Taking proper care of your hair brush is important to keep hair at its best. Dirty hairbrushes can transfer grime and germs back and forth between your head and the brush. It's not hard to wash your hairbrushes; after you get into the habit, it should become second nature. Hair brushes should be washed anywhere from once a week to once a month, depending on your preferences and on whether hair products are used, such as gels or hairspray. These can build up on the brush over time, leading to a more frequent need to wash the brush.
Those who share hair brushes should also wash their brushes more frequently, although sharing of brushes is not recommended. According to the Mayo Clinic, sharing hairbrushes can increase the chances of contracting lice from infected people.
Cleaning Your Brush
Step 1
Fill your sink or a bucket with warm water mixed with a small amount of mild shampoo. Plastic brushes that are padded and brushes with boars head bristles or wooden handles should not be soaked because this can be damaging to these types of brushes. These brushes should be swished gently in the soapy water. Other brushes can be soaked for 15 minutes, if desired.
Step 2
Rinse brushes under warm running water. If the brush still seems dirty or you use hair gels, mousse or hairspray, refill the sink again with warm water and a pinch of baking soda and swirl the hairbrush in this mixture. This will help dissolve any leftover hair products. Rinse under warm running water again.
Step 3
Hang brushes bristle side down to dry. This will allow any remaining water to drain out.
Tips and Warnings
- If using a vented, padded brush, replace it at least once a year. Washing this type of brush allows water to get into the padding and can damage the brush over time, so buying a new brush every so often is a good idea. These types of brushes are good for people who have fragile hair or sensitive scalps, advises Hair Finder. Always store hairbrushes with the bristles facing down to keep dust from settling on the brush.
- Don't share hairbrushes if you can help it. Sharing brushes can spread germs and grime from one person to another.
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo
- Baking Soda
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