When it comes to hair care, the beauty industry is rife with tips, tricks, and products promising shinier, healthier, and more manageable hair. While many of these may appear new, some age-old hair care practices have stood the test of time. Hair oiling, for example, traces its roots to South Asian traditions. But what about the notion that you need at least 100 brushstrokes to maintain healthy hair? Is there any truth to this claim?
The reality is that there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that you need 100 brushstrokes to keep your hair healthy. While hair brushing is generally beneficial for scalp and hair health, experts caution against excessive or harsh brushing. Overbrushing can lead to friction and damage the hair’s cuticle, resulting in breakage and split ends. For chemically treated or naturally fine and weak hair, brushing must be approached with extra care.
Hair type also plays a significant role in determining the brushing frequency. Those with curly or coily hair, for instance, may not need to brush daily and might benefit from brushing only during shampooing. So, while experts typically recommend brushing your hair twice a day, personalized hair care should take precedence.
The Origins of the “100 Brushstrokes” Myth:
The myth of requiring 100 brushstrokes likely originated from Victorian-era hair care practices, where frequent hair washing was uncommon. Combing and brushing were considered methods to maintain clean and healthy hair in a time when hair washing was infrequent.
Historical publications, such as a 1910 issue of “Every Woman’s Encyclopaedia,” advised against frequent hair washing, as it removed the hair’s natural oils and left it lifeless, dry, and prone to breakage. The publication recommended washing the head once a month and using daily brushing to keep the scalp and hair clean and healthy.
While the idea of 100 brushstrokes may be inaccurate, the historical emphasis on brushing to distribute the scalp’s natural oils for healthy, shiny hair was not entirely misplaced. Modern experts recognize the value of brushing for this purpose, even if the specific number of strokes has evolved over time.
