Hairbrush

A hairbrush

A hairbrush is a stick brush with rigid or soft bristles used in hair care for smoothing, styling, and detangling human hair, or for grooming an animal's fur.

United States history

The earliest U.S. patent for a modern hairbrush was by Hugh Rock in 1854. A brush with elastic wire teeth along with natural bristles was patented by Samuel Firey in 1870 as U.S. patent 106,680.

Human use

A brush is typically used on long hair while a comb is normally used on shorter hair; however, both may be used for either. A flat brush is normally used for detangling hair, for example after sleep or showering; a round brush for styling and curling hair, especially by a professional stylist, and with a blowdryer. A paddle brush is used to straighten hair, flatten long hair, and tame fly-aways. A hairbrush can also be used to remove loose hairs, and increase circulation to the scalp.

Animal use

Special brushes are made for cats and dogs. For an equine's tougher hair, a curry-comb is used.

Types of hairbrushes

A Cushion Boar-bristle hairbrush is used to detangle hair.

A round hairbrush is sometimes used to style medium length hair with a blowdryer.

Examples of brushes used for different purposes: And others such as:

• Cushion Brush – used to straighten tidy and neat hair and gives it a professional look.

• Paddle Brush – used for untidy and unkempt hair which is hard to manage.

• Round Brush – used for neat hair; the brush curls hair at the ends.

• Comb – mostly used for shorter hair. Combs can also be used for hair decoration.

Material of hairbrushes

• Common materials used for handle
  • Ebony, Rosewood, New Guinea Rosewood, Beech, ABS plastic, polyacetal

• Common materials used for bristles
  • Boar bristle, Horsehair, Nylon, Stainless steel

See also

• Comb
• Hair dryer
• Hair iron