So what about brushing?

missrini wrote: I just read an article (which I think was on a webpage that linked from purplebubba's site?) about brushing your hair to prevent hair loss, in particular a receding hairline.  I have also read elsewhere that brushing is a good idea for those growing their hair long as it increases circulation and strengthens hair.   I have personally not really brushed my hair in several years. I have curly hair and it's difficult to get a brush through it, and the result is just a big mass of frizz resembling a sheep.  I do, however, on occasion use a vent brush or afro comb before bedtime (still, the bare minimum of strokes for detangling).  I am wondering if I should get myself a boar bristle brush and start brushing in earnest?  Is this recommended even for us curly heads?  Does everyone with long hair have a hair brushing regimen?

I don't think there's any reason for you to use a brush.  All cons, no pros (I don't believe brushing is necessary to increase scalp circulation, but I do believe that the use of a brush can do more harm than good, especially for curly hair).

Oooh yes please! Do give more detailed instructions. I think maybe if you could post it for everyone to see too?

no link but I've done indian head massage before. if you're interested I could pm you some better instructions. Basically, you can do it on normal dry hair or if you want put some oil on it. knead with your fingertips and stroke your scalp and do anything else that feels good! when kneading your scalp, you should use quite firm pressure but not enough so that it's painful. get your husband/partner to do it to you and it's very relaxing

also, place one hand under the nape of the neck and with the other hand, kind of ruffle the underneath of the hair, as if you were waving. these instructions turned out with more detail than I thought! lol

hope this helps

Scalp massages  and definitely siding with Dave here about the regular cardiovascular exercise. That'll help a LOT.

Anais

Anti-brush here. I don't  think natural curlies shouldn't brush if they want to remain curly.  Combing with a wide tooth after a hairwash is okay, and fingercombing is best. I think you're perfectly fine in following your instincts. I don't even brush myself, and I'm slightly wavy.

Most people don't really do well with brushes anyway because they don't encourage "detangling" more than "ripping" It's very easy to accidentally "rip" through tangles with a brush, but very difficult to accidentally rip with a comb.

Anais

I just read an article (which I think was on a webpage that linked from purplebubba's site?) about brushing your hair to prevent hair loss, in particular a receding hairline.  I have also read elsewhere that brushing is a good idea for those growing their hair long as it increases circulation and strengthens hair.   I have personally not really brushed my hair in several years. I have curly hair and it's difficult to get a brush through it, and the result is just a big mass of frizz resembling a sheep.  I do, however, on occasion use a vent brush or afro comb before bedtime (still, the bare minimum of strokes for detangling).  I am wondering if I should get myself a boar bristle brush and start brushing in earnest?  Is this recommended even for us curly heads?  Does everyone with long hair have a hair brushing regimen?