Finding the best brush

[MiamiPineapple]

I am looking to buy a high quality boar bristle brush. I have one now but it's just from sally, not very effective and it's probably part synthetic (it was only $12). I was looking at dermstore . com, they are having a sale today 20% off and I see the Mason Pearson pocket bristle brush. Does anyone have a Mason Pearson brush? Is it worth the $90? Anyone not notice an improvement or recommend another brand? How long does the brush last? My hair is pretty straight with a slight wave, not super course or fine so in the middle. Thanks for the help!

[Madora]

Have no experience with MP although others here rave about them.

If possible, before spending all that $$$, inspect it in person. Ideally, it should be 100% boar bristle and have no rubber pad cushion.

Speaking of boar bristle brushes, I recently purchased a nice one at Target for $9.99 - The Conair Classic Wood Natural Shine Booster. 100% boar bristles (6 rows across), elongated shape. Has a small black rubber band around the neck of the brush to give your thumb a better grip on the wood when brushing.

It shed like a cat when I washed it (before using it on my hair) but after that it settled down nicely and I like it. Not as good as my old Goody brush, but close.

[MiamiPineapple]

Thank you! I am going to look at it in person and see what they have at target too.

[Stormynights]

What is the reason for no rubber pad cushion? I have heard this many times but never heard why it would be a problem. Just curious.

[Madora]

What is the reason for no rubber pad cushion? I have heard this many times but never heard why it would be a problem. Just curious.

Stormynights, the rubber cushion generates even more friction when the brush is being used. Brushing generates enough static as it is. You don't want to use a brush that would add even MORE static to your brushing session. I've read too that rubber cushions tend to degenerate and eventually smell with age.

So a bbb with no cushioned base would be better..static wise. Of course there are ways of dealing with the static. It all depends on how you brush, what you are wearing, and what you are standing on.

[cocolover]

Have no experience with MP although others here rave about them.

If possible, before spending all that $$$, inspect it in person. Ideally, it should be 100% boar bristle and have no rubber pad cushion.

Speaking of boar bristle brushes, I recently purchased a nice one at Target for $9.99 - The Conair Classic Wood Natural Shine Booster. 100% boar bristles (6 rows across), elongated shape. Has a small black rubber band around the neck of the brush to give your thumb a better grip on the wood when brushing.

It shed like a cat when I washed it (before using it on my hair) but after that it settled down nicely and I like it. Not as good as my old Goody brush, but close.

Just picked up this brush at Target. It feels very....scratchy. Is it supposed to be like that? Also, did you just wash it with some shampoo before the first use? TIA

[Madora]

I didn't find the bristles scratchy, cocolover, but then, I like boar bristles with a little "zing" s(stiffness). The stiffness never lasts, unfortunately.

I washed it in medium warm water with a nail brush covered with Neutrogena (unscented) hand soap. It shed like a cat, which concerned me a lot. I'd NEVER seen a brush lose 30 plus bristles before it got on my hair! However, it soon settled down and has hardly lost any bristles since. I think its a nice brush for the price.

[cocolover]

I didn't find the bristles scratchy, cocolover, but then, I like boar bristles with a little "zing" s(stiffness). The stiffness never lasts, unfortunately.

I washed it in medium warm water with a nail brush covered with Neutrogena (unscented) hand soap. It shed like a cat, which concerned me a lot. I'd NEVER seen a brush lose 30 plus bristles before it got on my hair! However, it soon settled down and has hardly lost any bristles since. I think its a nice brush for the price.

Good to know, thank you. I'll wash it up and see from there :)

[CoveredByLove]

Have no experience with MP although others here rave about them.

If possible, before spending all that $$$, inspect it in person. Ideally, it should be 100% boar bristle and have no rubber pad cushion.

Speaking of boar bristle brushes, I recently purchased a nice one at Target for $9.99 - The Conair Classic Wood Natural Shine Booster. 100% boar bristles (6 rows across), elongated shape. Has a small black rubber band around the neck of the brush to give your thumb a better grip on the wood when brushing.

It shed like a cat when I washed it (before using it on my hair) but after that it settled down nicely and I like it. Not as good as my old Goody brush, but close.

I picked up one of these Conair brushes today. I know NoThINg about how to use a BBB. I've been trying to find other threads with advice about how to use one especially for fine curly hair, but not having any luck. I want to try to use one to help distribute oils before I wash. (I use poo bars :) ) Can someone please advise? Or is this a bad idea for me?

[Madora]

CoveredByLove, while I have heard of curlies brushing their hair, the main consensus here at LHC is that curlies should use a wide tooth comb to detangle and manage their hair. Curly hair, by its structure, is much more delicate and needs much more gentle handling in order to minimize breakage.

If you do decide to use a bbb to distribute oils before you wash, be sure you detangle your hair with a wide tooth comb first. A brush is never meant for detangling. Good luck!

[CoveredByLove]

CoveredByLove, while I have heard of curlies brushing their hair, the main consensus here at LHC is that curlies should use a wide tooth comb to detangle and manage their hair. Curly hair, by its structure, is much more delicate and needs much more gentle handling in order to minimize breakage.

If you do decide to use a bbb to distribute oils before you wash, be sure you detangle your hair with a wide tooth comb first. A brush is never meant for detangling. Good luck!
Thank you! That's what I suspected. Oh well! Sure does make my hubby and daughters straight hair shiny! :D

[dezibela]

So, Madora, is a comb enough to distribute oils on a curly?

Thanks!

[Madora]

So, Madora, is a comb enough to distribute oils on a curly?

Thanks!

I personally do not think so BUT it is much better to use a wide tooth comb, if only to protect your curly hair. I think moisturizing is much more important for maintaining curly hair than using oil...but I don't have curly hair myself.

[dezibela]

Thank you!

[Santi]

double post

[Santi]

I picked up one of these Conair brushes today. I know NoThINg about how to use a BBB. I've been trying to find other threads with advice about how to use one especially for fine curly hair, but not having any luck. I want to try to use one to help distribute oils before I wash. (I use poo bars :) ) Can someone please advise? Or is this a bad idea for me?

Coveredbylove, check out the Morrocco Method website. They have a a curly section w/ posts & videos showing how to use a BBB on any hair type.