If your hair gets greasy fast, your scalp feels itchy, or you keep seeing little flakes that come and go, there’s one overlooked factor that can make everything feel harder: a dirty hairbrush.
A brush doesn’t just collect hair. It collects oil, styling products, dust, lint, and dead skin. Then, every time you brush, you can spread that mix back through your hair and onto your scalp.
This is not meant to gross you out. It’s meant to give you a quick win.
How often should you clean your brush?
It depends on how often you use styling products and dry shampoo, but a simple guideline is:
- Remove hair from the brush weekly
- Wash the brush about every 2 to 4 weeks
If you use lots of product or dry shampoo, lean closer to every 2 weeks.
Signs your brush is overdue
If any of these sound familiar, your brush is probably due:
- Grayish fuzz or lint stuck deep in the bristles
- White residue that looks like dandruff, even after washing your hair
- Your brush feels “waxy” or sticky
- Hair looks dull after brushing
- Scalp itch gets worse over time
The 5-minute brush cleaning method
This works for most standard brushes. Always check your brush material first and avoid soaking brushes that can be damaged by water (especially wooden or cushioned brushes).
Step 1: Pull the hair out
Use your fingers, a comb, or a brush-cleaning tool to lift out trapped hair.
Step 2: Make a cleaning bath
In a bowl or sink, mix warm water with a small amount of gentle shampoo.
Step 3: Scrub the bristles
Use an old toothbrush or small cleaning brush to scrub between bristles and remove buildup.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly
Rinse until water runs clear and no suds remain.
Step 5: Dry properly
Shake off excess water and place bristles-down on a towel to dry. Let it fully dry before using again.
Bonus: Don’t forget these 2 items
If you want to level up the “clean tools” routine, these are worth a quick wipe too:
- Hair clips and claw clips
- Combs, especially if you use leave-in products
Why this matters for hair and scalp
A clean brush can help hair feel fresher longer. It can also reduce the chance that you’re reapplying product residue to your scalp, which can contribute to itch and “mystery flakes” for some people.
It’s not a cure-all, but it’s one of the easiest things to control.
Bottom line
If you are trying to improve scalp comfort and hair freshness, don’t skip your tools. Cleaning your brush takes minutes and can make your routine work better immediately.
