Why is it important to clean your hairbrush?
Before we give you practical tips on cleaning your brush, it’s essential to understand why it’s important. Here are some key reasons:
1. Prevent dirt build-up: Brushes not only accumulate hair, but also dandruff, natural oils, dead skin cells, and styling product residue. This can make your hair greasy and dirty faster in addition to not being very clean on a daily basis.
2. Ensure good hair health: A clean brush promotes better distribution of natural oils throughout your hair, giving it shine and hydration, without redistributing impurities.
3. Avoid bacteria: Brushes can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, especially if used on wet hair.
How often should you clean your hairbrush?
How often you should clean your brush depends on how you use it. Here are some guidelines:
- Once a week: If you regularly use styling products (hairspray, mousse, gel), it is advisable to wash your brush once a week to avoid product build-up.
- Once every two weeks: If you don't use a lot of styling products, you can get away with cleaning your brush every two weeks.
- After each brushing: Also remember to remove any hair stuck in the brush after each use, as this will make cleaning easier.
How to clean your hairbrush in 5 steps?
Here's a step-by-step guide to effectively cleaning your hairbrush:
1. Remove tangled hair
Before proceeding with the full cleaning, start by removing all the hair trapped in the brush. You can do this with your fingers or use a fine-toothed comb or scissors to cut out any difficult knots.
2. Prepare a cleaning solution
In a container of warm water, add a little mild shampoo or liquid soap. For even more effective cleaning, you can add a few drops of white vinegar or baking soda, which act as natural disinfectants.
3. Dip the brush
Soak the brush in this solution for about 10 to 15 minutes. If your brush has a wooden or rubber handle, avoid soaking it for too long, as this can damage it. In this case, just soak the bristles.
4. Clean the brush bristles
Using an old toothbrush or small brush, gently scrub between the bristles or pins of the brush to remove any stubborn dirt. If residue persists, dip the toothbrush in a solution of baking soda and water for a more abrasive effect.
5. Rinse and dry
Once the brush is clean, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Pat it dry with a clean towel, then let it air dry, bristles down, to allow the water to drain. Avoid drying it with a hair dryer or leaving it on a radiator, as the heat can distort the bristles or damage the structure of the brush.
Tips for maintaining your brush
- Choose the right brush: Natural bristle brushes (such as boar bristles) are more sensitive to water, so prefer delicate cleaning for these. Plastic or metal brushes, on the other hand, are better suited to more vigorous cleaning.
- Disinfect your brush: In addition to regular cleaning, disinfecting your brush once a month is a good habit, especially if you have a sensitive or dandruff-prone scalp. Use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for natural disinfection.
- Replace it regularly: Even with rigorous maintenance, a brush wears out over time. Replace it every 6 to 12 months depending on its condition and use.
Conclusion
Cleaning your hairbrush should not be neglected. By following these tips, you will not only ensure better hair hygiene, but also a longer lifespan for your brush. A clean brush guarantees shinier, healthier and better-maintained hair. So, take a few minutes each week to take care of it: your hair will thank you!
