There are a lot of things you aren't taught in school, and some them are beauty-related. Don't worry, we're here to help you educate yourself on things no one taught you, including how to take care of your hairbrush.
Everyone uses a hairbrush, but how do you take care of it? How do you clean one? We're here to help.
The first thing to consider when taking care of your hairbrush is what kind of hairbrush you are using. Are you using a synthetic one or a natural one? Both have slightly different care routines.
Synthetic hairbrushes are great because they help detangle your hair better and are quick-drying. According to C.O. Bigelow, they are best for thicker or coarse hair.
Natural brushes are better for those with different types of hair because they can help smooth hair and minimize frizz, and they also give your hair a super glossy finish. You might also find yourself with a combo of both types of brushes, which will give you the best of both worlds.
No matter the type of brush it is, a hairbrush requires cleaning at least every two weeks, according to Real Simple. You should be removing the hair and lint from your brush this often. After you wash your brush, you might still notice some lint on it, and the easiest way to remove it is by using a dry toothbrush between the bristles. The brush should be swept both horizontally and vertically to get rid of as much lint as possible.
How to clean your brushes
Taking care of your brushes does include cleaning them. Cleaning them will also make the brushes last longer, but if you want to know when it is time to replace your hairbrush, we've also got you covered.
Synthetic Brushes
To clean and take care of your synthetic brushes, experts told Real Simple that you should remove all the hair and lint you can, wash your brush in your sink with about one to two teaspoons of shampoo, and make sure you're creating some suds. Let your brush soak for at least 10 minutes, and once the soaking is done, use a dry toothbrush to scrub it clean. Rinse and then sanitize. Real Simple suggests using equal parts of isopropyl alcohol and water, placing your brush on a towel, and letting it dry.
Natural Brushes
Just like with synthetic brushes, you need to remove the hair and lint buildup. To wash these, Real Simple suggests you use a shallow bowl full of warm water and one teaspoon of gentle shampoo. When you put your brush in the bowl, make sure just the bristles are underwater. Soak for 10 minutes, remove the brush, and work the suds in between the bristles, making sure they are well-coated. Clean the brush handle and wipe it dry (since it's likely wood). Place the bristle down and let it dry.