Can Hair Brushing Stimulate Hair Growth?

Quick Summary: Hair Brushing and Hair Growth

Brushing’s Real Benefits: While brushing doesn’t directly stimulate hair growth, it helps distribute scalp oils and enhance circulation, which can indirectly support hair health.

The Risks of Over-Brushing: Brushing your hair too hard or too often can cause more harm than good, leading to damaged hair and increased hair loss. It’s all about finding the right balance and being gentle with your hair care.

Hair Anatomy: Understanding the structure of hair, including the protective cuticle and the cortex that provides strength, highlights the importance of gentle brushing to maintain hair integrity.

Choosing Between Brush and Comb? The decision between using a brush or comb should consider hair curl, desired style, and personal preference to avoid damaging the hair.

Incorporating Brushing Into Your Routine: A balanced approach to brushing, along with a nutritious diet and proper scalp care, promotes overall hair health. For persistent hair or scalp issues, professional consultation is recommended.

Key Takeaway: Effective hair care extends beyond brushing, encompassing nutrition, scalp health, and gentle grooming practices. Recognising when to seek expert advice is crucial for maintaining optimal hair health.

In this article, we delve into the truth behind hair brushing and its effects on hair health. We’ll also address some common questions about this practice and offer tips on preventing hair damage from improper brushing techniques. Join us as we delve into the facts, offering insights and advice on how to maintain your hair at its best. 

Does Brushing Really Stimulate Hair Growth?

Brushing can indirectly stimulate hair growth by creating a healthy scalp environment that promotes hair growth. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence that brushing stimulates follicles to grow; instead, it facilitates hair growth by improving circulation and distributing natural oils to the hair.

Hair brushing may induce changes in specific growth factors or receptors found in the scalp and hair follicles, thereby promoting hair growth. However, more research is needed on this topic.
Counterproductively, excessive brushing of hair can have the opposite effect, even leading to hair damage and loss. 

How does brushing hair stimulate growth?

Blood Flow

Brushing your hair daily increases the blood flow to your hair follicles, providing them with the necessary nourishment and oxygen for strong, healthy growth. Try incorporating circular movements when applying the brush to your scalp. You might find it strange at first, but it will soon become a habit.

Oil Distribution

Sebum is an oil produced by your scalp to moisturise your follicles and prevent breakage. Brushing your hair stimulates increased blood flow to the scalp, which helps distribute natural oils along the hair shaft—additionally, brushing your hair when it’s slightly oily means distributing the oil evenly through your lengths, giving your locks a burst of hydration. This is especially beneficial for those with damaged hair.

Detangling

Hair brushing is beneficial as it helps untangle knots, making your hair smoother and easier to manage. As a result, your hair is less likely to break off, giving it a chance to grow out.

It Promotes a Healthier Scalp

Brushing your hair helps remove dead skin cells (which appear as flakes) and impurities from the scalp. These cells can clog the pores on your scalp, causing issues and hindering growth; brushing them away means the scalp has a cleaner, healthier environment in which to grow new hair.

Overall, brushing your hair supports healthy hair growth. Hair brushing is a simple habit that helps keep your strands and scalp healthy. 

The Science Behind Hair and Scalp

Before diving deeper, let’s explore the basics of hair anatomy.

Hair isn’t just a simple thread sprouting from our scalp; it’s a complex structure with each part playing a specific role. These complex structures are significantly influenced by how we care for them.
The strength of our hair largely depends on its two main shaft components: the cortex and the cuticle.¹ These parts work together to protect and maintain the integrity of your hair through everything life throws at it, from brushing to styling to exposure in the sun. 

The Cuticle: Your Hair’s Shield

• The hair’s first line of defence. The cuticle’s layers of tiny, overlapping scales (similar to roof slates) not only protect the inner parts of the hair against damage from external factors, but also plays a significant role in how shiny and smooth your hair looks and feels because of its reflective mirror-like properties. 

The Cortex: The Core of Strength and Colour

• Going deeper, you’ll find the cortex. Thanks to durable keratin proteins bonded tightly together, the cortex is a source of strength and elasticity. It also contains melanin, the pigment responsible for your hair’s colour and protecting your strands from UV damage.

