Most people put a lot of work into keeping their skin and hair clean. You shampoo often, and you do a good job of keeping your hair well cared for with top-of-the-line products. How much time and attention do you put into the hair brushes you use every day? Sometimes, this can be a breeding ground for bacteria, creating a risk of contaminating your hair and, more importantly, your scalp with every stroke through your hair. It is necessary to do what it takes to keep your hair brushes clean to avoid this. It is also not difficult to do.
What’s On Your Hair Brush?
Hair brushes move through the hair picking up the natural oils of the scalp and on the hair. Over time, those oils buildup on the surface of the bristles. Oils attract debris, and over time, they also attract bacteria and other microorganisms. As these feed off of your hair brush, they are then introduced onto the hair and even down onto the scalp as you brush your hair. This can create damage to the scalp because it allows new bacteria to infiltrate the hair. Depending on where you store your hair brush (such as the bathroom), you may end up with significant bacteria buildup.
When this happens, bacteria invade the skin and hair follicles. Of course, once on the scalp, the oils present help to feed the bacteria allowing it to grow and develop rapidly. It does not take long for this to cause inflammation at the scalp. It may lead to clogged hair follicles, inflammation, and redness, and for some infections.
How Do You Keep Your Brush Clean?
Keeping your hair brush clean is a big part of keeping your scalp healthy. The easiest way to do this is to just to use the same shampoo you are using to wash your hair on your brush. You can also use a mild dishwashing soap in the same way. Apply it, lather it with warm water, and work into the brush. Get all the way to the bottom to ensure you pull up as much of the bacteria and debris located in the brush.
Choose a clarifying shampoo for the best results. This helps to break down any buildup on the brush’s bristles. It only takes a few minutes of doing this to get all of that debris off. Then, rinse well under warm to hot water. Allow for all of the soap to come off.
The next step is to dry the brushes thoroughly. Place them on a clean towel in a cool, dry location. If possible the bristle side should face down to help encourage the water to dry throughout the brush.
Try to do this at least one time a week. If your scalp is oily, do it more often. It does not have to take more than a few minutes.
Why Is Keeping Your Hair Brush Clean So Important?
If you do not wash your hair brush enough, it can cause a number of problems. First, as noted, the oils in your hair will build up on the brush. Over time, this means you are pushing all of that bacteria back into your hair. It can cause irritation and inflammation. If your head feels itchy or you have areas where the scalp is painful, that could be from the bacteria buildup on your scalp.
If you notice any changes to your scalp or any buildup there, it is a good idea to work closely with your doctor to minimize it. If an infection occurs, you may need medications to help treat it. Otherwise, use a mild and natural shampoo on your hair to keep it as clean as possible. If there is a significant amount of irritation, skip the chemical products for a few days. Avoid over styling as well.
It does not take a lot of work to keep your hair clean and bacteria-free, especially if you pay close attention to your hair brush. Be sure to do this with all hair brushes and combs that you own and use on your hair, and repeat the process at least weekly.
If you are experiencing an itchy scalp, reach out to the team at Unique Hair Concepts for a complimentary hair and scalp analysis.
