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

[edit] History

The earliest US patent for a modern hairbrush was by Hugh Rock in 1854 ^[1]. A brush with elastic wire teeth along with natural bristles was patented by Samuel Firey in 1870 as ^[2].

[edit] Grooming

A brush is typically used on longer 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 neat and tidy hair, after sleep; 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, but not all work, they are usually used on untidy unkept hair. A hairbrush is also useful in removing loose hairs, and in increasing circulation to the scalp.

The brushing of a domestic animal's fur is often perceived as a mark of affection and/or a bonding experience, which can have a soothing effect, e.g. making a cat purr. Special brushes are made for cats and dogs. For an equine's tougher hair, a curry-comb is used.

[edit] Types of hairbrushes

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

A round hairbrush is used to style hair for neat and tidy hair, medium length, with a blowdryer.

These four different brushes are used for different types of hair:

• 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- often used by males, but it can be useful for anyone with hair.

There are also animal brushes (e.g. for horses and dogs)

[edit] Material of hairbrushes

• material of handle
  • Ebony, Rosewood, New Guinea Rosewood, Beech, ABS plastic, polyacetal

• material of hair
  • boar bristle, Horsehair, Nylon, Stainless steel

[edit] See also

• comb
• Hair dryer
• Hair iron

[edit] References

1. ^ (US Design Patent #D645)
2. ^ U.S. Patent 106,680

[edit] External links

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