Meg’s brushing up on dandruff: I just bought copper-infused hair brush that supposedly gets rid of dandruff. Will it really work?
The Left Brain’s flaky reply:
Meg is talking about the Goody “Styling Therapy – Reduce Dandruff – Copper Infused” hairbrush. It claims to be “Infused with copper-plated bristles, this brush: kills 88% of the fungus that causes dandruff and dry, flaky scalp; destroys bacteria and fungus associated with common scalp conditions. Copper is proven to kill the leading cause of dandruff.”
I can’t find any credible research to show that a brush made with copper can fight dandruff. But there is a kernel of truth behind their claims. It is well known that metal salts of pyrithione are effective dandruff control agents. Zinc Pyrithione, for example, is widely used in commercial dandruff shampoos. There have been studies (see Nature and Pubmed) that show copper salts may have some effect, but zinc salts are by far the most effective. If a copper version worked better, trust me, big companies like P&G would find a way to sell that in a product.
Even if copper ions are effective, it’s highly unlikely that a copper brush could provide enough scalp contact to deliver any sort of anti-fungal effect. I say you’re much better off using products like Head and Shoulders, Selsin Blue, or Nizoral.
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well, get ready, because i think they have something here.
i have very thick hair and alot of it, it’s long and in the summertime especially, the back of my head is in a constant state of moisture from sweating. the result is a sour smell, and when it does dry, it still stinks and leaves dandruff even after i wash it.
nothing worked, and i tried every shampoo and treatment i could find for this. i shampood my hair every day – sometimes twice a day, i tried wearing a short hairstyle, i tried using a routine with no condtioner, deodorant (yes, deodorant on the back of my head), tea tree oil, powders, you name it–i tried it.
i saw this hairbrush at my local drugstore, and figured, what the heck, it was only ten dollars. it was just in time for the summer sweating season.
i have been using it for a month and a half. we just had a horrible heatwave for the last week or so, and guess what? from using that brush?—no more smell, no more dandruff! this was the only thing that took that smell away. and this was a big relief for me. the only thing that ever gave me relief from this horrible condition before this new hairbrush was either the onset of winter or a lenghty procedure of applying tea tree oil and waiting 10 minutes, then washing with a dandruff shampoo twice, then drying my hair in front of a fan–(or if the weather was cool enough i used a hot hair dryer)till my hair was bone dry, and i did not always have the time for this. this relief only lasted for a half a day at best, just a little sweat and it’s back . now i can give my hair a break from daily dandruff shampooing.
i am positive the maufaturers of this brush are onto something here, and i am glad they are!
since buying this hairbrush, i brush my hair when i get up in the morning (with this brush of course) and when i get home at night there is no smell whatsoever (which i am sure is from bacteria growth) and no dandruff, not one flake. i know that not too many people have this problem, but for those of us that do, this brush is a godsend! you can smell the copper at first, when you brush but it does NOT make your hair or scalp smell like a penny!
Actually, if you think about it, there is more incentive for manufacturers to market a product which will be bought every few weeks or so over a person’s lifetime rather than an item like a brush or comb that will be purchased once and possibly no more.
Additionally, copper is not cheap. The profit margin for a mass-market copper item is no doubt a great deal smaller than the margin on standard dandruff products such as shampoos (loaded with cheap, horrendous ingredients).
Mamaboo thanks for your interesting story. We’re glad using the comb works for you. Just remember that it doesn’t necessarily follow that the comb is having an effect. You hair problems could’ve gone away because of some other, unknown reason. Things are rarely so simple as cause and effect might make it seem.
Yanna, the profit margins on shampoos are puny compared to those of a brush. A $10 copper brush may make a profit of $8-9 per sale. A regular shampoo would make less than a dollar in profit.
i agree. i have since started taking some different nutritional supplements, and that could be a factor, among many other things to be considered. i am reasonably convinced that bacteria growth from sweating is most probably the cause of my particular problem, and may not be the cause of dandruff in others. i have used most dandruff shampoos including the ones you mentioned, with little success, and i did notice an immediate difference upon use of this brush, but who’s to say if it’s really the brush that is working and if it is only a temporary fix which eventually wears off (without solid scientific proof it could be anything). i personally need to see scientific studies giving proof to any claim! thanks for a great website!
copper brush proof? stop using it. does the dandruff return. personally i reduce mine by USING a hair dryer. aloe vera works too. pyroluria sufferers should not use Cu.
