How to Brush Long Hair

Last Updated: January 11, 2023 References

If you have long hair, you are probably aware of the fact that you can't just whip any old brush through it and go. To keep your hair healthy and looking its best, you need to brush it properly.

Steps

1
Choose the correct brush that suits your hair. Long hair is best brushed with a paddle brush. Choose one with the largest head you are comfortable using, with a rubber cushion. This rubber cushion will help reduce the amount of static build up.^{[1]
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- Use a brush with natural bristles if you have fine to medium textured hair. Use a mixture of natural and synthetic bristles for coarse hair.
- Keep your brushes clean.^{[2]
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2
Use a spray-in conditioner that de-tangles.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Ashleigh Grounds
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.} Don't use too much though, or you'll do more harm than good.

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3
Part hair into 2 equal parts, bringing both around to rest on your shoulders. Make sure it's even.
4
Comb your hair before brushing. Using a wide tooth comb to remove tangles is gentler on your hair than a brush. Comb a small section at a time, starting from the ends.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Ashleigh Grounds
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.} Comb until it is tangle free, then move up a few inches and start over.
5
Brush each side until smooth. Remember to brush from the top and from underneath.
6
Gently move both sides back onto your back.
7
Tilt your head to one side and brush where the part was to smooth out the split.^{[5]
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8
Finished.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I brush my hair without it hurting?

Ashleigh Grounds
Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist
Ashleigh Grounds is a Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist based in Austin, Texas. Ashleigh has over 11 years of cosmetology experience. She studied cosmetology in Dallas, Texas and completed a two-year hair salon apprenticeship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with Toni & Guy Hair Salon. She is accredited by the International Board of Cosmetology, is a certified Babe Hair Extension Professional, and is a certified Brazilian Blow Out Professional. Ashleigh was voted the best Hair Stylist in Austin for 2012 by RAW Artists and was voted in the top 20 salons for 2020 in Austin by Expertise. Ashleigh's work has been featured in Talentmagazines, BlogTalkRadio, KXAN, and Studio 512.

Ashleigh Grounds

Makeup Artist & Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Start from the ends of your hairs rather than at your scalp. That way, you get rid of tangles easier and are less likely to rip hair out.
Question

Do I have to part my hair?

Community Answer

Yes. It's easier to untangle your hair one part at a time.
Question

My hair is very fine and tangles easily. Any tips on maintaining my brushed hair for a whole day?

Community Answer

It's almost impossible to keep hair looking the same the whole day, especially if you go outside in the wind, etc. But you can carry around a small comb with you to fix your hair periodically if needed. There are also many detangling products out there, so you could try one of those to help with that. Finally, if you can afford it, you could try some higher-end shampoo and conditioner (see Ulta or Sephora for a good selection), which can make a huge difference over drug-store products in the strength and manageability of hair.

Warnings

Never brush wet hair. Always use a wide tooth comb.

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Never brush curly hair. This is extremely damaging, and will give you the famed "triangle head" look. If you must brush, however, then you can do it with a boar bristle brush on wet hair. (Still, straight haired to wavy haired people should never brush wet hair!)

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