Boar bristle hairbrush

The benefits of a gentle natural bristle brush

A boar bristle brush contains hair from pigs, which is a by-product of pork consumption. In this way, that by-product can be put to practical use. Boar bristles are stiffer than human hair and many other animal hairs, making them particularly suitable for use in hairbrushes.

• Gentler than brushes with regular metal or plastic pins, as the bristles flex and give way instead of pulling on the hair.
• Polishes the hair shaft and distributes the hair’s natural oils, giving a healthy shine.
• Provides the scalp with a mild exfoliation that stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth. Build-up or residue on the scalp can otherwise cause itching and irritation.
• A natural bristle hairbrush can also, like a clothes brush, help keep your hair cleaner. The boar bristles loosen dirt and impurities, which are then brushed away from the hair.
• There are different models of boar bristle brushes – round brushes, paddle brushes and those that combine regular pins that penetrate the hair with softer boar bristles.

Round brushes with boar bristles are especially good if you want to blow-dry or create volume. They provide a good grip on the hair and allow you to use heat and products to build volume. Keep in mind that these are natural bristles, and very hot air can damage them, while sticky products can quickly make the brush feel unclean. However, oil-based products, salt sprays or various hair tonics rarely have a negative effect on the brush.

The best boar bristle brush for your hair type

The thicker your hair and the greater your need to detangle, the more suitable a combination brush with pins and boar bristles – often called a mixed bristle brush – can be. The pins help you reach down into the hair, while the natural bristles polish and add natural shine. For thick or curly hair, we recommend Acca Kappa’s boar bristle brush with double nylon pins and boar bristles at the base. The same type of brush is also available with single nylon pins, which also suits slightly thicker or curly hair.

Curly hair is always more challenging to brush as it is more prone to wear. A boar bristle brush can be particularly beneficial as it is gentle and does not cause significant friction. If you have curly hair, you can use a brush with conical pins on towel-dried hair to detangle first, and then finish with a boar bristle brush once the hair has dried slightly.

For thin and fine hair, a boar bristle brush can make a big difference as it does not wear on the hair in the same way. You can also use grooming sprays and salt water to create volume and texture in typically Scandinavian hair. If you want to build volume, we recommend one of Kent Brushes’ round boar bristle brushes such as Large Round Boar Bristle Brush. If you simply want to brush through your hair and have thin Scandinavian hair, we think Kent’s Large Rubber Cushion Brush is a good alternative. The finer and thinner your hair, the less need there is for extra pins, as the boar bristles will still reach down into the hair and to the scalp.

How to clean your boar bristle hairbrush

A boar bristle brush is excellent at drawing sebum from the scalp, but also at collecting dust and air pollutants. Therefore, it is important to regularly clean and wash your boar bristle brush.

With a comb and brush cleaner, you can keep your brush fresh between more thorough cleanings. This helps remove some of the dirt and build-up that accumulates deeper in the brush.

1. Remove loose hair and dust. Try using a comb or fork to grip and lift everything out.
2. Fill a bowl with warm water that has a suitable edge. You want to be able to place the brush in the water without submerging the cushion and brush back.
3. Swirl it gently so that dust and impurities loosen.
4. Remove the brush and let it rest with the bristles facing downward on a towel to dry.

If your hairbrush is made of wood, you may occasionally need to oil it to extend its lifespan, especially if you have washed it with water.

We offer a range of boar bristle brushes in various sizes, from large paddle brushes to smaller brushes that are easy to take with you.