Brushing your hair

I read somewhere that you're only supposed to brush your hair only a couple of times a day or else it can really damage your hair.> I read somewhere that it´s actually good> to brush your hair a lot cause of the oil from> the scalp. But then I saw on this other site that> it isn´t good at all cause the hair is being damage> buy all the brushing. So what is the case here?!>

> It is good to brush your hair if you are> using the right brush and know the proper way> to brush your hair. If not, you can do some serious> damage.This is certainly true. Being gentle is very important.> After washing your hair, wait a few hours> or if you can, the next day to brush. That way> the natural oils on your scalp have time to collect.The important thing is waiting for your hair to dry, so that it does not get damaged. Hair is fragile when it is wet. It also helps to detangle with your fingers before you brush.> Then, starting at the ends of your hair (using> a pick or wide tooth comb), gently get out any> knots you may have, when you have worked all the> knots out from all around your head, you may start> to brush using long strokes and from scalp to> ends. It is important to remember the ends as> this area tends to be dry. You may decide to use> a natural bristle brush as it distributes the> oil more easily. Never use plastic as this can> dry the hair and make it much worse.I have to disagree with the comment about plastic brushes. They are much better for the hair than natural bristle brushes. Bristle brushes tend to be difficult to get through the hair, especially if it is thick. They can cause a lot of damage! Plastic brushes do not dry the hair - that it complete nonsense. In order to dry the hair, the brush would have to absorb oil and moisture from the hair, and plastic does neither of these things.Overbrushing can cause static, especially when the air is very dry, but that is true whether you use a plastic brush or a bristle brush.> As for brushing your hair very, very frequently,> I wouldn't recommend it.This is certainly good advice. I used to brush my hair fairly frequently, but discovered that was not a good idea. I brush it only a few times a day now, and always detangle carefully with my fingers first. I find they work much better than a comb or pick, because they allow a lot more control. I have tried both plastic and bristle brushes, as well as one made of wood, and I have to say that the plastic ones (assuming you get the right kind) were the best. Well-polished wood is very nice for combs, though.Good luck!Laura Jane lswanson@sunflower.bio.indiana.edu

Laura Jane,I'm sorry, I should have realized that different people use different brushes for their hair. Noreen is right... Different strokes for different folks!Jenna