Did you know hair brushes collect oils, dirt and bacteria just like any other surface in the bathroom? Keeping them clean is the only way to prevent breakouts, pimples, blackheads and other potential problems caused by excess grime. Some of these brushes are used almost every day and tend to get pretty grimy as a result. In fact, it’s not uncommon for people to have buildup on their brush after just one use. That makes cleaning essential to avoiding breakouts and keeping pores clear. Cleaning your hair brushes regularly requires some time and attention, but it’s a small price to pay for clean skin and healthy hair. Fortunately, it’s not difficult or time-consuming to do so on a regular basis. With some preparation ahead of time, you can clean your hair brushes in just a few minutes.
How To Clean Brushes
In order to clean your brushes effectively, you’ll need to follow a few steps. The first is to make sure your brushes are fully dry. Water is essential for cleaning and rinsing off hair product and dirt, but it can also damage brushes. So you’ll need to let them dry completely before you continue. Next, you’ll want to mix up a cleaning solution. You can use either shampoo or a gentle cleanser, but it needs to be something that won’t harm your brushes or strip them of their oils. You can even use a bit of dishwashing liquid if you prefer a more powerful cleaning formula.
Start With A Deep Cleaning
Your first step in cleaning your brushes should be an all-out deep cleaning. This will help remove any extra buildup and prepare your brushes for a healthy long-term cleaning routine. There are two ways you can do this: hot water or a cleanser. – Hot water cleaning is the best way to remove stubborn dirt, oil and bacteria from brushes. This process is easy to do at home. Simply fill a sink or bowl with warm water and a drop of gentle soap. Let your brushes soak in the water for a few minutes. Then use your fingers to gently agitate the brushes until the water is clear. Let them air-dry on a towel. Hot water cleaning is the best way to remove stubborn dirt, oil and bacteria from brushes. – Cleanser cleaning is a gentler process that’s ideal for brushes that aren’t as old or used frequently. This method is also easy to do at home. Simply mix up your cleanser with warm water in a bowl. Let your brushes soak in the water for a few minutes. Then use your fingers to gently agitate the brushes until the water is clear. Let them air-dry on a towel.
Learn How To Recognize When Brushes Need More Than Just A Dump-and-rinse
There are a few signs that your brushes need more than just a quick cleaning. If you’re noticing excess oil and buildup on the bristles after each use, it’s time to give them a deeper clean. You may also see build-up in the base of the brush or inside the ferrule, which is the metal area where the bristles meet the handle. You’ll know you’ve got extra buildup when the bristles are less full, less soft and they don’t go back to normal after you’ve washed them. A buildup of product can also cause bristles to turn brown or black. This is usually the result of too much product being applied, or the use of a colour-depositing formula.
The Short Rinse
If you’re cleaning your brushes every few weeks or less, you’ll want to start with a short rinse. This quick process will help remove excess oils and build-up, but won’t clean as thoroughly as a more thorough cleaning. Mix up a small amount of warm water and gentle shampoo in a bowl. Swirl your brushes around in the water for a few seconds. Then rinse them off with clean water and pat them dry with a towel. If you notice a significant difference in the feel of your brushes after just one rinse, you should probably clean them more often.
The Long Rinse
If you’re cleaning your brushes every couple of months or less, you’ll want to do a longer rinse. This cleaning method is ideal for brushes that aren’t used frequently, or are used as tools (like sponges and other bath accessories). Mix up a small amount of warm water and gentle cleanser in a bowl. Swirl your brushes around in the water for a few minutes. Then rinse them off with clean water and pat them dry with a towel.
The Ultra-Deep Cleaning
If your brushes are extremely dirty and haven’t been thoroughly cleaned in a long time, you may have to go for an ultra-deep cleaning. This method is ideal for brushes that haven’t been cleaned for at least a few months. Mix up a large amount of warm water, a small amount of gentle shampoo and a bit of dishwashing liquid. Swirl your brushes around in the water for a few minutes. Then use your fingers to agitate the brushes to help lift the buildup from the bristles. Rinse the brushes with clean water, and pat them dry with a towel.
Conclusion
We spend a lot of time on our hair and skin, and yet we often neglect to properly clean our brushes. While it’s not the most exciting or glamorous task, cleaning your hair brushes is important to prevent breakouts, pimples, blackheads and other potential problems caused by excess grime. Some of these brushes are used almost every day and tend to get pretty grimy as a result. In fact, it’s not uncommon for people to have buildup on their brush after just one use. That makes cleaning essential to avoiding breakouts and keeping pores clear.