History Of The Hairbrush

                                                                                         

Tracing the history of the hairbrush is akin to sifting through a haystack for a needle. And while written documents in regard to the implement are scarce, there are plenty of clues as to its use throughout history by men and women both.

The first appearance of the hairbrush is perhaps the hardest to nail down, but archeologists have found plenty of evidence the personal grooming tool was well instilled into the culture of the Romans. This makes it a fairly safe bet to suspect they appeared on the scene even before the Roman Empire made its mark on the world in the years prior to the birth of Christ.

One of the best ways to trace the importance and popularity of hair grooming tools such as the hairbrush is to look at hairstyles themselves. While implements may not have survived, painted portraits, sculptures and other representations of the people of the ages have.

In ancient Greece, for example, it is widely believed that both men and women used mirrors and hairbrushes. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that hair was curled, and carefully designed into elaborate, plaited styles. Brushes at this time likely used natural hairs, such as boar bristles to help distribute natural oils

Other ancient civilizations are known for their elaborate hairstyles as well. The ancient Egyptians, for example, enjoyed the use of curled wigs that could be heavily adorned for ceremony. Otherwise these people, who fought heat on a regular basis, tended to wear their hair closely clipped to assist them in dealing with the elements. When dealing with their natural hair, it’s likely the implements were simplistic, yet durable with natural bristles to ensure its health.

As it was in Greece, so too was it in ancient Rome where the styles were elaborate. Here both wigs and natural styles were popular. So valued was the art of hair grooming that public barbershops came on the scene.

And while grooming is not necessarily synonymous with the Middle Ages, it is believed by many a historian that the Vikings were quite particular about their hair. There have been documents found to support the idea that Nordic men, at least, carefully cared for their hair, bathed and used combs, if not brushes to make their tresses stand out.

As time marched forward, the care of hair and more elaborate implements to style it came on the scene. From rounded brushes to the nylon-bristle brushes of more modern times, the tools of the hair grooming trade have certainly advanced. What started out as perhaps a very basic implement meant to assist in the creation of a simple style has become a very specialized tool with those who style hair for a living having an array of brushes at their command to create just the right do.

While it might be difficult to clearly point to a single civilization or singular moment in time when hairbrushes came on the scene, it is not hard to show that hair care was a valued practice from ancient history forward. From modest roots where, oftentimes, only the privileged could afford the best styles to modern times where hair care is a multi-billion-dollar industry, the importance of hair and the implements used to make it “shine” is evident in most known cultures and societies.

And even as time and technology have moved forward, as is often the case, it’s been discovered natural elegance is often the best with many preferring to use the natural bristles those from days gone by relied upon over the synthetics of today to ensure a healthy shine.

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About the author:
Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.
Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean.
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