All that grey fluff that’s trapped in your hairbrush is easy to ignore…especially since it looks relatively harmless.
But it may not just be lint, dust or loose fibres that you’ve picked up along the way.
It may be something altogether much more grim… and something to keep an eye on, according to experts.
What is the grey fuzz stuck in your hairbrush?
Speaking to Reader’s Digest, celebrity hairstylist Dean Banowetz explains that all that fuzz stuck in your hairbrush is an amalgamation of “hair, scalp oils, dead skin cells and dust from the air.”
One of the major factors in the build-up on a hairbrush, Banowetz said, is leftover styling product, which binds everything together like a glue.
Expanding on how this build-up can take place, Dr Anna Chacon, a dermatologist, said that; “It’s typical for hair to shed [when we brush it], and it can get tangled in the brush.
“Top that with dust and other environmental factors and you get the fuzz.”
But Banowetz also warns that this type of build-up could spell a whole lot of problems for you if it’s not removed.
“[The fuzz] holds onto bacteria and yeast, which can transfer back to your scalp.”
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Dr Chacon warns that “any sort of buildup that you are reintroducing to your hair and scalp needs to be addressed to protect both your hair and scalp.
“Bacteria thrives in dirty environments, which can include your brush if the buildup is not properly addressed.”
Some icky side-effects to this could include a whole variety of problems, from scalp irritation and breakouts to tangled hair and even breakage when brushing. So it’s something to keep an eye on.
How often do you need to clean your hairbrush?
The most effective way of stopping this, of course, is to clean your hairbrush regularly to combat the buildup of fuzz and bacteria.
If you use your hairbrush daily, and if you use hair products while doing so, then it’s generally found that you should wash your hairbrush once a week. If you don’t use it as regularly, clean yours every two to three weeks.
The best way to clean your hairbrush is to remove any excess hair, soak it in warm water, adding a little bit of shampoo or baking soda for around 10 minutes. You’ll then have to scrub inbetween the bristles, loosening and removing any gunk and then letting it air dry for at least 10 minutes.
