Can brushing hair cause hair fall? I’ve noticed a significant amount of hair in my brush lately, and I’m starting to worry. Is this normal shedding, or am I actually damaging my hair follicles by brushing? What brushing techniques are most likely to cause breakage or hair fall? Does the type of brush I use matter – for instance, are boar bristle brushes gentler than plastic ones? And, finally, are there specific hair conditions or vulnerabilities that make someone more susceptible to hair fall from brushing?

Answer

Yes, brushing hair can contribute to hair fall, but the extent and cause vary depending on several factors:

Normal Hair Shedding vs. Breakage:

• Normal Shedding: It’s normal to lose around 50 to 100 hairs per day. Brushing can dislodge hairs that have already detached from the follicle and are ready to fall out. This is a natural part of the hair growth cycle and not necessarily caused by the brushing itself. You’ll often see these hairs with a small, white bulb at the end (the root).

• Breakage: Excessive or aggressive brushing can weaken and break the hair shaft, leading to hair fall that is distinct from normal shedding. This breakage often results in shorter, broken strands without the root bulb.

Factors that Increase Hair Fall from Brushing:

1. Brushing Technique:

   • Aggressive Brushing: Brushing too hard, too fast, or pulling on tangles can cause breakage.
   • Brushing Wet Hair: Hair is weaker and more elastic when wet, making it more prone to stretching and breaking under tension.
   • Backcombing/Teasing: This technique intentionally roughens the hair cuticle and can cause significant damage and breakage over time.

2. Brush Type:

   • Hard Bristle Brushes: Stiff bristles can be abrasive and cause friction, leading to damage.
   • Brushes with Seams or Rough Edges: These can snag and pull on hair strands.
   • Dirty Brushes: Accumulated dirt, oil, and styling products can make the brush less effective and potentially damage the hair.

3. Hair Condition:

   • Dry, Brittle Hair: Hair lacking moisture is more susceptible to breakage.
   • Damaged Hair (Heat Styling, Chemical Treatments): Chemically treated or heat-styled hair is often weakened and more prone to breakage from brushing.
   • Fine Hair: Fine hair is more delicate and can break more easily.
   • Tangled Hair: Attempting to force a brush through tangled hair will inevitably lead to breakage.

4. Underlying Hair or Scalp Conditions:

   • Telogen Effluvium: A temporary hair loss condition often triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes, can increase shedding, making it seem like brushing is the primary cause.
   • Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss, where brushing might dislodge hairs that are already weakened.
   • Seborrheic Dermatitis: This scalp condition can cause inflammation and itching, making the scalp more sensitive to brushing.

Minimizing Hair Fall from Brushing:

• Use the Right Brush: Opt for a brush with soft, flexible bristles, like boar bristle brushes or wide-toothed combs, especially for detangling.
• Brush Gently: Avoid aggressive brushing. Be patient and detangle knots slowly.
• Detangle Carefully: Start detangling at the ends of the hair and work your way up to the roots. Use your fingers to gently separate knots first.
• Brush When Dry or Mostly Dry: If you must brush wet hair, use a wide-toothed comb and apply a detangling product.
• Limit Brushing: Only brush when necessary to style or detangle. Over-brushing can cause unnecessary stress.
• Maintain Hair Health: Keep hair moisturized with regular conditioning treatments. Avoid excessive heat styling and harsh chemical treatments.
• Clean Your Brush Regularly: Remove loose hairs and wash your brush with shampoo and water regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and product.
• Consult a Dermatologist: If you experience excessive hair fall or notice signs of breakage despite following proper brushing techniques, consult a dermatologist to rule out any underlying medical conditions.