What’s the 100-Stroke Method For Hair? Experts Explain

Marsha Brady, and maybe your grandma, famously brushed her hair 100 times a day. It’s an old adage that claims to increase shine and promote hair growth that, at face value, has been ruled as myth by the internet (and plenty of dermatologists). But like most things in beauty, there’s plenty of nuance to consider.

Do the 100-stroke method’s claims hold any merit? It’s worth exploring, especially now that we’re in an era of reconnecting with time-honored beauty rituals, many of which revolve around hair. Turns out, the answer isn’t as cut-and-dry as we thought it would be. There are caveats, conditions, tools, and techniques that surround brushing your hair 100 times in a row. Some experts claim that it’s a valid way to keep hair healthy and shiny (when performed correctly), while others say it’s not worth the risk of damage.

To learn more about the method and discover whether or not it’s worth the time in your beauty routine, we sought intel from both sides of the spectrum: a sixth generation French luxury brushmaker and a trichologist specializing in scalp health. Keep scrolling for their takes and everything you need to know about the 100-stroke hair method.

Experts Featured in This Article

Helen Reavey is a celebrity hairstylist, trichologist, and founder of hair care brand Act + Acre.

Julia Tissot-Gaillard is the CEO of French brushmakers Altesse Studio and Fournival Altesse.

What Is the 100-Stroke Method?

In a nutshell, the 100-stroke method is a system for gently brushing your hair from root to ends in four sections, with 25 strokes per section. “This method allows you to massage the whole scalp and stimulate blood circulation, as well as grasp the natural oils present on your scalp and distribute it along the length of hair to deliver nourishment, protection, and shine,” Julia Tissot-Gaillard, brushmaker and CEO of Altesse Studio, tells PS.

It should be noted that this is best performed on dry, fully detangled hair and with a high quality boar bristle brush. As Tissot-Gaillard explains, “Boar bristles are the only fiber with cuticles that mimic the scalp, so only select a 100 percent boar brush (not a nylon-boar hybrid) with bristles that are rigid and poke your fingers. If they are soft and flexible, they are low quality bristles and won’t penetrate through the hair.”

Tissot-Gaillard helms the long standing brushmaker brand Altesse, who have been crafting boar bristle brushes since 1875. And it’s luxury brushes like theirs — notably the Prestige Repair & Shine Brush — that allow users to thoroughly brush with minimal damage. They can get pricey, but one PS editor’s glowing review of a similar high-end boar brush proves they can be a worthy investment.

But Should You Be Brushing Hair 100 Times?

While there is no argument that brushing your hair can benefit your scalp and your overall mood (obviously brushing feels amazing), experts believe it can be a double-edged sword. “Brushing has both positive and negative impacts on hair health,” trichologist and hairstylist Helen Reavey says. “It helps distribute natural oils, which adds shine and conditions the hair, but excessive brushing can damage the hair, especially if it’s fragile and prone to breakage.”

Luckily, there are ways to get around the intensive 100-stroke method and still reap its reported benefits.

100-Stroke Method Alternatives

When looking for ways to increase overall hair health, it’s often best to start at the scalp. “You can accomplish the same [effects] with fewer strokes by adding scalp massages to your routine,” says Reavey, who is a strong proponent of boosting scalp microbiome health with this technique, especially when paired with topical products that strengthen the hair follicle. She recommends using the Act + Acre 3% Stem Cell Peptide Treatment ($120) daily, which contains caffeine, plant stem cells, peptides to help stimulate scalp blood flow.

Still partial to the idea of a brushing ritual but don’t want to risk the breakage? Tissot-Gaillard suggests opting for an abridged version with 10 to 15 strokes per section and using a soft bristled boar brush — like the Classic Repair & Shine Brush ($320), which is designed for fine to medium hair.

However, if you are noticing excess hair loss, scalp damage, or irritation, always consult with your dermatologist before diving into any new hair-care routine.

Hannah Cassidy is a PS contributor.