Where more specifically can I buy this brush? My friend has it and I LOVE it! I would like to be able to walk into a store and come out with this brush
I just bought this brush yesterday. I bought mine at publix’s supermarket.
Zinc? don’t give me bad ideas. I’ve got a pot of cream for babies left. Now I’m going to feel compelled to smeer it in my hair just to try out if this works. I don’t care much how I look, but I’m very curious. lol
the brush works for me. using a hair dryer, topical product or shampoo does not work for me–the hair dryer makes me sweat, causing the bacteria, which causes the dandruff and the bad smell. i dry my hair till 70 percent dry, use the brush after, or once a day if i do not shampoo, and i have no dandruff or smell. if i do not use the brush at least once a day, the dandruff and the smell return, whether i wash and dry my hair, apply any topical prouct for dandruff or not. the brush is a godsend for me. i stopped the supplements temporarily to see if that was it, and it was not. the brush can be purchased at any walgreens, large drug store chain or even large grocery chain. it seems to be the same as rubbing an old clean penny (higher copper content than a new one) on your scalp. if you have dandruff due to bacteria from sweating because of thick hair, or if you just sweat alot, then this brush may work for you. i do not know if the other brushes in this line work, but the copper one for dandruff works beautifully for me. for $9.99, if it doesn’t work, you still have a nice sturdy hair brush.
Once upon a time there were two beautiful actresses, one of them Myrna Loy. They lunched together often, and one day when they were both in their sixties, Miss Loy noticed that her friend had absolutely no age spots on her hands.
Miss Loy asked her friend what type of cream she used on her hands. Her friend said that the cream was unusual, and that it didn’t work for everyone. It was a special mixture from her dermatologist.
Miss Loy, a perfect lady in every way, said, “I don’t care if it’s horse pi$$, I want a vat of it!”
That’s how I feel about this brush. Frantically brushing at my shoulders and theback of my neck has become as much a part of my behavior as blinking. Were someone to do an impression of me, the first characteristic she would spoof would be the manic brushing, brushing, brushing.
Honey, I don’t care if this brush is made of…well, you get the idea.
Thank You, Sam! i feel the same way! who cares what it is made of, it works!!
if you look at some of the dandruff lotions out there, they are made with some kind of zinc formulation which works but not as good as that godsend of a copper brush! i will not be without it, and if feels great on my scalp! frantic, manic brushing!
Thanks, Mamaboo. I live in an area so isolated, it makes the Moon look like Saturday night in NYC. So we haven’t any stores. I’m currently shopping for the brush on line.
Good luck to both of us.
stock up when you find it—try ebay-you know what they say, you can find anything on ebay–lol! others must think the brush is good, i can’t find it around here anymore—i live in new york suburbs!
I’ve seen it at Wal-mart, $9.99. I live in the Tucson, AZ area. I’ve been thinking about trying it. My situation sounds remarkably like mamaboo’s. Thanks everyone!
I love this brush, it works wonderfully! I have stopped using dandruff shampoo and I have no dandruff whatsoever, its a miracle in my opinion!!!
I can’t agree more about this brush. I think there may be some addictive chemical added to the copper bristles because I haven’t been able to put it down since I purchased it! I have long suffered from chronic dandruff and I have noticed a serious difference since using this brush. I am not claiming that the brush has completely eliminated the problem, however, I truly believe this brush has helped me manage this issue.
Furthermore, I returned to the store to purchase some more and they were sold out! I like the large paddle brush and haven’t been able to find it anywhere. I thing other people are snatching it up.
It could all be psychological but I must say, I haven’t had a brush that has felt so good, managed my dandruff AND given my hair such a shine in…well, forever!
