Your Hairbrush Is Rougher Than You Think
As far as beauty tools go, your comb gets very rough, very quickly. People shed an average of 50–100 hairs a day , many of which get stuck in their brushes along with hair product buildup, dead skin cells, and dust (a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi to grow). If you don’t keep your brush clean, this dirt can get back into your hair, which not only makes your hair look dirty and increases the risk of tangles and damage, but can also worsen scalp problems like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
If your brush looks like it needs cleaning, it probably does. You should remove hair from your brush as it accumulates (about every day) and thoroughly cleanse your hair once a week if you use any styling products such as gel or hairspray (or every two to three weeks if you don’t do that). .
How to clean a comb
First things first: Pull the hair out of the bristles of the brush. Start with your fingers, but if there are clumps that are stuck, you can dig them out with a pointed object such as a chopstick, toothpick, or the sharp end of a comb, or cut them with scissors. Again, do this regularly to prevent buildup.
Next you need to wash your brush:
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Fill a stopped sink, trash can or bowl with warm, soapy water. You can use dish soap or mild shampoo to clean synthetic (plastic and rubber) brushes, but if your brush is natural (wood or boar bristle), use sulfate-free shampoo. You can also add one or two teaspoons of baking soda.
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Soak the synthetic brush, including the bristles, for 10 minutes. When using natural or filled brushes, dip the bristles in water, but do not submerge them. This will soften any large particles so they are easier to remove.
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Remove the brush, shake it off, and re-soak if there is a lot of residue left.
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Use your fingers to remove dirt from individual bristles.
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Use a clean spare toothbrush dipped in soapy water to scrub the base and top of the bristles. Rub any areas where there is buildup.
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Rinse the brush in cool running water, wring out or shake off any excess, and place it face down to dry.
Cleaning your brush regularly will prolong its life, but there will come a time when it is best to replace it, such as if the bristles are broken, bent, missing or cracked. Check your brush regularly.