Why Proper Brushing Matters

Given this intricate structure, it is clear to see why hair needs to be handled with care. To protect your strands, consider the following:

• Protect the Cuticle: Rough brushing can damage this protective layer, leading to weakened, brittle hair.
• Preserve the Cortex: Harsh brushing can stretch and break the cortex’s critical bonds, damaging the hair’s integrity and appearance. 

The Science Behind Hair and Scalp 

Before diving deeper, let’s explore the basics of hair anatomy.

Hair is not just a simple thread sprouting from the scalp, but rather a complex organ with each part playing a specific role. 

These complex structures are significantly influenced by the care we provide for them. The strength of our hair largely depends on its two main shaft components: the cortex and the cuticle. 

These parts work together to protect and maintain the integrity of your hair, regardless of what life throws at it, from brushing to styling, and even exposure to the sun. 

The Cuticle: Your Hair’s Shield

The hair’s first line of defence. The cuticle’s layers of tiny, overlapping scales (similar to roof slates) not only protect the inner parts of the hair against damage from external factors, but also play a significant role in how shiny and smooth your hair looks and feels because of its reflective, mirror-like properties.  

The Cortex: The Core of Strength and Colour

Going deeper, you’ll find the cortex. Thanks to durable keratin proteins bonded tightly together, the cortex is a source of strength and elasticity. It also contains melanin, the pigment responsible for your hair’s colour and protecting your strands from UV damage.

Why Proper Brushing Matters 

Given this intricate structure, hair requires careful handling. To protect your strands, consider the following:

• Protect the Cuticle: Rough brushing can damage this protective layer, leading to weakened, brittle hair. 
• Preserve the Cortex: Harsh brushing can stretch and break the cortex’s critical bonds, damaging the hair’s integrity and appearance.

Myths About Hair Brushing and Growth

Let’s debunk some popular myths:

 Myth: Brushing your hair 100 times a day gives you sleek, healthy hair

• Reality: This claim has been widely discredited. Therefore, focus on brushing with gentle strokes, which keeps hair looking healthy and shiny. Moderation is key. 
• Myth: The more you brush, the faster your hair will grow.
• Reality: Excessive or aggressive brushing can damage hair and lead to breakage, so it’s essential to be gentle and use a suitable brush.

How often should you brush your hair?

According to experts, it is recommended to brush your hair twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, and do so gently to minimise breakage. Excessive hair brushing can lead to hair loss, according to this study. Including this routine twice helps distribute the oils properly, prevents a greasy scalp, achieves shiny hair, and reduces loose hair strands.

How to Brush Your Hair Correctly

Technique is essential when you brush your hair. Try the following ideas, as they are helpful.

Begin by sectioning your hair if it is particularly thick or tends to get tangled easily. Then, brush the ends first before approaching the hair close to the scalp.

Use mild pressure to prevent your hair from getting tangled. 

If needed, specialised detanglers and brushes are available for trickier hair types and textures.

Try to brush your hair routinely each day, but remember that excessive brushing is not recommended either. 

Select the hairbrush that best suits your hair type. Explore our suggestions below to find the perfect brush for you.

Using the Right Type of Brush  For Your Hair

Choosing the right brush can make all the difference. For example, a paddle brush is fantastic for straight hair, while a boar-bristle brush promotes shininess and is excellent for distributing natural oils throughout the lengths. 

Here’s a quick comparison table to help you find the best brush type for your hair:

Brush Type	Best For	Benefits
Paddle Brushes	Straight hair	Detangling and styling quickly
Boar-Bristle Brushes	Curly/Wavy	Distributing oils and reducing frizz
Scalp brushes	Scalp health	Stimulating blood flow and exfoliating dead skin
Round brushes	Fine to normal hair, short to medium lengths	Used for adding volume, waves, or curls when blow-drying.
Mixed Bristle Brush (Boar + Nylon):	Thick hair	Used to detangle and distribute natural oils for a sleek finish.
Vented brush	All hair types	blow-drying hair quickly with added volume.
Wide-Tooth Combs	Wet hair	Minimising breakage and detangling

Special Considerations for Wet and Dry Hair Brushing

Brushing damp hair requires extra care, as it is more fragile and prone to breakage. 

For wet hair:

• Use a wide-tooth comb or specially designed wet brushes for gentle detangling.
• Avoid brushing if possible, or use your fingers to gently separate the hair or wait until it’s partially dry before attempting.

