Hygiene hairbrush warning as people told ‘clean it now’ – Wales Online
If you’ve found your hair getting more greasy more quickly for no conceivable reason, the answer may lie in your hairbrush hygiene. Are you cleaning your hairbrush as often as you should? We can guess you’ve probably said no. And whilst it may seem like something you don’t need or want to do, after knowing this, you’ll be leaping up to clean it as soon as possible. For the sake of our luscious locks, knowing how to clean a hairbrush is a crucial part of our haircare routine.
Anabel Kingsley, a certified trichologist at Philip Kingsley, explains that hairbrushes become coated in the products, bacteria, environmental pollution, sweat, oils and dead skin cells that are found on your hair and scalp. Brushing your hair is not only supposed to get tangles out, but it distributes sebum which ensures your scalp’s pH balance is maintained. However, if your brush is filthy, you’ll be throwing the pH balance totally off.
So, to avoid inflammation, irritation and dandruff, Kingsley recommends cleaning your brush every two to four weeks. She explains that if you use a dirty brush to comb or style your hair, you will be transferring dirt back onto your strands and scalp. Celebrity stylist Michael Douglas recommends washing your brush every 20 blow dries if you use hot hair tools often.
How do you clean a hairbrush? Kingsley provides a step-by-step guide on how to clean your brush. First, use a wide-tooth comb and/or your fingers to remove any strands of hair. Then, mix your regular shampoo with warm water or use 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 cups of warm water to soak your brush for 10-15 mins. Gently scrub between the prongs using a toothbrush, rinse well, and leave the brush to air dry.
If the bristles of your brush start to become misshapen due to heat and prolonged use, it’s time to replace it. Kingsley recommends a cushioned wooden paddle brush, while Douglas suggests a plastic comb-like brush for minimising damage, especially when brushing through wet hair.
Investing in the right hairbrush is crucial for durability and avoiding hair loss. Kingsley advises choosing a brush with widely spaced bristles to reduce friction on the hair. Remember, no brush should be too abrasive as it can cause breakage. So, run your brush over the back of your hand to check if it feels harmful. Choosing the right brush and maintaining its cleanliness is essential for healthy hair.
(Source: Wales Online)