Hygiene hairbrush warning as people told ‘clean it now’
If you’ve found your hair getting greasier more quickly for no apparent reason, the culprit may be hiding in your hairbrush hygiene. Anabel Kingsley, a certified trichologist at Philip Kingsley, highlights the importance of keeping our hairbrushes clean due to the buildup of products, bacteria, pollution, sweat, oils, and dead skin cells that accumulate on them from our hair and scalp. Proper hairbrush hygiene is crucial for maintaining our scalp’s pH balance and avoiding issues like inflammation, irritation, and dandruff.
Kingsley recommends cleaning your brush every two to four weeks to prevent transferring dirt and grime back onto your hair and scalp, especially if you use hot hair tools frequently. To clean your brush effectively, Kingsley provides a step-by-step guide:
First, remove any hair strands from the brush using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.
Next, mix your regular shampoo with warm water or a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 cups of warm water in a container or sink. Soak your brush for 10-15 minutes, ensuring not to soak wooden brushes.
Then, gently scrub between the prongs with a toothbrush before rinsing the brush thoroughly and allowing it to air dry. Avoid blow-drying the brush as it can damage the prongs and shape, opt for natural air drying instead.
Celebrity stylist Michael Douglas suggests washing your brush every 20 blow dries if you use hot hair tools frequently. When it comes to replacing your brush, Douglas advises doing so when the bristles start to misshape from heat or prolonged use of a hairdryer.
Investing in a high-quality hairbrush can make a significant difference in minimising hair loss and damage. Douglas recommends brushes with widely spaced bristles to reduce friction on the hair, while Kingsley suggests cushioned wooden paddle brushes for gentle use. To test if a brush is too abrasive, run it over the back of your hand – if it feels rough or causes red marks, it may be too harsh for your hair.
Ensuring proper hairbrush hygiene and investing in the right type of brush can contribute to healthier, luscious locks and a more effective haircare routine.
Source: Wales Online.