Hairbrushes are a hair staple product that everyone owns at least one of. We often overlook them in terms of their value. Is there a difference between the affordable drugstore brush and the fancy Mason Pearson hairbrush?
Expensive hair brushes are well worth the extra price because they not only last longer, but are made with much better materials. High quality hair brushes have a higher polishing power resulting in a much better hairstyle. In addition, expensive hair brushes are made with one piece handles which do not break under pressure while styling. The bristles and all parts of the brush is polished and smoothed as not to cause the brush to rip or pull on your hair. These qualities make expensive brushes worth it.
What Is The Purpose Of A Hairbrush?
The main functions of brushes are to exfoliate the scalp (skin) by stimulating it, cleanse the hair shaft and scalp by dispersing the sebaceous fluids from the roots to the ends of the hair shaft, and remove debris from the hair. But now days we have shampoos to help with this job, right? But in past days, long ago, all most folks had was a brush.
What To Look For In A Boar Bristle Brush?
Brush bristles are the backbone of all hairbrushes. Without them, there’s no brushing action. Higher-priced brushes are made to be heat resistant. A cheaper brush can do more harm than good in the long run. In the world of beauty, a hairbrush is one of those objects that you don’t buy very often but that you use almost every day. This is a hair “necessary” that everyone possesses at least one of and yet it is frequently undervalued for how valuable it is to one’s overall appearance.
Boar-bristle brushes are fantastic because they have soft bristles that help your hair glides through them easily, resulting in less hair breakage while styling your locks. They are also fantastic for massaging the scalp and stimulating blood flow, all of which are essential for maintaining healthy hair growth. But keep in mind although some boar brush will glide through your hair, typically they are not a detangler brush. It is specifically designed for use on hair that is prone to becoming tangled or knotted, which is why detangling brushes are so popular. If you have long or thick hair, you are more likely to experience this problem.
The bristles burn and melt with the hair dryer heat. However, I must point out that the hot air from your blow-dryer should not be pointed at the brush bristles. This is a common mistake that is easily corrected by pointing the hot air at your hair directly behind the brush. As you move your brush, move your blow dryer in the following motion. This keeps the hot air from your blow dryer focused on your hair. This technique will keep your hairbrush from melting and will last much longer.
Low-quality bristles lack polishing power, resulting in a mediocre hairstyle. A brush like the Mason Pearson has become an old staple product because it’s dependable. With natural quality bristles, it makes your style look shiny and fabulous; the stylist says.
Do Expensive Brushes Make A Difference?
Does Hairbrush Quality Matter? When you have a high-quality brush, it will last a long time.” An expensive brush, according to Meesh, Hair Product Analyst, is “made with better, quality materials and lasts longer.” Some of my $100 brushes have been in my possession for more than six years!” I am not making specific brand endorsements but it’s impossible to talk about hairbrushes without mentioning at least some brands so you get the idea of what I am talking about.
