Is a boar bristle brush better than a plastic hairbrush?

CONTENTS: 

• Why do plastic bristles damage your hair?
• Why do plastic hairbrushes cause static?
• Why do boar bristle brushes last longer? 
• How do boar bristles naturally nourish your hair?
• Are boar bristle brushes better for your scalp? 

Plastic hairbrushes have become a staple in our bathrooms, driven by habit and convenience. Yet their impact on the hair shaft and scalp should not be overlooked. Stiff bristles, synthetic materials, and no real benefit to hair health—every stroke of the brush puts stress on the hair without providing any benefit. Understanding the difference between a plastic brush and a boar bristle brush means adding new value to an everyday routine—transforming it into a true hair care ritual. 

Why do plastic bristles damage your hair? 

Detangling your hair is an important step in any hair care routine. But for many people, it can be a painful experience and even lead to hair loss. This is especially true if you use a plastic hairbrush with stiff plastic bristles, because instead of gently detangling the knots in your hair, they can tug at your hair strands and pull them out! With each brushing motion, the bristle shifts and creates a small gap between the rubber cushion and its base, where hair can become trapped, leading to breakage. 

Altesse Studio brushes feature nylon fibers composed of a plant-based flax sheath with a central nylon core for added strength. Each brush is made using an exclusive bristle-setting technique developed in our workshops in Picardy. Set on a natural latex cushion derived from the sap of the rubber tree, they absorb pressure and move with the hair rather than forcing their way through. Detangling combines softness and performance, without discomfort or breakage. It does not pull or tear the hair, whether fine, thick, or curly. 

Why do plastic brushes generate static electricity?  

Static electricity occurs due to friction between two opposing electrical charges, one positive and one negative. If your hair stands on end while styling, it’s because it may have picked up a charge that is the same as the comb or brush you are using, causing the two to repel each other. And the bad news is that plastic tends to greatly amplify this reaction, causing more static. 

An easy solution to this problem is to replace your plastic brush with a hairbrush made of natural materials that reduce static. Wood is a natural insulator. All Altesse Studio are crafted with an olive wood handle. Beyond its refined appearance and ergonomic grip, this high-quality material helps significantly reduce static build-up. As for boar bristles, made of natural keratin like human hair itself, they do not generate opposing electrical charges, unlike synthetic bristles. 

Why do boar bristle brushes last longer?  

Beyond its questionable environmental impact, plastic gets damaged easily and can lose its shape over time. Even worse, plastic bristles tend to break easily while detangling or styling, meaning you have to keep buying a new brush over and over again. 

High-quality boar bristle brushes are built to last. At Altesse Studio, brushes from the Prestige are entirely handcrafted using 19th-century techniques and come with a lifetime warranty and repair service. This exceptional durability stems from a combination of premium materials and French artisanal expertise passed down since 1875 through six generations of brush makers. 

How do boar bristles naturally nourish your hair? 

This is where the difference from plastic is most striking. First-cut boar bristles are made of keratin, the same protein that makes up hair. Their fibrous structure allows them to absorb the sebum produced at the roots and distribute it evenly all the way to the ends. It is a purely mechanical process: with each stroke of the brush, the hair is naturally nourished and protected. 

In contrast, plastic bristles have a smooth surface that simply glide over the hair without picking up or distributing anything. A plastic brush offers no nourishing benefits: its sole purpose is to detangle, often with a rough texture. 

With boar bristle brushes, the results are measurable. According to a study conducted by RS Développement in February 2022, 92% of users report shinier hair, 85% notice less breakage and hair loss, and 87% observe improved sebum distribution. A 100% natural hair care solution that also helps extend the time between washes. 

Pro tip: To evenly distribute excess oil from root to tip, be sure to brush your hair thoroughly every morning and evening. 

Are boar bristle brushes better for the scalp? 

The stiff, pointy bristles of plastic hairbrushes can be quite harsh on your scalp, causing the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum and leading to greasy hair. Not to mention the abrasive effect, which can contribute to scalp irritation, a stinging sensation, or even dandruff and itchy flaking of the skin.  

Say goodbye to all the discomfort caused by plastic hairbrushes by switching to a boar bristle brush. It provides a gentle scalp massage, stimulates blood microcirculation, and helps remove accumulated impurities (dust, dead skin cells, pollen) without causing any irritation. This regular massage also helps promote hair growth.  

This applies to all hair types, but it is especially beneficial for those with a sensitive or itchy scalp. If you're still unsure which brush is right for you, our online assessment tool can help you find the perfect one in just a few clicks.