Why You Should Be Cleaning Your Hair Brushes Regularly—and How to Do It Right
Ever wonder why your freshly washed hair feels greasy just hours later?
The culprit might be your dirty hairbrush.
When was the last time you cleaned your hairbrush? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone—but it’s time to make this an essential part of your routine. Hairbrushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, product buildup, and even fungus. Yes, your brush might be doing more harm than good to your clean hair! Every time you wash your hair and run a dirty brush through it, you’re putting all of that grime right back into your freshly cleaned strands. Gross, right? Let’s break down why cleaning your hairbrush is crucial and how you can do it effectively.
Why Your Hairbrush Needs Regular Cleaning
Hairbrushes don’t just collect stray hairs—they also hold onto dead skin cells, natural oils from your scalp, and remnants of styling products. Over time, this creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. If you’re dealing with scalp disorders like dandruff, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis, an unclean brush can exacerbate the problem, spreading bacteria or fungal spores with every stroke.
Even if you don’t have a scalp condition, dirty hairbrushes can lead to greasy-looking hair, clogged follicles, and even unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning not only keeps your hair healthy but also ensures your brush performs its best.
How Often Should You Clean Your Hairbrush?
Studies suggest that most people don’t clean their hairbrush nearly as often as they should. Ideally, you should clean your hairbrush:
Weekly: If you use a lot of styling products or have an oily scalp.
Biweekly: For normal use.
Monthly: As a bare minimum, though more frequent cleanings are recommended.
Pro Tips for Different Brush Types
Not all brushes are created equal! Here’s how to care for different materials:
Natural Bristles: Use gentle shampoo to avoid damaging the bristles and rinse quickly.
Plastic Brushes: These can withstand soaking for longer periods but should still be dried thoroughly.
Wooden Brushes: Avoid submerging the handle in water to prevent cracking—focus on cleaning the bristles instead.
How to Properly Clean Your Hairbrush
One of the best tools for disinfecting your hairbrush is Barbicide, a salon-grade disinfectant that’s easy to use and highly effective. You can grab your own bottle from Amazon or Sally Beauty Supply.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to deep cleaning your brush:
Remove Hair: Use a comb or your fingers to pull out any hair trapped in the brush. For stubborn tangles, a pair of tweezers works wonders.
Wash with Soap and Water: Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water (using a gentle shampoo works great). Dip the brush into the water and scrub the bristles with an old toothbrush to remove oils and product residue.
Disinfect with Barbicide:
Mix 2 ounces of Barbicide with 32 ounces of water in a container.
Submerge your brush in the solution for 10 minutes (no longer, as it can damage certain materials).
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and let air dry on a clean towel, bristle side down.
Dry Completely: Ensure your brush is completely dry before using it again to avoid introducing moisture (which can encourage mold growth).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Disinfection: Soap and water alone won’t kill bacteria and fungi. Always follow up with a disinfectant like Barbicide.
Over-Soaking Wooden Handles: This can cause warping or cracking. Only clean the bristles for wooden brushes.
Using Hot Water: It can damage certain materials and weaken glue in the brush base. Stick to lukewarm water.
Why This Matters for Scalp Health
If you’re struggling with a scalp disorder, an unclean hairbrush can hinder your progress. Dirty brushes can reinfect your scalp with bacteria or fungus, preventing treatments from working effectively. Keeping your brush clean ensures that your scalp treatments and hygiene efforts aren’t wasted.
Make Brush Cleaning a Routine
Think of cleaning your hairbrush as an extension of washing your hair—it’s just as important. A clean brush promotes healthier hair, reduces buildup, and keeps your scalp free from irritation. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to clean, and the results are absolutely worth it.
✨ Ready to start? Pick up a bottle of Barbicide here on Amazon or at your local Sally Beauty Supply and get your hairbrushes fresh and ready to go. Your hair (and your scalp) will thank you!