How to Clean Hairbrush: Hairstylists Share Their Tips

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that eliminating dirt and debris is important for maintaining a healthy scalp. Just like and cleaning your , your hairbrush requires constant upkeep to prevent the spread of bacteria and dead skin cells.The first sign that your hairbrush needs a good cleaning?

Gray fuzzies. “When you start to see gray fuzzies or buildup on your brush, this is an indication that it’s time to give your brush a major cleaning, or simply get a new brush,” says , style and color master for ., hairstylist at in Chicago, agrees and stresses the importance of removing these particles. “Cleaning your brush is important because this gross mixture will then transfer back onto your head,” she says. “This can cause bacteria to grow and make your hair look dirty.”The accumulation of gray fuzzies is just as gross as you think. “This buildup is usually a combination of dust, fibers, oils, discarded dry skin cells, and hair products that have been transferred from our hair to the brush,” says Olson.Using a brush with gray fuzzies can be seriously damaging to your strands, so it's important to clean them off. “Rebrushing this buildup back into your hair can lead to hair issues, odor, and buildup of bacteria on your hair and scalp,” Olson adds.To help prevent buildup, hairstylist and colorist recommends keeping your brushes in a safe space. “Gray fuzzies are usually dust and particles in the air (clothing/towel fibers) that attach to the bristles,” he says. “It’s important to store your brushes in a closed space and clean them regularly so products such as hairspray, gels, oils, etc., don’t allow for more of these particles to stick.”Consistency is key, and Olson recommends a thorough monthly cleaning. “You should be cleaning your hairbrush thoroughly.