ARE NATURAL OR SYNTHETIC HAIRBRUSH BRISTLES BETTER FOR YOUR HAIR?

Chances are, you want to use the best brush for your hair, whether that’s a specific brand, shape, and most importantly, the best hair brush bristles for your hair. Most brushes use either natural, boar-hair bristles, or synthetic bristles made from nylon. But which one is better for your hair? Read on to find out!

THE BENEFITS OF NATURAL HAIRBRUSH BRISTLES

Boar hair brushes have been in use since the 1700s and are the most common material to make natural hairbrush bristles. They are stiff enough to work through hair, but flexible enough to not snag, making them a great option for fine, thin hair.

The biggest benefit to natural bristles is their ability to evenly distribute sebum, the natural oil produced by the scalp, from the root through the hair, coating and protecting each strand. In effect, this conditions the hair without using a single product, which boosts shine and reduces frizz, making these brushes great for having glossy, gorgeous hair. Because these bristles are flexible and soft, they are very gentle and don’t snag or break hair.

While natural brushes have their benefits, these don’t work well for thick or coarse hair because they can’t work through tangles as well as a brush with synthetic bristles. They are also known to contribute to static and flyaways, so if you’re prone to those, a synthetic brush may be better for you.

If you’re in the market for a high quality natural-bristled hairbrush, Mason Pearson is the height of luxury and quality, while the Spornette DeVille Boar Bristle Hairbrush is highly rated without the three-digit price tag.

THE BENEFITS OF SYNTHETIC HAIRBRUSH BRISTLES

Synthetic hairbrush bristles are most commonly made from nylon, and while they don’t have the prestige of a natural-bristle brush, they have benefits of their own. If you have thick, coarse hair, a hairbrush with synthetic bristles is the best brush for you. They can power through tangles without getting caught, and can leave hair looking smooth and silky.

Additionally, synthetic brushes are easy to clean and generally much more economical than natural or boar hair brushes, and they cut down on static, helps achieve a smooth look without the flyaways. Because the bristles are tougher than boar hair, they can damage the cuticles of thin hair.

For a great brush with synthetic bristles, check out the WetBrush Pro Paddle. It’s a great option for hair that tangles easily and doesn’t pull or damage thick hair.

NOT SURE? TRY A BLENDED BRUSH!

Featuring natural, boar hair bristles and synthetic nylon bristles, a blended brush, sometimes called a porcupine brush, offers the best of both worlds. These brushes provide the silky shine and healthy scalp benefits that a boar hair brush provides, but the synthetic bristles allow it to work out tangles with ease. If you’re not sure which kind is right for you, try one of these versatile options.

Our suggestion for a blended brush is the Spornette Porcupine. It will leave your hair silky, shiny, and tangle free without breaking your budget!