I also have this brush. I have used t-gel and the intensive treatment by head and shoulders every time I shower and still had dandruff. My scalp is not itchy and I don’t use a lot of product so I have no idea what causes it but this brush seems to be working. I use it a few times a day and I brush reaalllly slowly to make sure the bristles are in contact with my scalp and I have noticed a difference. I have only had the brush for less than a week, I bought it at walmart for $10 bucks and I recommend it! I’m not ready to swear that it works but next week I might stop using my dandruff shampoo, it really strips my hair.
I, too have used TGel on a regular basis to help with dandruff. I learned about and purchased the copper brush about a week ago and I am noticing a significant difference. The problem is not completely eliminated, but nevertheless, there has most definitely been a reduction in the amount of dandruff. I think only those who have tried the brush should comment on its ability to help with dandruff. Perhaps it will help you, or perhaps it will not, but it is definitely worth a try. Good luck to everyone out there.
my dandruff seems to be more from dry skin and using the blow dryer. will the brush still work for that?
I bought the brush 5 days ago bruching 6 times a day for 2 minutes dandruff vitually gone and my dandruff was thick enough to scrap with a knife!!!!
Its worked for me unless its mind over matter!!!
Hi everyone!
I bought this product a week ago after I saw an add in a magazine! Luckily Rite Aid had it buy one get one free! So I got the smaller brush and the big paddle one all for 11.99!
I have long hair and have always had a problem with getting scalp flakes around the front part of my hair (bangs and hair area surrounding my forhead)
I have always tried so many diffrent things, that with no avail never seem to work….Or onlt temporary solutions….It was getting to the point of washing my hair repetitivly and scrubbing my scalp raw if it didnt come out right te first wash and dry….Its embarrasing to know people can see your dry flaky scalp when they are talking to you….
So far I too am addicted to this brush like the others….Its only been a week, but I have noticed things starting to decrease to almost nothing….So far so good! I agree with the shinny thing also…But that may just be because we are brushing our hair obsessivly now!
Good luck to all of you that share the problem!
I think there’s something to this- only trouble is that the brush is copper plated and the copper wears off quickly at the tips where you need it. If anybody knows of a SOLID copper brush, I think they’d have something… The shampoo people are conspiring to not let anyone make one ??? LOL Seriously it does seem to work but the copper wears off in short order, look at the tips of your brush….
the copper did wear off on the tips of my first brush, so i bought a new one. the best way to keep it from wearing off is to never brush your hair wet or with any product in it–only when it is dry and clean. cleaning it with lemon juice is only to shine it up (not to revive the copper). this brush still works for me very nicely. the stores can’t seem to keep them in stock. i think it definitley kills the bacteria that causes odor and dandruff–bacteria caused by sweating especially when you use high heat to blow dry. i am glad this brush works for so many people!
Count me in as one of the people with good news to report. Itchy scalp for years. I’ve only been using it a few days, but it really feels like it’s working. I haven’t had bad scalp problems in that time. Hoping it continues!
I too have the “goody” brand styling therapy copper brush. IT WORKS! It is truly amazing! I bought one for my Mom who suffers from dandruff too. I live in AZ and it is so dry here which makes the condition worse, so what a great invention this brush is!!!!
I have been afflicted with severe seborrheic dermatitis since I was a young child. I have been using various OTC and prescription shampoos and topical steroids for at least 17 years with little change in the very thick, scaly dandruff.
The only thing which has ever made a difference in my dandruff problem was UV exposure. When I would surf every day in the summer, my dandruff would almost completely disappear.
I purchased the Goody Copper Infused brush two weeks ago and have already seen a significant reduction in scaling, flaking and itching.
I strongly disagree with BeautyBrain’s assertion that the copper bristles would not have sufficient contact with the scalp to be effective. For straight, thick hair like mine, brushing the scalp is quite easy.
This brush is a useful tool for those suffering from dandruff. If you hair is very curly you may not be able to brush your scalp well enough for it to make a difference, but otherwise, try it. Ten dollars is a good risk to rid yourself of socially-crippling dandruff.
