How to Choose a Boar Bristle Hairbrush

A boar bristle brush is a hair brush consisting of densely packed bristles. It is not used to detangle hair, as the bristles can actually make knots and tangles worse. Instead, it is used to remove oil, dirt, dust and other foreign particles from the hair while polishing it to a high shine. Daily brushing with a boar bristle brush keeps hair glossy, healthy-looking and free of excess oil. The major differences between boar bristle brushes are the sizes (small, medium and large) and shapes (rectangular, round and oval).

Instructions

1. Choose a boar bristle brush that complements your natural hair texture. If you have very curly hair, choose a brush that contains 50 percent boar bristles and 50 percent nylon bristles. Boar bristles might be too soft to penetrate thick, coiled curls, but when combined with nylon bristles the brush will be able to penetrate strands while also giving curls that bright shine. If you have straight hair, a flat boar bristle brush will be best.

2. Choose a boar bristle brush based on how you want to style your hair. If you want to add volume to your hair, choose a round boar bristle brush. The round shape helps to puff out flat locks, giving them more definition. A round brush is also the best choice for styling with a blow dryer --- it can be used to create curls, waves and flips.

3. Choose a boar bristle brush based on hair length. Short hair is best brushed and styled with a small, pure bristle brush. A smaller-sized brush is much more convenient to use on pixie cuts and bobs. Use a large rectangular or oval-shaped brush for longer hair. A brush with a larger surface area will produce the most shine on longer hair.

4. Choose a boar bristle brush based on the thickness of your hair. If you have thick, coarse hair, choose a brush with long bristles which will penetrate the thick strands more readily. If you have fine hair, choose a brush with short bristles which will be much more gentle on your scalp.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use a boar bristle brush on heavily tangled hair as it will only make the tangles more unruly.

References

• Boar Bristle Brush Information