This Is How Filthy Your Hair Brush Is (And How To Clean It Properly)

It’s surprising how much of our adult life is dedicated to cleaning. And yet, somehow, there’s always that one thing we end up neglecting until someone points it out, and I hate to be the one to do this, but that one thing you’ve probably not giving a lot of thought to is cleaning your hairbrushes. Trust me, these things can get filthy really fast. How filthy, you ask? According to a study by University of Arizona, a hairbrush can harbor 3400 colonies of bacteria… per square inch.

Brushes, especially those with a metal or ceramic base, are designed to help style your hair better by heating up during blow-drying. If they’re clogged with hair, they simply can’t heat up properly.

More than just functionality, there’s also hygiene to consider. Brushes can collect hair, oil, dead skin cells, and dust, turning into a breeding ground for bacteria. Not something you want to brush back into your clean hair, right? Plus, all that gunk can create friction as you brush, potentially damaging your hair over time. And let’s not forget about build-up—old product and oil accumulating on your brush can be transferred back onto your hair, leaving it looking greasy and limp.

According to hair and beauty expert Monique McDown Rapier, using a dirty brush on your hair can make it look greasy. “If you have naturally oily hair or your hair gets greasy fast, you should be cleaning it at least every other week,” she says.

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How To Clean Hairbrushes

So, how do you get started? Here’s what you’ll need:

• Something to remove hair from the brush, like a rake tool or a rat-tail comb. These tools help you lift and pull out hair effectively.
• Warm water and a gentle cleanser, like shampoo or dish soap. For a deeper clean, you might add a bit of baking soda or vinegar, but be cautious with brushes made from delicate materials like wood.
• A soft scrubbing tool, like an old toothbrush, to really get into the nooks and crannies of the brush.

Cleaning your brushes isn’t just about dunking them in water. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively cleaning your hairbrushes:

1. Remove Hair: Start by pulling out all the hair from the bristles. Tools like a rake or a fine-toothed comb can make this job easier. Lift the hair from the base to ensure you get everything.
2. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution: Fill a sink or bowl with warm water and add your chosen cleaner. If you’re using a bowl, just make sure it’s big enough to fit your brushes comfortably.
3. Soak: Let your brushes soak for a few minutes to loosen the build-up. This makes the actual cleaning part easier.
4. Scrub: Take your toothbrush or scrubber and clean the bristles and the base of the brush. Don’t forget to clean the handle and the back of the brush, where product build-up can also occur.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: After scrubbing, rinse your brushes under running water to remove any soapy residue and loosened dirt.
6. Dry: Shake off excess water and lay your brushes on a clean towel to air dry.

For those fancy brushes, especially ones made of natural materials or with a padded base, avoid soaking them as it could damage the material. Instead, quickly dip the bristles in soapy water, scrub gently, and rinse immediately.

Maintenance is key! Regularly remove hair from your brushes to prevent build-up. And if you use a lot of product in your hair, consider cleaning your brushes more frequently to keep them in prime condition. You can even store them in a drawer or a cabinet to minimize dust accumulation.

Remember, a clean brush not only takes care of your hair better but also extends the lifespan of the brush itself. You don’t want to be throwing away brushes not because they’ve worn out, but simply because they were too dirty to be used effectively. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about seeing all that build-up wash away and knowing your hair will thank you for it.