Why Clean The Hairbrush? Tips For Doing This

Do you know how to clean your hairbrush? It is normal for her to start accumulating hairs with each brushing. Some of them break during the process or fall out to make way for new threads. In any case, in addition to preventing the beginning of the accumulation of strands on the brush, it is important to clean it regularly.

Performing this cleaning and disinfection process will undoubtedly prevent changes that affect the hair or scalp. This is because particles of dust, oil from the products we use or that come off the skin of the head, bacteria and pollutants from the environment remain on the brush.

We will share with you some tips that will facilitate the cleaning process, preventing the dirt to increase with each use and end up affecting the hair.

Why is it important to clean the hairbrush?

As we mentioned, the hairbrush can become a source of dirt, bacteria and fungus. In fact, this has been shown by studies that have identified that  different microorganisms that come from the environment live in hair, eyebrows and beards.

Therefore, washing the hair and disinfecting the brush are essential measures to prevent the proliferation of these microorganisms. Ideally, cleaning should be done together, as by combing clean hair with a dirty comb, we can return the bacteria and dirt that remained there.

How often is it recommended to clean it?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, between 50 and 100 hairs are lost a day. Most of them end up tangled up in the brush. So do the math: how many strands of hair can accumulate per week or per month? Many, right?

Therefore, although there is no rule for brush washing, it is recommended to clean it frequently. You can do the following:

• Once a week if you apply a lot of products to your hair, especially fixatives or no-rinse treatments.
• Once every two weeks if you tend to keep your hair clean and use very few products, treatments or oils.

In any case, you can remove excess strands that get caught in the brush every day.

How to clean the hairbrush?

Cleaning and disinfection is very easy, does not take long and the process can be accompanied by natural ingredients such  as sodium bicarbonate, which does not change the pH of the skin. On the contrary, it helps to regulate it and does not damage or mistreat the brush.

Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to do this cleaning effectively.

1. Remove excess hair

If you don’t usually remove the accumulated strands on the brush, you should start by doing this. Depending on the type of brush and the excess hair, it can be difficult to do with your hands. In that case, use a fine-toothed comb to help.

You can also use another type of hard-bristled comb, scissors, or a sharp element. Carry out this step carefully so you don’t get hurt.

2. Wet to remove dirt from the brush

Even though there is no visible hair, it is necessary to wet the brush in warm water with shampoo or baking soda to eliminate microorganisms and dirt that remain in spaces we cannot see. This is how you should do it:

• Put some warm water in a plastic container.
• Add shampoo or baking soda and stir  to dissolve well.
• For a more efficient action, use shampoo and baking soda together.
• If the brush is made entirely of plastic, dip it in and shake it. Leave it like this for five minutes.
• For brushes that have some padding on the handle or other area, it is important that this area does not come into contact with the solution we have prepared. In that case, immerse the brush upside down and let the water level be high enough to wet the bristles.

• The previous point applies to wooden brushes.

3. Remove dirt particles with a toothbrush

If during the wetting and shaking process you notice that certain dirt particles are still adhering to the brush, you  will need to remove them with a toothbrush. To do this, remove the brush from the aforementioned solution, shake it to remove excess water and start combing the bristles.

If a lot of dirt comes out, you can dip the brush back into the warm water to remove it and keep doing this until you’re satisfied with the cleaning.

4. Disinfect the brush

This extra step to disinfect is optional. For this, you will only need a bowl of warm water and a little white vinegar:

• Mix half a cup of white vinegar with half a cup of warm water.
• Soak the brush for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Depending on the materials it is made from, pay attention to the recommendations in the first point.
• Continue with the next step.

5. Dry the brush

When the cleaning process is finished,  wash the brush with a little cold or lukewarm water. Shake it and place it upside down on a dry cloth. Let it dry and that’s it. You now have a squeaky clean hairbrush!

keep your hairbrush clean

Now you know how to clean and disinfect your hairbrush. Remember to do this process at least twice a month. In this way, you will eliminate any threat that could harm the health of your hair and scalp skin.