here is why you should be cleaning your hairbrush and how to do it

When it comes to haircare, products and hot tools typically comes to mind. However, a clean hairbrush is essential when it comes to healthy hair.

Overtime, hairbrushes collected dirt, dead skin, scalp and product buildup, and hair fallout. When all of this gunk remains on your brush, you are essentially putting it back into your hair every time you use it. 

Therefore, you might notice your hair getting dirtier or oilier in-between washes and feeling the need to wash more often. A dirty brush can also transfer bacteria and spread yeast onto the scalp, leading to issues such as irritation, dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

How Often Should I Clean My Hair brush?

Depending on how often you use your brush and how many styling products you use, this will vary from person to person. However, you should aim to clean your hairbrushes anywhere in-between every two weeks to once a month. 

How Do I Clean My Hair brush?

Although the process is essentially the same, there a few different steps depending on whether your brush is synthetic (made of plastic and rubber) or natural (wooden or boar bristles). 

1. Fill a bowl or your sink with hot water 

The use of hot water will breakdown any dirt, dead skin, oil, and product buildup. This will make it easier to clean your brush.

2. Add shampoo or liquid soap 

Synthetic hairbrush (plastic or rubber): any shampoo or liquid soap is safe to use.

Natural hairbrush (wood or boar bristles): avoid shampoo or soaps that contain sulfates. 

3.Soak your brush

Synthetic hairbrush: Submerge your brush completely and soak in the hot soapy water for at least 10 minutes to ensure that all of the gunk can dissolved into the water. 

Natural hairbrush: Instead of submerging your entire brush, only submerge the bristles into the water a

4. Remove the gunk 

Remove your brush from the water and scrub the bristle using a smaller brush, like a toothbrush or nail brush. Make sure to get in-between the bristles and also scrub the padded area.

If you notice that there is a lot of buildup, occasionally dip your brush into clean water in-between the cleaning process to make it easier to remove any clumps of hair or product that are tough to remove. Use your fingers if necessary.

5. Rinse and dry

Once you feel that your brush is clean, go ahead and rinse your brush under running water. This will remove all of the soapy reside left behind from soaking it in the beginning. You will know your brush is clean when the water is clear and free of any foamy bubbles.

Then, you will squeeze out any excess water from the brush pad where the bristles are located. This is crucial to avoid any bacteria growth. After squeezing out the water, place your brush on a towel and allow it dry completely before using it again.