over-manipulation, and even brushing too vigorously. A conditioning hair mask helps repair damage and reduce breakage, promoting healthier strands with a lustrous shine.

If you have naturally curly or textured hair, it’s usually best to detangle your locks with hair products tools your fingers in the shower or use a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner before brushing. Using a brush with flexible bristles that detangle without tugging, and a cushioned base to absorb the impact of brushing, can also help reduce breakage.

The frequency of brushing your hair depends on your hair type, Reid says. Most people who have straight hair will only need to brush it daily or every other day for grooming and to detangle pre- or post-washing. People with textured or curly hair can brush it more frequently, but only after detangling and with a gentle brush or comb that won’t cause more breakage.

Using the right brush for your hair type can make all the difference in your hair health and appearance. Look for brushes that have soft bristles, cushioned bases to absorb the impact of abrasion, and designs that massage your scalp to stimulate blood flow. This will prevent hair breakage and make your strands strong enough to withstand abrasion, and promote healthy growth that’s full of shine and moisture.

Shine

Shine is the result of light reflecting off of your hair, and it can be enhanced by the use of a shine serum or spray. Look for a product that nourishes your hair with ingredients like hydrolyzed silk, vitamin B-5 and silica to revive the strands, reduce frizz and fly-aways and boost the shine. Elon Moisture Therapy Styling And Finishing Shine is an excellent choice as it contains all of the above ingredients to promote a gorgeous, natural-looking shine.

When it comes to shiny hair, the condition of your scalp and the quality of the brush you use are important factors. A healthy scalp produces plenty of sebum, which naturally adds a glossy sheen to your strands. A quality hairbrush that distributes sebum evenly can also help your strands maintain their natural luster. Avoid brushes with plastic or nylon bristles that tug at your strands, which can cause damage and breakage. Instead, opt for a boar-bristle hairbrush that gently distributes the oils without tangling or tugging.

If you have fine or flat hair that tends to feel limp and lifeless, opt for an alcohol-based shine spray rather than an oil-based one. The alcohol-based formula will dry and evaporate quickly, allowing you to create a natural-looking shine that won’t leave wet spots or a greasy film on your strands.