According to my research, are boar bristles vegan? I found that a brand, Briogeo, claims that its boar bristle brush is vegan. But I don’t agree with their claims because their provided list of ingredients contains non-vegan ingredients.
1. Are Boar Bristle Brushes Vegan?
No, boar bristle brushes are not vegan. They are made from the hair of domesticated boars, which are raised on farms for their bristles and meat.
2. Ingredients of Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Hair Brush
"Acrylates, Aluminum Salts, Animal Musks/Fats/Oils, Benzophenones and related compounds, Butoxyethanol, Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated hydroxytulolene (BHT) under 0.1% , Carbon Black or Black 2, Coal Tar, Ethanolamines, Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasing Agents, Hydroquinone, Lead and Lead Acetate, Mercury + Mercury Compounds (Thimerisol), Methoxyethanol, Methyl Cellosolve, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone, Mineral Oil, Nanomaterials (restrictions for specific nanomaterials only), Oxybenzone, Parabens, Petrolatum and Parrafin (USP grade only), Phenoxyethanol under 1%, Phthalates, Plastic Microbeads, Polyacrylamide & Acrylamide, Resorcinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Styrene, Sulfates, Talc (no detection of asbestos) , Toluene, Triclosan and Triclocarban, Undisclosed Synthetic Fragrance (under 1% and formulated without Acetaldehyde, Acetone, Acetonitrile, Benzalkonium chloride, BPA, EDTA, Methylene chloride, PTFE, PFOA), 1, 4, Dioxane (ingredients must comply with impurity thresholds), Octinoxate, PFAS compounds, Nitromusks and Polycyclic Musks, Ethoxylated Ingredients (including PEGS or polyethylene glycol must meet contamination limits for 1’4 Dioxane and ethylene oxide), Cyclic Silicones, EDTA and derivatives (allowed if no technical substitute under 0.2%)" >>>Source
The following ingredients are not vegan-friendly, as they are derived from animals or involve animal testing:
- Animal Musks/Fats/Oils
- Coal Tar
- Lead and Lead Acetate
- Mercury + Mercury Compounds (Thimerisol)
- Polyacrylamide & Acrylamide
- Resorcinol
- Retinyl Palmitate
>>> Briogeo still claims that its Boar Bristle Hair Brush is vegan.
3. What Are Boar Bristles?
Boar bristle brushes are grooming tools made from hog hair. Most companies use hair from farm-raised or domesticated animals. it absorbs and removes dirt and is gentle on hair and scalp. These come in different sizes, colours, and styles. Boar bristle brushes have a sturdy wooden handles. A high-quality brush can last a lifetime, but these can be pricey. Both men and women can benefit from using them.
3.1 Benefits Of Using Boar Bristle Hair Brush
- Boar bristle brushes are gentle on hair and won’t pull it.
- They evenly disperse natural oils, acting as a natural moisturizer.
- Using natural oils as conditioner increases hair pliability and shine.
- They effectively eliminate excess oils and grime from hair.
- Regular use of a boar bristle brush results in silky hair.
- Boar bristle brushes can help manage overactive oil glands during the “no-poo” method transition phase.
4. How Are Boar Bristles Made?
Boar bristle brushes are a popular grooming tool made from the hair of the boar. But have you ever wondered how these brushes are made? Let’s find out!
Boar hair is quite similar to human hair in terms of protein, as it contains keratin, just like our hair. Obtaining the bristles for making the brush involves raising domesticated animals on farms for bristles, but this process is not vegan, even though farmers primarily grow boars for consumption.
While it’s possible to shear the boars to collect their hair, this is not typically done. Boars are large, strong animals that require proper handling, and many farms don’t meet these requirements. Unfortunately, most of these farms are located in China, where regulations aren’t as strict as they are in the US and EU.
So, while boar bristle brushes have many benefits, it’s important to be aware of the process of how they are made and make informed choices when purchasing them.
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5. Vegan Brushes: Alternative to Boar Bristle Brushes
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to boar bristle brushes, consider these options:
5.1 Sisal Hair Brushes
It is made from a natural plant-based material, suitable for most hair types but not the best for extra-thick hair. Long-lasting and effective in removing debris from hair.
5.2 Paul Mitchell Pro Tools 413 Sculpting Brush
cruelty-free and not tested on animals. Made from plastic, so not as solid as other options, but affordable and effective.
5.3 Nylon Brushes
a decent vegan substitute for boar bristle brushes, designed with thicker strands that perform better with thick hair. Gentle on the scalp and effective at gathering dust and debris.
5.4 The Body Shop Paddle Brush
completely vegan and free from animal-based substances. Activates the scalp and disperses natural oils, resulting in strong, shiny hair. Reasonably priced for a hardwood handle brush.
5.5 Aveda Wooden Large Paddle Brush
an ethical manufacturing firm that promotes sustainable development. Great for dry hair to produce sleek and flat styles. Includes an opening for aeration and drainage during cleaning.
6. FAQs – Boar Bristles Vegan
Most basic hairbrushes are made of plastic with nylon bristles, which are cruelty-free.
Bamboo brushes can be vegan depending on the type of bristles used. If the bristles are made from synthetic materials, then the brush is vegan. However, if the bristles are made from animal hair, such as boar hair, then the brush is not vegan.
Yes, boar bristle brushes are natural as they are made from the hair of boars. The bristles contain the same protein, called keratin, that is found in human hair. However, it is important to note that boar bristle brushes are not vegan as they are made from animal hair.
7. Summary
Boar bristle brushes are not vegan because farmers raise domesticated boars for their bristles. Manufacturing processes for boar bristle brushes are not vegan, even if some companies claim they are.
Vegan and cruelty-free alternatives to boar bristle brushes include sisal hair brushes, nylon brushes, and brushes made of wood.