I bought this brush today and just using it a few times I noticed that my dandruff is actually sticking to the bristles. It’s the strangest thing, it has never happened to my other brushes. Hopefully it will cure my problem…either way it sure feels nice.
I have had this brush for over a month now. My scalp issues were not so much flaky dandruff but severe buildup on my scalp that caused itching, which lead to scratching, and there were times I would end up cutting my scalp in an attempt to stop the itch. Anyway, this brush has been fantastic. I have nearly stopped using special shampoos. I have no idea why this technology was not discovered sooner. This brush is worth a try for anyone with scalp problems.
I bought a version of this brush about two weeks ago, a large square paddle brush. I normally alternate using standard pyrithone zinc shampoos and Tgel year round, yet I still have dandruff and itchy scalp. My symptoms have all but disappeared so far with use of this brush. I am about to try discontinuing the dandruff shampoos to see if the problem returns. Regarding the copper “wearing off,” the packaging on my brush stated that the copper would oxidize, turning dark, but that would not affect its use. The copper still does its anti-bacterial job whether shiny or oxidized.
Copper has shown to kill bacteria and other pathogens. I’m talking about the pure metal, not salts of copper. Copper also kills MRSA, a pretty big claim. I am a metallurgist and the antibacterial properties of copper have been long known but not taken advantage of in recent years. The CDC or FDA (I don’t remember which) has approved copper, as the first solid material, for microbe killing uses. You may be able to find more by searching “copper bacteria.” As far as dandruff, I don’t have a clue. Hope this helps.
I cannot believe it, but the brush is working. I’ve had dandruff for years, and the only thing that worked had been shampoos with selenium sulfide. Selenium sulfide smells like… well, sulfur – gross! Meanwhile, my boyfriend has these black flannel sheets, and every morning I’d wake up and look at my pillow case and want to wipe it off frantically before he noticed all the flakes. I’ve had this Goody copper brush for a week, and I haven’t done anything else differently but brush a few times a day — but omigod, the dandruff is gone.
I am a skeptic. I’m a careful shopper, and a teacher of logic and math. I don’t believe anything unless I see proof. I figured I was willing to risk the $10 bucks in a hope that it would work, and then — it worked! In fact, the first few times I used it, I felt a noticeable sort of warm tingle on my scalp. It was actually sort of unpleasant — not quite painful but almost painful. Anyway, I thought maybe that meant it was working, and wow, it was!
I so hope it keeps working. A few years ago, I used Nizerol and I thought that it would be the end of my problem, but its miraculous results only held on for like, six months, and then just stopped.
I’m blown away by this brush too! REally has cured my severe excema that I’ve had no luck with for 30 years. Also takes away the frizz in my hair even in NEw Orleans humidity. BRAVO GOODY!!!
I bought this brush two weeks ago and it has worked wonders! I suffer from dandruff and psoriasis. For years I’ve had a problem with thick crusty flakes and scabbing in the back of my head, I also get scaling from the psoriasis on my hairline behind my ears. In just two weeks it’s practically gone! No crusty scabs at all and little to no dandruff. I’ve also noticed that I no longer have the extreme itching and irritation. I wish I would have discovered this brush long ago.
I’ve had dandruff problems for almost a decade now. I’ve used all the different shampoos and even tried to keep my hair short. But it gets embarrassing to get your haircut wondering if the stylist will comment on all the flakes. There are times where the itching gets so bad and the scratching creates “snow” falling from your head. So, I figured $10, it’s just like buying a new “good” dandruff shampoo…they can get expensive when you have to use them everyday. So, I ordered the Goody brush from Target.com. It’s been a week now and NO itching. I still have some flakes…but very little. It doesn’t look like I have “scabs” stuck in my hair and I don’t even have to brush off my shoulders anymore. I already love this brush and will continue to use it and am confident that the dandruff will become less and less.
