A top trichologist has warned that a common hairbrush mistake could be leaving your locks brittle, broken and damaged - and chances are you're making it every day.
Many of us grab our hairbrush and vigorously tug through tangles without a second thought, but this everyday habit could be causing more harm than good.
The Hairbrush Mistake We're All Making
According to hair and scalp specialist Jane Smith (a pseudonym used by the expert), the biggest error people make is brushing from the roots downwards in one swift motion.
"When you start at the roots and pull through to the ends, all the tension and knots accumulate at the bottom," explains Smith. "This creates excessive force on fragile ends, leading to breakage and split ends over time."
The Right Way to Brush Your Hair
For healthier hair, Smith recommends this simple technique:
- Start by gently detangling the ends of your hair with your fingers
- Hold a section of hair midway and brush from the middle down to the ends
- Move gradually upwards, brushing from higher points as tangles release
- Only brush from roots to ends when hair is completely tangle-free
Pro tip: Always use a brush with flexible bristles and wide spacing to minimize pulling.
Additional Hair Care Mistakes to Avoid
The trichologist also highlighted other common errors that compromise hair health:
- Brushing wet hair (it's at its most fragile when damp)
- Using dirty brushes (oil and product buildup can transfer back to hair)
- Over-brushing (can stimulate excess oil production at the roots)
By adjusting your brushing technique and avoiding these pitfalls, you could see noticeable improvements in hair strength and shine within weeks.
