We use our hairbrushes daily but may forget to clean them as often as necessary.
That leads to build-up of hair, dust, sebum and residues from styling products.
You can prevent that, plus avoid the spread of bacteria and fungi and extend the lifespan of your hairbrush. All that will ensure you have healthy, well-groomed hair
Try these simple steps to make sure your hairbrush is hygienically clean.
Before starting the actual cleaning process, remove loose hairs from the brush with your fingers or a comb.
You can get rid of stubborn hairs by carefully loosening them with tweezers or nail scissors, says consumer protection platform Oko-Test on its website.
Read more: Ask The Expert: Keeping your scalp healthy, and other haircare doubts clarified
Proper cleaning depends on brush material
The care required for a hairbrush depends on its material.
Plastic and metal brushes are particularly easy to clean in a warm water bath.
To do this, fill a bowl or the sink with lukewarm water and add a splash of mild shampoo, washing-up liquid or vinegar. Soak the brush with the bristles facing downwards for 10 to 15 minutes, then clean it with an old toothbrush or your fingers. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly with water.
Wooden and bamboo brushes should not be left in water for too long, as moisture can cause the material to swell. Instead, it is sufficient to massage a mild shampoo directly into the bristles and then rinse with a small amount of water.
Do the same for hairbrushes with natural bristles, such as boar bristles.
Drying for durability
Once your hairbrush is clean, it is important to dry it properly. Ideally, it should be placed bristles down on a towel to allow excess water to drain off.
Don't dry it directly on a radiator or with a hairdryer says Oko-Test, as heat can damage the material it is made from.
To protect the brush from accumulating fresh dirt, store it in a dry, clean place.
Read more: Layered manes, textured styles, bobs: These hairstyles are currently trending
Or clean it with shaving foam
For speed, you can also use shaving foam. Simply apply it to the brush, massage it in and rinse with clear water after about 10 minutes.
However, many conventional shaving foams contain ingredients that are not very sustainable. If you are keen to protect the environment use certified natural cosmetics instead, says Oko-Test.
How often should I clean my hairbrush?
It depends on your individual usage. If you use styling products daily or have long hair, ideally clean your brush once a week.
For normal use, cleaning it thoroughly once or twice a month is sufficient.
To prevent excessive build-up of hair, ideally, remove loose hairs each time you use it. – dpa
