Using a wooden hair brush can detangle the annoying knots without pulling or damaging your hair. It is gentle on hair and does not cause frizz or static. It is a sustainable option too. Before getting into the details of the benefits of using a wooden hair brush, let’s find out what a wooden brush is. Scroll down.
What Is A Wooden Hair Brush?
A wooden hair brush or comb, as the name suggests, is a sustainable and reusable hair-styling tool. The brush can be made from different kinds of woods, including bamboo, neem, sandalwood, or sheesham. A wide variety of brushes and combs are marketed as wooden. But when you look at it a bit closer, it may just be a regular hair brush with a wooden handle. Some cheap wooden hair brushes may have plastic bristles where only the tips are made of wood. These are not exactly wooden brushes. You should use a wooden hair brush with natural bristles made of 100% wood, regardless of your hair type or length. Most wooden combs come without varnish and paint coating on them, making them the best alternative to plastic or metal brushes. The benefits of a wood brush are unmatched when compared with plastic or metal combs. We deep-dive into nine of these merits below.
Top 9 Benefits Of Using A Wooden Hair Brush
1. Thick Hair And A Healthy Scalp
When you comb your hair using a wooden brush, you gently massage your scalp, leading to better blood circulation. This makes your hair thicker (1). The knobs on the end of wooden hair brushes also remove scalp build-up and promote follicle health. The wooden bristles do not bruise or scrape the scalp and help in damage-free grooming.
2. Promotes Hair Growth
According to research, around 30 million women in the USA alone suffer from hair loss due to alopecia (2). While alopecia requires immediate medical treatment, using a wooden hair brush may provide some relief. Wooden combs and brushes enhance blood flow to the scalp, resulting in better conditioning of the hair follicles. Wooden combs also unclog the impurities in hair follicles, allowing hair to grow. However, further scientific research is required to prove this claim.
3. Prevents Allergic Reactions
Plastic or metal combs can cause irritation or allergic reactions on the scalp. But a wooden comb is made of natural wood, which is less likely to cause any side effects or itchiness on the scalp.
4. Prevents Breakage
Another downside of plastic combs is that they create static. Static charge makes the hair brittle and prone to breakage since it dries out the hair. This also causes frizz. Moreover, many brushes come with balled or plastic tips that cause a lot of damage to the hair when they snag them and sometimes pull them out. Luckily, wooden brushes are anti-static and prevent tangles and hair breakage. They glide swiftly over the scalp and through the tresses without causing any frizz. Wooden brushes also have smoother tips that do not pull at your strands. Moreover, wooden combs and hair brushes are also beneficial in removing any existing static in the hair since wood acts as an insulator and absorbs all the charge. Anna, an organic living YouTuber talks about shifting to wooden brushes and the wealth of wonders they have done for her, including managing hair static. She recounts, “It’s Canada where I live, it’s really cold, and in the winter my hair is just like oh like so staticky. It looks like I have my hands on one of those like electric balls like at a Science center, I just look like a freaking mad scientist all the time. So these brushes have really helped eliminate static for me, mainly because the pad here is rubber, so that really helps, and the wood, like I said, helps to distribute your natural oils. And when your hair is more moisturized, it’s less staticky, so, kinda two-in-one, which I really really like (i).”
5. Removes Dirt From Your Hair
Your hair can easily attract dirt and foreign particles due to the static charge in it. A wooden brush can get rid of the dirt by removing any existing charge from the scalp and, instead, add more bounce and life to your hair.
6. Nourishes And Adds Shine
Your scalp excretes a natural oil (sebum) that nourishes it and hydrates the hair roots. However, this oil can also make your hair appear flat and greasy while attracting dust and pollution. A wooden comb is an excellent way to nourish and add shine to the hair since it evenly distributes the oil without making your locks appear lifeless.
7. Offers Heat Resistance
Wooden hair brushes are generally more heat resistant than those made of synthetic materials. The natural properties of wood, including thermal insulation and durability, allow it to withstand moderate heat from heat-styling tools. However, it is recommended to check the specific type of wood and its heat resistance level to ensure optimal performance.
8. Better For The Environment
Plastic and low-quality metal brushes are bad for the environment and non-recyclable. However, wooden hair brushes are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Wooden brushes are also longer lasting and cost-effective when compared to plastic hairbrushes, whose components may break apart easily.
9. May Offer Aromatherapy Benefits
Some people combine aromatherapy with the use of a wooden hair brush for a better hair care experience. The natural wood material is believed to absorb and diffuse essential oils. This allows for a subtle release of calming scents while you brush your hair. One may also feel relaxed and soothed. Moreover, learning to brush your hair the right way will also help you reap more of this wooden hair brush’s benefits. However, there is no research to support this. The experience is purely anecdotal. So, now you know the benefits of using a wooden hair brush, find out how to use a wooden hair brush in the next section!
How To Use A Wooden Hair Brush
The method of using a wooden hair brush is essentially the same as any other comb or brush. However, getting a set that contains both a wooden brush and a comb is ideal for healthy-looking hair. If you are considering switching to a wooden hair brush and comb, try this step-by-step guide for a smooth and pain-free combing experience: It is critical to take good care of wooden brushes and keep them clean to prevent hair damage. We show you how to care for a wooden hair brush in the following section.
How To Clean A Wooden Hair Brush
Knowing how to clean your brush, especially a wooden hair brush, is crucial to maintaining its hygiene, keeping it from damage, and preventing scalp issues.
Avoid using water to clean your wooden hair brush since it can damage it. Instead, rub flaxseed oil or linseed oil on the brush. Once it dries, gently wipe the brush with a damp cloth. Alternatively, rub petroleum jelly on the teeth and brush. Wipe it dry with a cloth after half an hour. You can also clean a wooden bristle hair brush by gently using sandpaper between the teeth. Never use detergents or harsh chemicals to clean the brush. Never pre-soak a wooden brush or comb since it makes it lose its durability and grain.
Can you use a wooden brush on wet hair? No. Ideally, using a brush on wet hair is not advised as it may stretch and weaken the wet strands and lead to breakage. Can I wash wooden combs? Yes. Wash wooden combs every 1-2 weeks with a warm mild soap and oil solution. However, do not leave the comb in the water for long as it may ruin the wood. Can we use a wooden comb on oily hair? Yes. Wooden combs are good for oily hair as they evenly spread the oil through the lengths of the strands. Are wooden combs good for frizzy hair? Yes. Wooden combs are good for frizzy hair as they gently detangle it and do not cause static like plastic combs.
Illustration: Benefits Of A Wooden Hair Brush And How To Use It
Watch the video below to learn why you need to switch over to using a wooden hairbrush in your hair care routine. It shares some benefits and how it can help you live a more sustainable and green lifestyle.
