It's probably time you gave your hairbrush a deep clean - and here's how to do it. Brushing your hair has a plethora of benefits - from distributing natural oils from the scalp to detangling those pesky knots and even stimulating blood flow and circulation in the scalp. Plus, it can sometimes feel quite therapeutic and relaxing.
However, if your hairbrush is starting to look a bit wild, filled with matted loose hair and white specks - it could be causing more harm than good. Two hair experts have revealed exactly how often you should wash your hairbrush, why it's important, and the best cleaning techniques to follow. Anabel Kingsley is a certified trichologist at hair care brand Philip Kingsley.
She has warned that our hairbrushes can quickly become 'coated' in bacteria, environmental pollution, sweat, oils and dead skin, as well as leftover product. This nasty build-up can throw off the pH of your hair - which usually helps distribute sebum and ensures your scalp stays healthy. Using a dirty brush can therefore risk some nasty symptoms such as inflammation of the scalp, irritation, and dandruff , while making your hair greasy faster than normal.
Brushing your hair too much can lead to similar problems, including a sore head and flaky scalp. "You clean your make-up brushes regularly to remove grime, and you should be doing this with your hairbrush too," Anabel told the Independent. "If you use a dirty brush to comb or style your hair, you will be transferring dirt etc back on.