If You Have Thinning Hair, Try These Brushes

Despite hair thinning being a totally normal, finding out that you're losing more strands than average can be pretty stressful. So if you're looking for methods to help control it, one factor that could help limit hair fall is how you brush your hair. To learn a little more about how the type of brush you use and the way you use it can affect thinning hair, I emailed with a couple of experts.

Christyn Nawrot, PHYTO's National Educator, and JB Shelton, Bosley Professional Strengths Educator, both let me in on some of the secrets surrounding how brushing your hair can help or hurt a case of thinning locks. Before looking to what types of brushes and techniques can help with thinning though, it is important to note that brushes in and of themselves can't actually reduce hair fall. Shelton explains that hair shedding happens during the third phase of hair growth or during an illness, stress, or autoimmune disorder. Therefore, a brush cannot stop these processes on its own. However, the type of brush you use, and the method you use to detangle your strands can help prevent exacerbating any issue you may already have with hair fall.

Both experts stress the importance of detangling your tresses before you start running a brush or comb all the way through them. Shelton recommends using a moisturizing detangler like this one, while Nawrot suggests always starting from your ends and working your way up toward your roots while detangling. And if you happen to brush your hair right after a shower while it's still wet? Nawrot explains, "hair is most vulnerable when it's wet," so be sure to take extra time and caution when detangling. Together, these methods will help prevent any excess breakage and unnecessary hair fall. As for the best brushes and combs that will detangle while also limiting thinning, here are the ones these experts recommend:

1. Natural-Fiber, Bristle Brushes

PHYTO Classic Flate Brush, $90, Amazon

According to Nawrot, a natural-fiber, bristle brush is the best type to use for thinning hair for a number of reasons. She explains that not only do these types of brushes exfoliate the scalp, but they also reduce the risk of injuring your skin because of the flexible bristles. What's more is that they stimulate blood flow which promotes healthy hair growth, and they also distribute healthy, natural oils from your scalp throughout the rest of your strands. Sounds like a win-win-win-win to me.

2. Wet Brush

Wet Brush Original Detangler, $10, Amazon

Another option for controlling hair fall is the Wet Brush. "It has flexible bristles that are placed evenly apart to reduce tearing of the hair; it basically smooths over the tangles," says Shelton. But even though this brush is perfect for detangling, Shelton stresses to still not take any risks, and always start brushing your hair at the ends and working your way up.

3. Wide-Tooth, Carbon Combs

Cibu Professional Wide Tooth Carbon Comb, $7, CIBU For Hair

If a comb is more your speed though, Nawrot suggests using a medium-to-wide-tooth, carbon option. This, she says, is because it will help reduce static electricity and retain moisture levels in the hair. Plus, the wider-set teeth make it easier for strands to pass through without snagging and breaking (especially when your hair is wet).

Because even though a brush can't actually reduce hair fall on its own, the type you use and way you use it can help.

Images: Getty Images; Courtesy of Brands