Combs and brushes are among the most important hair accessories that we use in our daily routine. They not only help us style our hair the way we like but also keep our hair healthy and shiny.
However, like other personal care items, combs and brushes have a lifespan. Using a damaged or outdated comb or brush can cause damaging effects on our hair, especially if it is fragile or thin.
1. Damaged Bristles
The condition of bristles of combs and brushes is one of the most significant factors that determine their effectiveness. If you notice that the bristles of your comb or brush are bent, broken, or missing altogether, then it is time to replace them.
Damaged bristles will not only fail to provide the desired results in styling, but they also might cause hair breakage, which will be detrimental to your hair health.
2. Hair Build-up in Hair Combs and Brushes
Over time, hair products such as mousse, hairspray, and conditioner, as well as natural oil from our hair, can build up in our hair combs and brushes. The result is that they become dirty and ineffective in styling our hair.
If you notice hair build-up in your comb or brush, then it’s time to replace it with a clean one.
3. Age of the Hair Combs and Brushes
Like many other products, combs and brushes have a limited lifespan. As time goes by, the bristles of the comb or brush will become weaker, and they won’t work as they used to.
A comb or brush older than six months will not effectively work, and it’s time to replace it.
4. Change of Hairstyle or Hair Type
When you change the texture or length of your hair, the previous comb or brush type may not be effective for the new hair type.
If, for instance, you have changed from long to short hair or curly to straight hair, you will need to change the comb or brush that suits the new hairstyle. This is because different hairstyles require specific comb or brush types.
5. Health Issues
Sharing combs and brushes with people who have hair or scalp infections or conditions such as lice, eczema, or psoriasis can be risky. It increases the likelihood of contracting the condition or infection.
Furthermore, if you or someone in your household has an infection or infestation, it’s essential to replace hair combs and brushes after treatment to avoid re-infection or re-infestation.
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6. Environmental Factors
The environment can damage hair combs and brushes, which can make them ineffective. For instance, direct sunlight, heat, and humidity can make a comb or brush brittle and break easily.
It’s essential to store combs and brushes in a drawer or container, and away from sunlight or heat.
7. Frequency of Use
The more you use a comb or brush, the faster it wears out. When a comb or brush has scratches, dents, or breaks from regular use, it’s time to replace it.
When brushing your hair, if you find you’re using more force than usual, then the brush might not be working correctly.
8. Changes in the Quality of Hair
If you’re noticing more hair or split ends falling out from brushing, it’s time to evaluate the condition of your brush or comb. A severe change in the quality of hair could also suggest the hair’s general health.
Suppose you do not notice any improvement in shedding or split ends after replacing your comb or brush. In that case, it may be worth considering changes to other hair care products or a visit to a qualified stylist for advice.
9. Changes in Styling Tools
As hairstyles and technologies in hair styling have evolved, so have the styling tools that we use.
Combs, brushes, and styling tools have changed significantly over the past decades, and newer styling tools can work better with updated hair types, styles, and technology.
10. Personal Preference
We all have our personal preferences when it comes to hair care accessories. However, personal sentimentality should not compromise the effectiveness of the comb or brush.
Suppose a comb or brush has significant value for you and holds precious memories, but it’s not effective. In that case, it might be worth storing the comb or brush away for safe-keeping.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hair combs and brushes play a vital role in our daily hair care regimen. The condition of our hair combs and brushes directly affects hair health and the quality of our hairstyle.
To avoid damaging our hair and our hair accessories, it is essential to know when it’s time to replace them. If you notice any signs of damage or ineffectiveness, you should replace them promptly.