I bought the Goody Styling Therapy brush yesterday- It works. During the winter when it gets cold and dry, my danduff gets terrible. I used it for the first time last night and again in the morning. Today my dandruff is completely gone! I’m hoping that I can quit the dandruff shampoos because they aren’t the best smelling and strip your hair. YAY!
This brush has worked great for me! I suffered for years from dandruff that made my scalp get sore, when i use the brush my scalp stops tingling and the dandruff disappears, but once i stop using it, the dandruff returns. But it is so worth the money I would highly recommend this product!
I’m a scientist. I can find no scientific studies on copper as a fungicide. On the other hand, the real-life (empirical) evidence suggests it might work. Of course, the problem might not be fungus at all, but some other issue entirely. The brush costs approximately ten dollars, depending upon where you buy it, which is not significantly more than other brushes –ones that help minimize hair static, for instance. I have psoriasis, and my husband has cradle-cap; we are going to get the brush and try it. The only downside I can see for this brush is that you could not use it with wet hair, as the copper plating would corrode — unless, of course, it’s corrosion in the copper that provides the apparent beneficial effect. I’ll let you know what we find out!
Great! Keep us informed.
the brush definitely works, unfortunately the copper wears off after a couple months. Anybody find another manufacturer, please let me know. thanks!
I used the goody copper brush for two weeks. it made my scalp extremely dry and itchy and my hair started to fall out. I have not used it since. my scalp has been better since i stopped using it.
I am curious to see the results for myself. I bought it today at the grocery store after noticing it’s claim about copper. I just googled copper and dandruff where your article was number one and read it here.
I did have a thought and a question, since copper is being used on brushes now, would gluing copper pennies to my pillow (underneath the pillow sheets of course) help or would that be harmful? I just thought of this after thinking about those people who wear a copper penny on a bracelet and wondered if the same concept could apply here?
Hi again!
The brush appears to work for people with sebhorritic dermatitis-type (“cradle cap”) dandruff. However, its effect is NOT on the causes of the dandruff; its effect is on the SYMPTOMS of the dandruff.
To everyone who is concerned about the copper wearing off the ends — it doesn’t matter a bit. The bristles themselves are metal, and it’s the metal bristles that cause the effect, which is two-part:
1. The metal bristles are significantly stiffer than hard or soft plastic, and thereby mechanically scrape more of the dandruff (sebaceous buildup mixed with skin flakes) off of the scalp. Hard plastic can do this, too, but such scrapings tend to stay in the hair afterward because most plastic brushes are treated to minimize static effects, causing embarassing white flakes throughout the hair itself, since the hair retains more electrical charge than the plastic brush has.
2. The metal bristles retain significant static charge as they pass through the hair, and they literally pull both dandruff and dirt (you’ll notice that, using such a brush, your hair is not just less-dandruffy, it’s cleaner) away from your hair. They also tend to hold on to it for a long time, and so it doesn’t fall out of the bristles onto your clothes, either.
There’s a third part to this effect, and it’s a psychological response on the part of the brush’s user. As the hair and scalp appear more clean, it encourages the user to brush more often (since such brushing doesn’t leave big gobs of scurf in the hair or on the clothes,) and also to take better care of their hair. The effect is circular, and less and less dandruff appears in the hair throughout time.
The copper is not a necessary component in this effect; the metal bristles alone continue the process.
HOWEVER, a close inspection of the scalp will show that dandruff flakes can still be scratched off of the top layer of epidermis — in other words, the underlying cause of dandruff (excessive sticky sebum production) is still there, but symptoms are more controllable and less embarrassing.
In THAT sense, the brush works for sebhorritic dermatitis.
HOWEVER, the brush does NOT help whatsoever with psoriatic scalp dermatitis — it WORSENS IT, due to both its drying (electrostatic) effect on the scalp and the roughness of its bristles. This is the problem DEE, above, encountered. I have psoriatic scalp dermatitis, and frankly, the only thing I’ve ever found that helps me is ultraviolet (“black”) light treatment, which you can get either through a dermatologist or by buying yourself a hand-held laboratory-strength black-light (when using such a thing on your scalp, always remember to apply sunblock to exposed skin, and place a thick material over your eyes to protect them.)