For dry hair: 

• You can use various brushes depending on your styling needs. Consider a paddle brush for smooth styles or a round brush for adding volume.

Brushing and Hair Loss

Does hair brushing treat hair loss?

While simply brushing your hair will not directly treat hair loss, the simple act can positively improve hair and scalp health, helping your hair grow as naturally as possible.

Tips to stimulate hair growth

Nutrition: A properly balanced diet containing all the essential nutrients plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair. 

Make protein, iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, B complex, C and E a priority. These nutrients nourish hair follicles, foster hair growth, and prevent hair loss.

Natural Remedies: Use natural oils on your hair. Coconut oil can moisturise and prevent protein loss in hair. Black seed oil is well-known for its healing effects, and it can soothe certain inflammatory scalp conditions that hinder hair growth.

Another recommended option is rosemary oil, which has been shown to improve hair growth, similar to minoxidil, a standard hair growth treatment, but on a gentler scale. 

Scalp Massage: A simple scalp massage can stimulate blood flow to hair follicles and help trigger hair growth. An added benefit is the relaxing nature of this massage, which can help reduce overall stress and promote overall well-being, ultimately having a positive impact on hair health. Apply soft, circular movements with fingertips or a soft-bristled brush.

Incorporating these practices into your everyday life can result in healthier, stronger hair. Remember, consistency is key to achieving results. 

When caring for your hair, it is essential to include scalp care in your routine, as a well-treated scalp provides a healthy environment that promotes hair growth.

When to see the GP

If you have noticed significant changes or irritation on your scalp, we highly recommend that you visit your GP to investigate the issue before it progresses. Conditions such as scalp psoriasis or infection should be treated promptly and thoroughly, as they can affect hair growth and quality. 

If your scalp is healthy but you are still experiencing hair loss, hair growth medications such as Minoxidil and Finasteride, or referral to a hair transplant specialist, may be a better option.

For surgical advice on your hair loss, at The Treatment Rooms London, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality surgical and medical care for patients who require a more tailored approach to addressing their hair loss.

Conclusion

To summarise, while brushing does not directly stimulate hair growth, it is crucial in maintaining a healthy hair and scalp. When you are faced with abnormal hair loss, scalp itch or pain, and alteration in the texture of the hair, it’s best to reach out to your GP initially or a specialist, such as a dermatologist or trichologist.

Having a healthier attitude toward hair care and focusing on mild grooming practices, along with a balanced diet and scalp health, is one of the best ways to improve not only the state of your hair but also your overall well-being and physical health.

 FAQs

• Can over-brushing cause hair loss? Yes, excessive brushing of hair can lead to hair thinning, which in turn can cause hair breakage and loss.
• How often should I brush my hair? Brushing your hair once or twice each day is generally sufficient. Focus on gentle strokes that promote blood circulation without excessive pulling.
• Can brushing curly hair cause damage? Yes, brushing curly hair can lead to breakage if not done gently. It’s often better to detangle curly hair when it’s wet and saturated with conditioner, using fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

REFERENCES

1. Monselise, A., Cohen, D. E., Wanser, R., & Shapiro, J. (2017). What Ages Hair?. International journal of women’s dermatology, 3(1 Suppl), S52–S57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.02.010 
2. Goldenhart AL. Assisting patients with personal hygiene [Internet]. StatPearls [Internet]. U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2022 [cited 2024 Mar 27]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563155/  
3. Wall, D., Meah, N., Fagan, N., York, K., & Sinclair, R. (2022). Advances in hair growth. Faculty reviews, 11, 1. https://doi.org/10.12703/r/11-1
4. Koyama, T., Kobayashi, K., Hama, T., Murakami, K., & Ogawa, R. (2016). Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty, 16, e8. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740347/ 
5. Hair anatomy diagram edited with BioRender.com
6. Monselise, A., Cohen, D. E., Wanser, R., & Shapiro, J. (2017). What Ages Hair?. International journal of women’s dermatology, 3(1 Suppl), S52–S57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2017.02.010 
7. Paus, R. and Cotsarelis, G., 1999. The biology of hair follicles. New England Journal of Medicine,341(7),pp.491–497. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10441606.