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How Often Should You Wash Your Hairbrush?

A boar bristle hair brush has hairs coming out of it.
ARTFULLY PHOTOGRAPHER/Shutterstock.com

By now, you’re probably tired of being told that another beauty product in your home needs to be cleaned. But seriously, when was the last time you washed your hairbrush?

We aren’t talking about those times you pulled out clumps of hair wrapped around the brush’s bristles. We’re talking about actually deep-cleaning your hairbrush. Turns out, you should be doing so every few weeks (and once a week for those who use hair products daily).

Not to gross you out, but your hairbrush collects much more than hair. Hairbrushes often accumulate hair product build-up, oil, dust mites, and dead skin cells. Thought it couldn’t get worse? Turns out, additional bacteria and fungus can even grow in our hairbrushes if unwashed.

Double Sided Hair Brush Cleaner Tool

Save your toothbrush for your mouth and use this tool instead.

Before you run to your bathroom to scrub your hairbrush, it’s important to note that any soap or shampoo is okay to use on synthetic brushes like plastic and rubber. For natural hairbrushes made of wood or boar, though, opt for a gentler wash like sulfate-free shampoo.

Simply soak the brush in warm soapy water for ten minutes (if the brush is made of natural material, don’t soak, just dip it in the water). Then, use a toothbrush—that you won’t put in your mouth anymore—and scrub in between the bristles to remove any gunk.

Another hygiene product that many don’t realize needs to be cleaned frequently is your loofah. Haven’t washed that in a while either? You may want to get on that.

Lindsay Ray Lindsay Ray
Lindsay is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently living in Arizona. She has several years of experience as a freelance writer and reporter, with a specialized interest in the beauty and lifestyle space. From beauty hacks to DIY home décor and everything in between -- Lindsay has a passion for crafting stories that entertain, educate, and inspire. Her writing has appeared in Thought Catalog, The List, Drink Me Magazine, the Auburn Examiner, and Litro Magazine in the United Kingdom. Read Full Bio »
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