Did you know that the average hairbrush contains almost 3,500 bacteria colonies per square inch, according to the University of Arizona? That’s because dead skin cells and residue from hair products accumulate on brush bristles and spokes, attracting microbes that can damage your scalp. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to keep your hairbrush clean. Just follow the steps below!
Choose the Right Cleaning Items
You don’t need to buy expensive products to sanitize your hairbrush. In fact, you can keep your brush clean with everyday items you have around the home. Soap or shampoo will be enough to remove dirt, product build-up, and other grimy stuff from your brush. However, if those things don’t work, an old toothbrush definitely will.
Wash Your Brush in Warm Water and Apply Soap/Shampoo
Start by washing your hairbrush in a sink with warm water for 30 seconds. You’ll probably notice the water removes a lot of hair from the brush. Then apply soap or shampoo to your brush and work it through the bristles or spokes with your fingers. Rinse your brush with warm water for another 30 seconds.
Use an Old Toothbrush
If the above method doesn’t work, get an old toothbrush and gently scrub your hairbrush with it. Then rinse your brush again. Shake the hairbrush gently to remove water and wrap it in a clean hand towel for five minutes. Now it should look as good as new!
Bonus Tips for Cleaning Your Hairbrush
Check out these additional tips to keep your brush free from bacteria:
How frequently you clean your hairbrush depends on how often you use it and the type of material. Natural boar bristle brushes, for example, attract more bacteria than synthetic brushes because they contain animal hair.
You might have to clean your hairbrush more often if you use oils, creams, dry shampoo, and other hair products. Residue from these items accumulates in your brush over time, affecting its performance.
Sometimes, it might be easier to replace your hairbrush than keep cleaning it, especially if it’s full of gunk from product build-up. A brand-new brush will perform better than a really old and used one, helping you maintain your hair.
Takeaway
With frequent use, even salon-grade hairbrushes can attract bacteria, meaning you should clean them regularly. You only need soap or shampoo, an old toothbrush, and a clean hand towel to achieve this goal. Follow the simple steps above at least every few weeks to keep all your brushes looking their best!
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Photo credit: eminens via Pixabay