| Boar Bristle Brushes | Does Hairbrush Quality Matter? |
|---|---|
| 1. Spornette Deville 2 Inch Round Boar Bristle Hair Brush (#314) | Nice quality 100% boar bristles for all hair types. |
| 2. Spornette DeVille Cushion Oval Boar Bristle Hair Brush (#342) | 100% boar bristles in a rubber cushion perfect for all hair types. |
| 3. FHI Heat Stylus Blow Out Ceramic Boar Brush | Blend of anti-static coated nylon and boar bristles for blowouts for all hair types and textures. |
| 4. Sam Villa Signature Series Styling Brush | 100% boar bristles & tourmaline infused ionic nylon bristles great for blow drying or styling hair. |
| 5. Sam Villa Artist | 1st Choice all hair lengths: I love the combination of nylon and boar bristles in a unique Double-Helix bristle design for medium hair, looser curl, or creating fullness at the base and I love the good grip handle very comfortable to use. Also, check out their Signature Series – excellent round brush! |
| 6. The Beachwaver Co. Blow Out Pro Brush | Nylon and boar bristle blend for women with longer hair who want a voluminous blow out. |
| 7. R+Co Round Brush 1 | Handcrafted premium wooden brush with humanely sourced natural boar bristles great for blow drying shorter hair |
| 8. R+Co Round Brushes | Handcrafted premium wooden brush with humanely sourced natural boar bristles great for blow drying shorter length hair. Also for creating volume at the crown and nape. |
| 9. Mason Pearson Pocket Pure Bristle | Pocket mixture bristle of nylon hair brush for short, coarse to normal hair. |
| 10. Mason Pearson Pocket Sensitive Hair Brush | Pure boar bristle is specifically for brushing thinning hair and sensitive scalp. |
| 11. Oribe Round Bristle Brush | High-quality boar bristles perfectly grips hair. A sectioning pin is hidden at end to separate hair during styling. |
| 12. Mason Pearson ‘Sensitive’ Pure Bristle Brush | Pure boar bristle is specifically for brushing thinning hair and sensitive scalp. Ideal for fine hair. |
| 13. Mason Pearson Hairbrush | Rubber-cushion pad allows for effective brushing for fine to normal hair. |
| 14. Spornette Large Cushion Boar and Nylon Bristle | Rubber-cushion pad allows for effective brushing for long fine to normal hair. |
| 15. Wet Brush Shine Enhancer Hair Brush | I love Wet brushes, because they work very well. People sometimes complain that these brushes don’t have good penetration and they are right. But that’s not the purpose of this brush. See More On The Wet Brush in this article. |
More On The Wet Brush
The WET Brush is designed to be very delicate and take a bit longer to brush in order to prevent breakage and tearing your hair out from the roots. Great brush for damaged hair and tangled hair and does not promote physical irritation while brushing. As the name implies, this brush includes boar bristles, which help to re-distribute natural oils back down to the ends of the hair, which is perfect for folks who wash their hair every other day. And the price is always excellent! Not really a high priced brush. The original Wet Brush, Not the Shine Enhancer, The Wet Brush, as its name implies, is made to untangle wet hair thanks to its non-slip handle and innovative Intelliflex bristles.
Another favorite of mine is a Denman Classic Styling Brush. What exactly is a Denman Brush? The brush was made by John Denman Dean in the 1930s. It is most often used to style naturally curly hair (and textured hair or kinky hair) and make ringlets. When used on wet curls, it helps to make curls and spirals bigger and more defined, smooth out frizz and tangles, and The wide teeth can evenly distribute products like deep-conditioner treatments, hair masks and color toners evenly. You can use similar to a wide-toothed comb.
More On Mason Pearson
The best way to spread natural oils through the hair, exfoliate the scalp, and get hair follicles to grow is to brush them with a hairbrush like a Mason Pearson brush with densely packed bristles. These brushes are often offered at high-end boutiques and is great for bad hair days. Ideal for fine hair and while brushing down unruly edges and baby hairs.
Expensive Hairbrushes
They make an expensive brush with better, higher quality materials that last longer and keep their original shape. Most stylists will agree their expensive hairbrushes can last upwards of five years or more of heavy use. I am by no means suggesting you rush out an get one of those flashy name brands. However, most professional stylist will advise you not to cut corners to save a buck or two. I have seen cheaper brushes that are superb. Only to buy the same brush again thinking I am going to get a high-quality bargain hairbrush. Only to receive a brush with wood burs sticking out (sharp edges) where the boar bristles were plugged into the wooden handle, and definitely not suitable for hair extensions.
In retrospect I could have saved hundreds of dollars buy not buying cheaper brushes. The rough finish can easily snag your hair, causing split-ends. This is very common with cheaper brushes. Quality is not consistent. Sometimes you luck out and get a good one, thus saving a pretty penny, but most of the time the lack of quality control will end up causing problems. That is why in the long run, if you do not want to fool around with sending the hairbrush back, just get a good one to begin with and save the hassles.
