It’s no secret that hairbrushes can quickly become matted with hair and dirt, which makes them difficult to clean. In fact, many people don’t know how to clean a hairbrush properly and end up just giving up and buying a new one.
However, if you’re willing to put in a little bit of effort, you can easily clean your hairbrush – and save yourself some money in the process. In this article, we’ll teach you how to clean a hairbrush using both natural and commercial products.
Keep reading to learn all you need to know!
Why is It Important to Clean Your Hairbrush?
There are a few reasons why cleaning your hairbrush regularly is important.
It can improve the effectiveness of the brush itself by removing any buildup of dead skin and oils from hair products.
Leaving a dirty brush around for too long can encourage mold and mildew growth. This is not only unsanitary but also can damage the integrity of your brush.
Cleaning your hairbrush regularly can help prevent the spread of bacteria. This is especially important if you’re sharing a brush with family members or friends who may be more susceptible to illness.
What Tools Do You Need for Cleaning Hairbrushes?
To clean your hairbrush, you will need a few basic items:
- First, you will want to gather cleaning supplies such as a cleaning brush, shampoo, and a gentle soap. You will also need a lint-free towel or washcloth to help dry the brush.
- Next, you will need a pair of scissors and some basic cleaning techniques.
- Finally, you will also want to have a few handy household items like a toothbrush, boiling water, and vinegar.
How Do You Clean a Hairbrush?
Although there are a few ways you can clean a hairbrush, we suggest using these easy steps:
1. Remove Hair From Brush
The first step is to remove as much hair from the brush as you can. This is because hair buildup can make it difficult or even impossible to clean the brush effectively. You can do this by gently pulling the hair out with your fingers, or you can use a small pair of scissors to cut it away.
Make sure to clean your scissors before and after you use them, as they can pick up and spread bacteria.
2. Soak Hairbrush in Soap and Water
Next, add a small amount of shampoo or soap to a bowl of warm water and soak your brush in this mixture for about 10 minutes. You can also do this in the sink or shower if you don’t have a bowl. This process will help loosen any stubborn dirt or grime that has built up.
If possible, try to avoid submerging the entire brush in water, as this can cause it to loosen and become damaged. Once you’re done soaking, gently wring the excess water from your brush and let it dry for a few minutes.
3. Use Cleaning Brush to Remove Dirt
The next step is to use a cleaning brush and gentle soap or shampoo to scrub away any remaining dirt and grime from the bristles. This step can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s crucial to ensure that your brush is completely clean and free of bacteria.
Be sure to be gentle when scrubbing the hairbrush, as you don’t want to break any of the bristles or cause damage.
4. Rinse the Brush
Once you have removed all the dirt and grime, rinse your brush thoroughly under running water. This will help remove any residual soap or shampoo and help it dry more quickly.
5. Wipe with Lint-Free Towel or Washcloth
Finally, use a lint-free towel or washcloth to help dry the brush. Just be sure to use gentle pressure and not rub too hard, which can damage the bristles.
To help speed up the drying process, you can also use a blow dryer on a low setting. If you do this, be sure to hold the dryer at least a few inches away from any part of the brush that could get hot.
Once your hairbrush is completely dry, you can put it away until your next wash. And if you notice any additional buildup or damage, you may need to repeat this process or consider investing in a new brush.
Whether you’re using a hairbrush every day or just occasionally, it’s important to keep it clean and sanitary. By following these simple steps, you can effectively remove dirt, grime, and bacteria from your brush to help keep your hair looking and feeling its best.
How Often Should You Clean Your Hairbrush?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the frequency with which you should clean your hairbrush will depend on a variety of factors. Some factors to consider include how often you use your brush, the type of hair that is on it, and whether you have any skin conditions or allergies that might make it more prone to buildup or bacteria.
That said, we generally recommend cleaning your hairbrush at least once a week, using the steps outlined above. This will help keep your hair looking and feeling its best, while minimizing the risk of spreading bacteria or other unwanted contaminants to your hair or scalp.
If you notice that your brush is starting to look or feel grimy, or if it seems like it is picking up more dirt and debris than usual, it may be time to clean it more frequently. Additionally, you may need to take extra care to clean your brush if you have skin conditions, allergies, or other health concerns that could make it more prone to buildup.
Ultimately, the best way to determine how often you should clean your hairbrush is to listen to your body and pay attention to how it feels and looks. With regular cleaning, you can keep your hair looking and feeling great while minimizing the risk of spreading bacteria or other unwanted contaminants.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating regular cleanings of your hairbrush into your beauty routine is key to maintaining healthy and lustrous locks. Even if you don’t use a brush every day, it’s still important to give it a good cleaning every now and then to get rid of any dirt, grease, or other nasties that can accumulate.
If you follow the steps enumerated above, you can clean your hairbrush without any issue and have great-looking and feeling hair.
Related: How To Clean Boar Bristle Brush?
