When Was the Last Time You Washed Your Hairbrush? Experts Advise Weekly Cleaning
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Hairbrushes accumulate dirt, oil, product residue, and bacteria, which can transfer back to clean hair.
- Regular cleaning prevents hair from becoming weighed down, keeps the scalp healthier, and reduces the risk of irritation or dandruff.
- Experts recommend removing visible hair daily and washing the brush weekly with mild soap, allowing it to air dry.
Most people rarely, if ever, wash their hairbrushes, allowing a buildup of dirt, oil, product residue, and bacteria. This accumulated grime can then be transferred back onto freshly washed hair, defeating the purpose of cleansing.
Ako ฤetku ne perete, na njoj se s vremenom skupljaju prljavลกtina, masnoฤa, ostaci proizvoda i bakterije, a sve to se zatim lako vraฤa na svjeลพe opranu kosu.
According to hairstylist Shelly Aguirre, brushes collect not only hair but also scalp sebum, styling product remnants like mousse, hairspray, and dry shampoo, and oils. Failing to clean the brush means this buildup can weigh hair down, make the scalp greasy, and potentially lead to irritation or dandruff.
Certified trichologist William Gaunitz emphasizes practical benefits beyond hygiene. A clean brush allows hair to glide more smoothly, reducing snagging and breakage. It also helps distribute natural scalp oils, potentially balancing moisture. Regular washing minimizes the risk of fungal or bacterial growth on the brush, preventing their constant return to the scalp and subsequent inflammation.
Na njoj se nakuplja kosa, ali i naslage s tjemena, poput sebuma, te ostatci proizvoda, primjerice pjene, lak, suhi ลกampon, ulja i sl.
As a general guideline, hair should be removed from the brush daily, and the brush itself should be washed weekly. This can be done with warm water and mild soap, followed by air drying. Gaunitz suggests using a gentle, natural, unscented soap to avoid residue. The frequency may vary based on individual habits, such as the amount of styling products used, scalp oiliness, and hair type, with some needing to wash their brush every few days and others perhaps monthly.
Gauniz napominje i da redovito pranje smanjuje rizik od nakupljanja gljivica, bakterija i drugih nepoลพeljnih 'stanara' koji se mogu stalno vraฤati na tjeme i poticati upale.
Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.