Made famous by the coveted Mason Pearson luxe brush, the natural boar bristles found in the brush works to stimulate the scalp and distribute oil (hair’s natural oils) throughout your hair. But most good quality boar brushes will do the same thing giving you a smooth finish sans unwanted breakage. So you do not have to purchase the high price tag boar brush to get these benefits.
A well-crafted brush with boar bristles will grip your hair firmly and help polish the cuticle to a glossy, smooth finish. They also usually have a wooden handle made of sturdy wood, like olive. I have used many plastic handle brushes and I hate the two-piece plastic handles the most. They almost always break. When you are styling your hair, you need to apply tension to get the hair to conform to your style. The tension after a period can cause two-piece plastic handles to break. That is why I am a big fan of solid one piece wooden handles.
According to Meesh, Hair Product Analyst, “The root of the boar bristle is the densest and strongest part, which means a firmer grip. These bristles are called “first cut”. First cut boar bristles are always much firmer than “second cut”. Second cut is always softer. If you want maximum shine and you can stand a really stiff bristle, then get “first cut”. If you want a softer boar bristles brush, then get a second cut.“
It’s safe to conclude that spending a little more on a high-quality hairbrush you’ll use almost every day is well worth the money. Next time you need a hairbrush do your homework (ask hairstylists) and of course, consult my list of high-quality hairbrushes. Your hair will thank you later.
Hairbrushes With Different Shapes
| Brush Types | Right For Your Hair? | Brush Types Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Vent Brush | Drying hair | Styling |
| Round Brush | Styling, waves and curls | Need the right size |
| Paddle Brush | Brushing lots of hair fast. | Not for short hair |
| Teasing Brush | Creating volume | Teasing only |
| Detangling Brush | Detangling | Not for styling |
| Oval Brush | Brushing and light styling | Not for really short hair |
| Straightening Brush | Styling, straightening, curls & waves | Hard to use on short hair |
| Bamboo Brush | Head massage and static control | Not for damp moist conditions |
| Rat Tail Comb | Sectioning | Not for short hair |
| Wide Tooth Comb | Applying treatments | Not really for short hair |
| Boar Brush | Styling and shine | Detangling & static |
More On Paddle Brushes
Paddle brushes can smooth your hair into a Texas Hold’em Poker-straight look, ha, right, while circular hairbrushes are ideal for achieving that bouncy blow-dry. Paddle brushes covers a large surface area. About 25% more than an oval hairbrush.
Definitions
Automatic brush-boring machine – The automatic brush bristle mixing machine is used to combine various bristle material types. The mixing capacity varies for filaments or bristles made of various materials.
Nylon bristles – A nylon brush (man-made materials, synthetic fibers) is one that is made of nylon polymer filaments, which are very tough, strong, flexible, and elastic. Most brushes are made from nylon filaments, which come in many different types and are strong and resistant to wear. Most top fashion brands offer a nylon brush in their product offering. Often used in synthetic makeup brushes.
Makeup artists brush preferences – Most makeup artists prefer natural-hair brushes (over synthetic or other manufactured materials) for blending and perfecting the base, which includes setting powder, blush, highlight, and contour. Having the right makeup brush for each step of your makeup routine can make a significant difference in the outcome of your look. Just as with hairbrushes, despite spending a fortune on other makeup products, some people are hesitant to spend large sums of money on brushes. The common question or remark I often hear is, “Do you really want to spend $40 on a blending brush after spending the same amount on your new foundation?” Application is crucial because, at the end of the day, we’re all just looking for makeup perfection (a flawless face).
References
HairBrushy Article: Boar Brushes
HairBrushy Article: Why are boar bristle brushes expensive
HairBrushy Article: Boar Bristle Brush
HairBrushy Article: Elite models boar bristle brush
HairBrushy Article: How to use a boar bristle brush
HairBrushy Article: Popular boar bristle brushes
HairBrushy Article: Kent diplomat brush