Hairbrush Day

What Is Hairbrush Day?

October 20th is "Hairbrush Day" in Japan. It was established in 1996 by the All Japan Brush Industry Cooperative. The date is a play on words: 10-20 can be read as "tou-hatsu," meaning hair on the head. It is a day to pay attention to the humble hairbrush, a tool we use to groom our hair, and to rethink how we choose and use one.

A Day Born from Wordplay on "Hair"

October 20th is also "Hair Day" in Japan, making it a date where hair-related anniversaries overlap.

• Established: In 1996 by the All Japan Brush Industry Cooperative
• Date origin: Wordplay reading 10-20 as "tou-hatsu" (hair on the head)
• The organization: A cooperative with over 100 years of history, founded in 1914 as the Osaka Brush Trade Association
• Same-day anniversary: October 20th is also "Hair Day"

"Brush" in Kanji Is 刷子

In kanji, the word for brush is written 刷子, which can also be read "sasshi" or "hake." Hairbrushes differ by purpose: flat brushes are used to untangle hair, while round brushes are used with a hair dryer to style curls and waves. Choosing the right brush for the job is the shortcut to well-groomed hair.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Clean and care for the hairbrush you use every day
• Try out both a flat brush and a round brush for their different uses
• If the bristles are worn down, consider getting a new hairbrush
• Look for other kinds of brushes around your home

The Brush You Use Each Morning Supports Your Look

Even the hairbrush we use without thinking plays different roles depending on its shape and material. October 20th is a day to care for this everyday tool and give your hair some attention.