If you want to avoid hair damage, don’t use a dirty hairbrush

When it comes to beauty routines, the spotlight often shines on perfect skin care and hair treatments. However, a less glamorous but equally important task is equipment storage, which is often overlooked. Among the neglected household chores is cleaning your hairbrush properly. You may not think about it much, but it is essential for hair care. It helps remove loose hair and detangle hair, which is necessary to maintain hair health. Just like using a hairbrush, cleaning your hairbrush should not be neglected either. If your hairbrush is dirty, dirt and oil can build up on the bristles. All these impurities can affect the health of your hair and scalp. To avoid risks, know the side effects of a dirty hairbrush.

What are the side effects of a dirty hairbrush?

Before we move on to the side effects of a dirty hairbrush, let’s first talk about frequency. You may not think about brushing your hair much, but you should know how to comb it. You should also pay attention to the frequency. Frequent use of hair brushes can lead to hair loss, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, avoid brush strokes 100 times a day as this can damage your hair.

In addition to reducing the frequency of your brush strokes, be careful with your hairbrush as well. “A dirty hairbrush can have serious negative effects on both hair health and scalp hygiene,” says cosmetic physician and cosmetologist Dr. Karuna Malhotra. Over time, hairbrushes accumulate hair clumps, dust, oil, dead skin cells, and product residue. This buildup creates a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. “Using a dirty brush can cause these impurities to re-enter the scalp and clog the hair follicles (the tiny sacs in the skin where hair grows). This can lead to problems like dandruff and scalp irritation. ”says the expert.

Other side effects of a dirty hairbrush include:

• A buildup of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells weakens your hair and makes it more prone to breakage and split ends.
• Dirt and residue on your brushes can rob your hair of its natural shine, leaving it lifeless and unhealthy.
• Dirty brushes can pull hair unevenly, causing unnecessary stress and leading to hair loss over time.
• Debris on your brushes can trap odors and leave your hair with an unpleasant odor.
• Dirty brushes can encourage the spread of lice and fungal infections, especially if shared with others.

How to clean a hairbrush?

Learn how to clean your hairbrush to avoid the side effects of a dirty hairbrush. “All you need to remove the stain is hot water, a gentle shampoo, or baking soda,” says the expert.

• Remove the hair from the brush.
• Mix hot water and shampoo in a bowl. For a deep clean, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
• Soak the brush in this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Gently scrub with an old toothbrush, rinse and air dry.

How to clean a lice comb?

If you have head lice (small insects that live in your hair and cause itching, especially on your head and neck), you should clean your comb more rigorously.

• Remove any trapped hair and rinse the lice comb with warm water.
• Mix white vinegar with water and soak the comb for 10 minutes to kill lice and nits. In a 2012 study published in the ISRN Dermatology journal, researchers found that combining vinegar and water loosened lice traps and facilitated their removal from the head.
• Scrub with a toothbrush, rinse with hot water, and dry. “This prevents reinfection and maintains hygiene,” says Dr. Malhotra.

How often to clean your hairbrush

To avoid side effects from a dirty hairbrush, clean your hairbrush every 1-2 weeks, depending on usage and hair type. “If you use hair styling products frequently or your hair is oily, weekly cleaning is recommended,” say the experts. For people who use minimal products and have minimal hair loss, cleaning every two weeks is sufficient. This routine will prevent dirt buildup and avoid the side effects of a dirty hairbrush.

Side effects of a dirty hairbrush: Know when to replace it

Replace your hairbrush every six months to a year to avoid having to deal with the side effects of a dirty hairbrush. In some cases, even regular cleaning may not completely remove dirt, oil, and other impurities from your hairbrush.

“If the bristles become bent, break, or begin to fall out, or the cushion shows signs of wear, these are clear signs that the brush is not suitable for use,” says the expert. Continuing to use worn-out brushes can damage your hair strands, irritate your scalp, and prevent detangling effectively, leading to hair breakage. Regularly evaluating the condition of your brush will ensure that it remains a useful tool for maintaining healthy hair.

You don’t need to brush your hair 100 times a day, but you should detangle your hair with a comb or hairbrush. Make sure to keep it clean, as using a dirty hairbrush can have side effects. Clean this tool weekly to remove build-up and protect your hair.