Hairdressers agree: this brushing technique is a game-changer for grey hair
Rebellious frizz, dry strands and a mane that refuses to behave: that’s the daily reality for many women who have chosen to embrace their grey hair. Yet a few adjustments to your hair-care routine can radically transform the way your hair looks and feels. Hairdressers and experts share their most practical tips for making it happen.
Why grey hair needs special attention
The rough, unruly nature of grey hair comes down to a very specific biological reality. Without melanin or lipids, the hair fibre loses its natural suppleness and becomes drier and more rigid. As a result, frizz appears more easily and the hair seems to resist any attempt at styling.
Given this, hydration becomes the absolute priority. Nourishing masks, oils and conditioners must become a core part of your routine. Pharmacist Helena Rodero even advocates a little-known method: applying conditioner before shampoo, not after. This reverse-washing technique better preserves the fibre’s natural nourishment, which is particularly beneficial for white or grey hair.
The choice of shampoo itself is far from trivial. Hairdresser Víctor del Valle stresses the need for a formula that can maintain the hair’s moisture levels while respecting the needs of the scalp. A well-thought-out routine is therefore the essential foundation for keeping dryness at bay.
Which brush hairdressers recommend
Beyond products, the choice of brush plays a decisive role. Not all models are equal, and some materials can actually make things worse. Hairdresser Fran Galán recommends brushes with natural bristles, mixed bristles, or soft, widely spaced pins. His preference goes to mixed-bristle models, which smooth the fibre gently without weakening it.
Grey hair specialist Lucía Patón, for her part, swears by the round wooden brush with boar bristles. This tool adds shine and softness while reducing frizz. That said, it’s an option best suited to those with no vegan constraints.
- Natural-bristle brushes: recommended by hairdresser Alberto Sanguino for their smoothing action
- Wooden brushes: a natural alternative that respects the hair fibre
- Carbon-fibre brushes: advised by Alberto Sanguino as a vegan-friendly option
- Mixed-bristle brushes: Fran Galán’s choice for smoothing without breakage
- Plastic brushes: best avoided, as they encourage static electricity
Plastic, in fact, generates static electricity, a particularly unwelcome phenomenon on grey hair. Alberto Sanguino therefore clearly advises against these models, regardless of their shape.
The brushing technique hairdressers recommend
Having the right brush counts for nothing if the technique is off. Alberto Sanguino outlines a precise method to avoid weakening the fibre: start at the ends, working gently, then gradually work your way up towards the roots. This approach prevents unnecessary tension along the length of the hair.
He also advises holding the lengths with one hand while the other detangles any knots. This simple gesture stops you from pulling on the hair, which reduces breakage and preserves the fibre over time. It’s an easy habit to adopt, and its impact on the appearance of grey hair is real and visible day to day.
Embracing well-groomed grey hair in 2026
Going grey is a genuine style statement today. But that choice comes with the need to adapt your hair-care routine, since melanin-free fibre has specific needs that standard products and techniques don’t always meet. Hair professionals agree on one thing: it’s the combination of proper hydration, the right brush and a mastered brushing technique that makes all the difference. Every detail matters, from the type of bristles on your brush to the order in which you detangle your hair.