To everyone who thinks that the copper is the magic bullet in this brush — it isn’t, it’s the metal brisles!
My little girl has been blessed with LOTS of hair..lol.. She has also developed dandruff. So I bought all kinds of dandruff shampoos and tea tree oil. Did not work and it is embarassing. I bought a copper brush and I am happy to say that her dandruff is gone. I love it!
I’m surprised at all the skepticism in this blog when the OP herself admits she hasn’t even TRIED it and a bunch of people have written in to say it really works. RTP’s argument also doesn’t make any sense in this context–you “take better care of your hair” over time because of it? Please! I (and it sounds like most other people here!) take a LOT of care of my hair, and I’ve tried a lot of different things. None of the shampoos work for me (and I’ve tried them ALL!). If they have any effect, it doesn’t last after a few days when I start getting build up again, and switching shampoos I have the same problem. Also, the anti-dandruff shampoos burn my (sensitive) scalp, they’re goopy, and smelly. So I prefer to stick to an all-natural mint shampoo I don’t get build up from and helps with the dandruff somewhat.
But the only thing that really gets rid of it is this amazing copper brush. Maybe it make’s RTP’s underlying condition worse, but if improves mine, along with a lot of other people. My scalp is less itchy, healthier (no cuts from extended itchiness/flaking/scratching), and MUCH less flaky. I disagree with the OP because one brush lasts for years, and that is MUCH LESS profit in the long run than continuously buying dandruff shampoo every month!
It makes sense that it would not work for everyone, but if you have persistent dandruff that doesn’t respond well to shampoos, I’d recommend trying it. I’d much rather brush my hair with this twice a day than have to mess around with goopy, irritating shampoos. (And other brushes don’t work–I’ve tried them!)
I also purchased mine at Publix– it took care of my itchy scalp immediately. I love it!
Bought at walmart for $11, thought what the heck, tried every dandruff shampoo, including Prescription Selenium Sulfide, that looked like light mud, and if left on scalp more than 3 minutes would leave sores due to its literal eating of the scalp. Had slight hair loss from it. Sure it rid me of dandruff in my eye brows, but not my scalp.
Been using it 2 days now, shinier hair, progressively less itchy hair as the number of uses increases. Having that nearly painful warming feeling on scalp, but am no stranger to the sensation from “Cooling” shampoos. Significantly less flakes in simply 2 days usage.
I own this brush and I really don’t think the copper helps. In fact my very long hair often gets tangled and ripped with it. HOWEVER, it does help the itchiness and I think its more because of the many tiny metal bristles being more effective scratchers than the fact that they are made of copper.
I really appreciate rtp’s proposed explanation of how this brush might work. I would consider trying this based on the reports here of happy customers, and rtp’s theory makes me feel a certain confidence that there might be a real basis for the positive results many are having.
One thing I was wondering… if the brush works as rtp suggests, by scraping off and removing more flakes, could that have a beneficial effect beyond the aesthetic removal of the flakes? I wonder if having less build-up of flakes sitting on the scalp might let the scalp ‘breathe’ more and the fungus wouldn’t go as hogwild or have as much to feed on, or whatever it does (I admit I don’t understand what cause dandruff).
I notice when I use a dry shampoo, the powder residue makes my scalp itch like crazy (I use homemade powders, and I’m not allergic to any of the ingredients). It feels like all the itchy, oily, dandruffy crap gets trapped somehow. So conversely, I can imagine relieving my scalp of its usual buildup could help improve its condition somewhat.
I LOVE this brush! I bought it at Rite Aid ! It’s Buy one get one FREE this week for 12$
I am tired of stinking like dandruff shampoos!
I picked up this brush for $2.50 at Biglots and figured what the hell. I’ve had dandruff for about ten years now. In hopes that this would work, I immediately discontinued my Zink dandruff shampoo and shockingly, it has worked! Imagine how much people will save by not having to pay upwards of $3 a month for extra shampoo!
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