A professional hairdresser has revealed that the real reason behind many people’s hair loss could be entirely avoidable. She pointed out that many people don’t actually know how to properly care for their hairbrush – arguably the most crucial tool in your haircare routine.
Margot Thorne, a professional hairdresser at LOOKFANTASTIC, recommends washing your brush at least once a week, especially for those with natural curls or thin hair. If you haven’t cleaned your hairbrush in a while, you’re probably not alone, but it’s best to start with a 4-step deep clean.
Firstly, remove any excess hair tangled in the bristles and then soak your brush in warm water with a mild degreasing soap or white vinegar. This will get rid of any leftover product, oil and grease it has picked up from your hair.
After soaking for a bit, take the brush out and scrub between the bristles, ideally with a toothbrush, to further remove any stubborn product and grime.
Once you have a sparkling clean brush, you need to thoroughly dry it before using it again. You can use your regular shampoo to give your brush a weekly maintenance clean going forward.
Margot also advised people to keep one eye open at their hairdressers and ensure the brushes being used are washed between every client.
She cautioned that many are unaware of the need to clean their hairbrushes, which can lead to a host of problems. The build-up of dirt, product, and oil from not cleaning your brush can leave your hair looking greasy.
In more severe cases, dirty hairbrushes might lead to bacterial infections, especially if there are micro-cuts or abrasions on the scalp caused by hair tools.
She warned: “Left untreated, this can cause hair loss.”