How often should we be cleaning our hairbrushes?

We talk so much about washing our hair but how about cleaning our hairbrushes?

Logically speaking, if you don't clean the one tool that comes into contact with your hair the most, it makes sense that you'll be putting oil and dirt back into your locks.

Yet the question is how often should we do it and what's the most effective method?

Why should I clean my hairbrush?

Your brush can act like a sponge, collecting all the residue from your hair and the environment.

Hair care products like leave-in conditioners, gels, or hairsprays can build up on your hair and stick to the bristles of your brush.

Your brush also contains dead skin cells which can transfer back to your hair every time you run it through your locks.

Not to mention, we shed hair every day as the American Academy of Dermatology, states that it’s normal to shed 50 to 100 hairs a day.

How often should I be cleaning it?

There are no set rules to follow, it all depends on what products you use and how often you use them.

• If you regularly use styling creams, gels, or hairspray, a good rule of thumb is to make time to clean your brush once a week.
• If you don’t use much product in your hair you can do it every one to two weeks.
• It is recommended to remove any accumulated hair from the bristles every few days.

How to clean your brush

If you've never cleaned your brush before, the question of how to do it properly might be one you're looking for an answer to.

Kerry E. Yates, a trichologist and the founder of Colour Collective, spoke to Byrdie to share her tips and techniques for getting your hairbrush looking good as new.

• First things first, Kerry says to remove any hair caught in the bristles. You can do this by using a standard comb or the end of a rat tail comb.
• Then fill a sink with hot water before adding a tablespoon of shampoo and baking soda.
• Pop your brush or brushes in the solution and allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes.
• Then all that's left to do is remove them from the water and pat them dry.

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