Top 9 Benefits Of A Wooden Hair Brush And How To Use It

Who doesn’t love to have thick and long hair? But using a hair brush or comb which don’t cause any hair fall is rare. Hence, the wooden hair brush is picking up the trend as the world looks for eco-friendly options. A wooden brush glides easily through the hair and has many benefits.

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. This brush can be of various types, depending on the kind of wood it is made from. Here are some common types you should know about:

• Bamboo Brush: Bamboo wood is known for its antibacterial properties (1). This ensure that the brush will not harbor germs, unlike plastic brushes.
• Neem Brush: Neem wood is known for its antimicrobial properties (2). These brushes, therefore, keep your scalp safe from microbial issues like dandruff.
• Sandalwood Brush: Sandalwood is known for its natural aroma and durability and has anti-inflammatory properties (3). Therefore, a brush made from it may offer relaxation and keep you safe from inflammatory skin conditions like scalp psoriasis.
• Sheesham Brush: Sheesham wood, also known as Indian rosewood, is known for its rich texture and natural durability (4). A hair brush made from it is strong, long-lasting, and perfect for daily use.

Did You Know?

A Roman handmade wooden comb from 140 AD to 180 AD was found in Bar Hill Roman Fort, Scotland, in 1936, showing the long-lasting nature of the hair-styling tool.

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 (5). 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 (6). 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:

1. Before brushing hair, it’s crucial to know how to do it right. Ensure that your hair is completely dry before brushing it. This is because wet hair is more prone to breakage, no matter which hair brush you use.
2. Use a wide-toothed wooden comb to detangle the knots. Remember to start from the tips of your hair and work up to the roots to prevent breakage.
3. Next, use a wooden hair brush to gently comb the length of your hair. This will distribute the oil in your hair and stimulate your scalp.

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.

Quick Tip

Avoid putting your wooden brush in a microwave to disinfect, as it can cause the wood to dry out and get damaged.

Infographic: 5 Reasons To Buy A Wooden Hair Brush

Wooden hair brushes have taken the world by storm. From promoting hair growth to combating frizziness, they are here to level up your hair care game. If you are still unsure about buying one, check out the infographic below for the top 5 benefits of a wooden hair brush.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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.

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Monica DickensonCertified Trichologist

     

Monica Dickenson has more than 30 years of experience as a dedicated technician and business owner. She is very passionate about providing the best service possible to anyone experiencing hair loss and has certifications in hair replacement and holistic trichology.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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