Dirty Hairbrush Could Be Harming Your Hair and Scalp Health

Regularly cleaning your hairbrush may be as important as washing your hair, according to trichologist Mark Blake. He explains that a hairbrush can accumulate sebum, dead skin cells, sweat, dust, and styling product residue, which can then be reapplied to freshly washed hair.

This build-up can make hair appear greasy, lank, and dull, particularly affecting those with fine hair. The residue can weigh hair down and may even contribute to an unpleasant smell. Blake likens the practice of using a dirty brush on clean hair to wearing dirty clothes after a shower.

Beyond aesthetic concerns, uncleaned brushes can harbor microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and fungi, including species associated with skin and scalp infections. While not every unwashed brush is dangerous, Blake stresses that basic hygiene is essential, especially as bathrooms, where brushes are often stored, can be warm and moist, promoting microbial growth.

Repeated contact with a dirty brush can also lead to scalp irritation. The scalp, being skin, can become sensitive or inflamed due to the accumulation of sebum, product residue, dead skin cells, and microorganisms. This is comparable to using unwashed makeup brushes on the face.

For active individuals, sweat from exercise can add to the build-up on the brush. Yeast like Malassezia globosa, a normal part of the scalp microbiome and linked to dandruff, can also be collected. While the presence of these microorganisms is normal, cleaning the brush becomes more crucial when it's exposed to sweat and oils.

A dirty brush can also cause more pulling and tension on the hair. Removing oils, dead skin, sweat, and product residue from the bristles helps the brush glide through hair more smoothly, reducing the risk of breakage, especially when brushing wet hair which is more vulnerable to damage.

Blake recommends removing trapped hair after each use and thoroughly cleaning the brush about once a week. For a standard brush, this involves washing it with warm water and a small amount of shampoo, paying attention to the bristle base where debris collects. Shampoos containing salicylic acid can help break down oils and product residue. He also advises against sharing hairbrushes.

KILLABRUSH has developed what it claims is the world's first active antimicrobial hairbrush, aiming to address the often-overlooked aspect of hairbrush hygiene in overall scalp care routines.