How to keep your hair brush clean. Simple tricks for impeccable hygiene and a longer life of your styling accessories
Hair brushes, often ignored, can affect hair health if not properly cleaned.
Although they often go unnoticed, brushes accumulate oils, products of product and bacteria, which is why it is essential to clean them frequently. Just as we are concerned about how often the textiles should be washed – be they towels or clothes – we should also take into account that hair care utensils should be hygiene regularly, even if many tend to ignore them.
If used for a long time without cleaning, brushes can constantly contaminate the hair, affecting the health of the scalp and hairs.
Lucía Lipperheide, creators of specialized content in cleaning and household tricks, frequently offers simple and efficient solutions for maintaining household objects. She explained in a recent post on social networks how you can cleanse hair brush, without aggressive chemicals and, in some cases, even without having to use it, so you can enjoy a clean scalp and healthy hair.
Correctly cared hair brushes ensure the cleanliness of the scalp and the health of the photo tvnova12 MK
Ammonia and vinegar – effective solutions for cleaning the hair brush
To effectively eliminate the residues, oils and bacteria accumulated on the brush, the first important step is to remove the hair, using a comb or a scissors. If they remain, the dirt will continue to gather and affect the hygiene of the brush.
After the brush has been cleaned by the hairs, a mixture of a liter of water, a cup of white vinegar (or cleaning vinegar) and 15 drops of tea tree oil can be prepared. Heat the solution until it becomes hot, then place a sieve on top of the pot, on which the round brushes are supported, for 3 minutes, rotating every 30 seconds.
The flat brushes are left with the brushes down for 2 minutes, to dry properly. In the end, they are wiped with a disinfectant cloth, to remove any trace of dirt and to obtain a deep cleaning.
Simple and effective brush disinfection methods right at home
Sometimes, the simple brush washing is not sufficient for a deep cleaning – special products or disinfectant solutions are needed. Although in the trade there are dedicated solutions, the most efficient and accessible methods often come from household tricks.
One of the most recommended is the use of ammonia. Prepare a solution from a quarter of an ammonia cup and a cup of water. The mixture is safe for most brushes, but it is important to wear protective gloves to avoid skin irritation.
The brush is left to soak in the ammonia solution, then rinse well with warm water. It is essential to allow it to dry completely before reuse, to prevent any risk for scalp and hair health.
An effective alternative is white vinegar cleaning. Mix half a cup of vinegar with half a cup of warm water and leave the brush for about 30 minutes. Attention: Do not exceed this interval, because vinegar can damage the wires of the brush.
Signs that brush needs to be changed and tricks to extend your life
Even if it does not seem at first glance, hair brushes are deteriorating over time, especially by repeated use. The first signs appear at the level of the pears: some may be missing, and others are visibly worn – a clear indication that the brush should be replaced.
However, the life of a brush can be prolonged by proper maintenance. A simple and efficient trick is the occasional washing with shampoo – a recommendation supported by some specialists – which helps keep the brush in good condition for longer. As mentioned above, there are also natural cleaning methods that can be as effective.
Equally important is to remove the hair left after each use. This simple gesture contributes to both hygiene and extending the life of the brush.
Why should the brush and hair accessories be regularly cleaned or replaced
One of the most important reasons why brush and other hair accessories must be cleaned – or even replaced – is that they can become true “Nests” of microbes. Over time, they accumulate impurities, sebum, dust and residues of cosmetics, which turns them into a real risk for scalp health.
The frequency of cleaning depends on how they are used. For example, a flat brush, used daily for combing or hair loss, needs more frequent hygiene.
In contrast, the round brush, usually used in the hairdressing (brushing type), can be cleaned less – but also regularly.
How often should the hair brush be cleaned and replaced
Specialists recommend that brushes and combs should be cleaned every 7–15 days, to maintain an optimal level of hygiene and prevent impurities.
It is also important that these accessories are replaced periodically with some new ones – a step often neglected due to the uncertainty about the correct choice. In this case, it is best to ask for the advice of your hair stylist, who knows your hair type and specific needs.
Metallic or ceramic combs are ideal for brushing (brushing), because they allow the uniform heating of the inside to the inside. In contrast, natural fiber brushes offer a milder finish and highlight the natural appearance of the hair, but require more time to achieve the same result.
For this reason, many experts recommend that you have at least two brushes: one for hair removal before bedtime and another for quick hair arrangement in the morning, before leaving the house. Choosing the right brushes is essential, but equally important is their maintenance – by regular cleaning, according to the recommended methods, so that they are always in optimal condition for use.
