Most people live under the impression that washing their hair is the only significant aspect of their haircare routine. But, it is of equal importance to note that your hairbrushes need a fair bit of attention too.

Given that it remains in close contact with your scalp and locks, it often becomes the breeding ground for bacteria and dirt, making it of extreme importance to clean them from time to time. But how often should you clean your hair brushes and combs? Read on to find out!.

What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your Hair Brushes?

Not cleaning your hair brushes regularly can pose a handful of serious problems. Here are some of them:.

Hair Health is Affected

Dirty hair brushes can lead to unforeseen hair-related issues, including dandruff, itchy scalp, and hair breakage. When you brush your hair, the dead skin cells, oil, and product buildup accumulate on your bristles.

If left uncleaned, these particles accumulate, leading to clogged follicles, increasing the risk of infections and other hair problems.

Lack of Shine and Luster

The accumulation of hair, oils, and products can make your hair appear dull and lackluster. The buildup acts as a shield around your hair, preventing it from getting the necessary nutrients it needs, negatively impacting its health and appearance.

Higher Risk of Infections

If your scalp is prone to infections, then it becomes all the more essential to keep your hair brushes clean. Bacteria, yeast, and other germs can easily lurk inside the bristles, which may lead to recurring infections.

When to Clean Your Hair Brush

Now that you know the potential drawbacks of not cleaning your hair brushes, let’s dive in to understand how often should you clean your hairbrushes:.

Based on Usage

On average, your hairbrushes should be cleaned at least once a week, but how often you clean your hairbrushes can depend on how frequently you brush or use it.

For people who use their brushes or combs daily, including those with longer hair, it might be necessary to clean their brushes twice a week.

Based on the Type of Hair Brush/Comb

Not all hair brushes/ combs are created equal and the same cleaning technique might not apply to all. Here’s what you need to know based on the type of brush:.

1. Paddle Brush/Flat Brush

A paddle brush/ flat brush is the ideal tool for detangling long, thick hair. If you have long hair that quickly tangles up, you should clean your paddle brush twice a month.

Related Article When is the right time to clean hair brushes?

2. Boar Bristle Brush

This type of brush is ideal for people with thinner hair as it helps in distributing the oils evenly throughout the scalp, making the hair appear shiny and well-conditioned.

To keep your boar bristle brush clean and healthy, you should be cleaning it twice a month, or once every three weeks.

3. Round Brush

Round brushes are great for achieving that perfect salon blowout at home. If you use your round brush regularly, then consider cleaning it once a week.

4. Wide-Tooth Comb/ Fine-Tooth Comb

This type of comb is excellent for detangling your locks without much damage. If you use wide-tooth or fine-tooth combs often, you should be cleaning them once a week.

How to Clean Your Hair Brush

To keep your hairbrushes clean, follow these simple steps:.

Step 1: Remove Hair from Your Hair Brush

Use a comb or your fingers to remove hair entangled in the brush bristles.

Step 2: Soak the Brush in Soap and Water

Fill a container with warm water and add a dollop of shampoo or soap. Now dip your brush into this solution, ensuring that the bristles are entirely immersed in it. Let the brush soak for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3: Use a Comb to Clean the Bristles

After soaking, use a small comb or a toothbrush to remove the remaining hair or product buildup that has loosened up.

Step 4: Rinse the Brush and Let It Dry

Rinse the brush under lukewarm running water to flush out the shampoo and product residue. Finally, let it air dry before you use it again.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know how often you should clean your hairbrushes, you must make it a part of your regular hair care routine.

For healthy hair, it’s not only necessary to use clean tools, but it also helps keep hygiene-related risks at bay and prolongs the shelf life of your hairbrushes.