Hairstylists Are Obsessed With This Hairbrush—Here's Why

I have naturally thin hair that's prone to dryness, breakage, and split ends, so I'm always hyper-focused on hair health. I sleep on a silk pillowcase, I use hair masks religiously, and I'll go weeks at a time without touching any heat tools (but when it's time to turn back to my hair straightener, I always make sure to use heat protectant). I also use boar bristle brushes. 

If you're asking yourself why that last part matters, I get it. How much of a difference can a hairbrush really make? Surprisingly, the answer is a big one. Take it from me. After switching out my traditional hairbrush for a boar bristle version, I've noticed a visible improvement in my hair—it seems stronger, smoother, and shinier, and I'm not the only one who's noticed what a boar bristle brush can do. Hairstylists love them, too. Keep scrolling to learn why hairstylists recommend incorporating a boar bristle brush in your routine. 

Lulu Pierre is a hair expert and founder of Boho Locs. She says boar bristle brushes are beneficial for multiple reasons. "Boar bristle brushes are great for smoothing and moisturizing hair. They actually lift away the dust and debris that your hair collects throughout the day while redistributing the scalp's healthy natural oils from root to tip. They also help prevent breakage during brushing because the bristles are so soft and gentle." 

The redistribution of oil is key (and the reason boar bristle brushes can actually improve the health of the hair). They take the natural oil that collects at the scalp and carry it down the lengths of the hair. This effectively moisturizes dry, breakage-prone ends. 

They offer these benefits whether they're used alone or in conjunction with heat tools. Take it from celebrity hair expert Cory Aaron Scott, who says, "Boar brushes don't get too hot and burn your hair like metal brushes. You can get close to the root and get so much tension with boar bristles. They are great for setting the hair (using them as rollers), and they get hot and cool down quickly so you can get lots of volume and bounce to the hair." 

Jamila Powell, the founder of Naturally Drenched and owner of Maggie Rose Salon, recommends using boar bristle brushes before showering or before bed. "You can use it whenever your hair needs a refresh as long as it is not wet. Using a boar bristle brush on damp or wet hair can cause damage to both your hair and the brush. Also, don't forget to brush in sections and take your brush all the way from root to tip so that the oil is distributed evenly!" 

Oh, and if you're worried you can't benefit from a boar bristle brush based on your hair type or texture, don't be. "Any type of hair texture is good for boar bristle brushes," Scott says. "Fine, blonde hair is great when using a smaller, less dense boar bristle brush. Coarse and curly hair is great when using a little bigger and denser boar bristle brush."

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