Traditional Hair Combing Rituals
My Thoughts & Notes
Tools I Adore
I love combs & brushes carved from wood, horn, or jade—smooth, natural, and delicate on the skin. Sometimes, my fingers alone will suffice, but nothing should ever scratch or hurt. You want the touch to be a quiet nourishment, a soft invitation to presence.
When To Brush
The evening is my personal anchor, when my kids are in bed and I have time to focus uninterrupted on me. Find the anchor that works for you. Each session is brief, only 3-5 minutes, yet daily devotion matters more than length. Legends whisper of “a hundred strokes at dusk,” but I just move freely, guided by rhythm rather than rule, flowing to where my scalp is calling me to go.
The Pattern
I begin at the hairline, gliding toward the nape of my neck, each stroke slightly overlapping with the one prior, until I've spanned across my entire head from left to right then back again. Then I sweep from sides to crown in a perpendicular direction, moving toward the center line of my crown this time—again, covering every curve of the scalp. Next, I go in reverse from how I started—from the nape of my neck to hairline. And sometimes I’ll add in diagonal strokes as well. Strokes should overlap, pathways merge, following and activating the meridians—the energetic lifelines of the body.
The Feeling
I keep my touch gentle but firm enough to feel circulation awaken. There’s a satisfying warmth as the scalp responds, like receiving a massage, but pain is a no-go. It should feel invigorating, not irritating.
Why This Matters
Tradition says this practice causes—
Circulation to bloom, nourishing hair and inviting strength, faster growth and more shine.
The mind to soften, and stress to dissolve.
Tension to subside—headaches, shoulders, even the lines on the face relax.
Vitality to flow, energy once stagnant now moves, quietly strengthening life throughout my entire body.
A Word of Caution
Too much pressure, the wrong tools (such as plastic), or overdoing it can irritate the scalp or damage delicate hair. I’ve learned that gentle and intentional is better than any heavy-handed or intense approach.
My Take
After only days, I feel a subtle aliveness, a calmer mind, a more relaxed face and being, more presence. It’s such a small ritual, yet one that slows time, anchoring me to myself and the life in the present moment in such tender, tangible ways.
If You Want Tools
If you’d like to bring this ritual into your own hands, I’ve gathered combs & brushes that are literal magic. You can find them here: https://innersunandmoon.com/shop