Brushing (Don't Buy Hair Products...)

> Hi, Mimi!I have never read the book to which you refer, but have heard both positive and negative about it.From personal experience, I think brushing is an individual matter. I used to never brush my hair, but began to brush regularly over one year ago. I started with a small amount of strokes per day (about 10-12)very gently. I found that when I first started that my brush was quite full. Within a few months, I had worked up to about 30 strokes and about two to three hairs came out in the brush. My purpose in brushing was to spread sebum throughout my hair, especially the ends, and to give my scalp some stimulation.By day, I use a paddle-style brush. I used to use a boar brush at night, because I personally found it to be quite effective for my purposes. However, I stopped using one because I frankly did not have the patience to be so careful with it. Most recently, I found a brush by Conair which is a combined paddle-boar brush. It is quite funny looking, but quite ingenious. The amount of boar bristles is about a quarter of the brush, mainly at the very bottom of the brush. The bulk is a paddle which ultra light and gentle. I like to use it at night and my patience is not tested as much:) I think it was around $6.00.A woman by the name of Tamara gave an excellent suggestion a while back about applying a small amount of oil to the ends of your hair before brushing and to brush sparingly. I took her first suggestion and modified the second by just adjusting brushing to what my hair needed and could tolerate. Also, never brush when you are tired. Try to be semi-alert and guide the brush gently, but firmly through your hair when you choose to brush.My physician would definitely agree with you about brushing having the ability to rid some of the daily pollution from your hair. During the worst of the pollen season, he recommended that I wash my hair more frequently [ I wash once a week because my hair can get dry.] and to brush every night. He said to me that even though you can't always see the pollen on your hair, it's definitely there and brushing would alleviate the indoor sneezing. He was right:)One last thing: take care of your brushes and they will take care of you for years. If you see sebum on the bristles, you probably should have washed your brush much earlier:) I use detergent, but many simply use their shampoo to wash their brushes.Hope this helps....Bye for now,Jade21I just read the book "Don't Go Shopping For Hair> Products Without Me" and I'm confused by her> advice on brushing hair. She says that brushing can> harm the cuticle, but I thought that brushing smoothed> the cuticle and helped brush out some of the dirt and> pollution that was accumulated during the day. I> thought it only harmed it if you brushed against the> cuticle (as in backcombing).> I have a boar bristle brush that I only use a couple> of times during the day (NEVER 100 strokes, though!).> I seems to be o.k and my hair does not pull out. Does> anyone have any experiences to share regarding> brushing, what to do and what not to do?> Thanks!

> I just read the book "Don't Go Shopping For Hair> Products Without Me" and I'm confused by her> advice on brushing hair. She says that brushing can> harm the cuticle, but I thought that brushing smoothed> the cuticle and helped brush out some of the dirt and> pollution that was accumulated during the day. I> thought it only harmed it if you brushed against the> cuticle (as in backcombing).> I have a boar bristle brush that I only use a couple> of times during the day (NEVER 100 strokes, though!).> I seems to be o.k and my hair does not pull out. Does> anyone have any experiences to share regarding> brushing, what to do and what not to do?> Thanks!

> Hi, Holly!Hope that you have been well. I purchased my brush at a local drug store. But, I am sure that you could find it at a department store or elsewhere.Adieu, mon amie!Jade21Hi Jade!> I was just wondering where you purchased your Conair> brush?> Thanks!> Holly