You know those brushes you reach for on the daily to detangle, style, and smooth your hair? Turns out, they’re not just innocent bystanders in your hair care routine. If you're not cleaning them regularly, they could be doing more harm than good.

Before you roll your eyes and tell yourself it’s not that serious, let’s take a quick look at what happens when you let your tools go rogue.

THE DIRTY TRUTH

Your hairbrush might look clean on the surface, but those bristles are collecting oils, dead skin, product build-up, and dust every time you run them through your hair. Think of it as an uninvited guest that shows up every time you brush and brings a whole bunch of unwanted friends. Not exactly the party your scalp deserves.

Now, why does this matter? When you keep using the same brush without cleaning it, you’re transferring all of that build-up right back to your scalp. Not only is that, well… gross, it can lead to clogged follicles and an irritated scalp, which in turn can slow down your hair’s growth. If you're trying to grow thicker, healthier hair, that’s kind of counterproductive.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON’T CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES?

It’s not just about cleanliness (though, yes, that’s part of it). Dirty tools can disrupt the balance of your scalp, which is where the magic happens for hair growth. If your scalp is bogged down with oils, dust, and styling residue, it’s like creating a little barricade that makes it harder for your follicles to thrive. Not ideal, right?

A CLEAN BRUSH IS A HAPPY FOLLICLE

Regularly cleaning your brushes is the easiest way to make sure your scalp is getting the best treatment possible. When your tools are free of all that nasty build-up, it means your scalp gets a chance to breathe and stay balanced, giving your hair the proper foundation it needs to grow strong and healthy.

Here’s how to clean your brushes like a pro (and without overthinking it):

1. HAIR BE GONE: Every brush collects stray hairs, and it’s your job to get rid of them. Pull them out gently and toss them in the bin. So satisfying.
   
   

2. SCRUB IT DOWN: Use warm water and a little shampoo (yes, shampoo!) to give those bristles a good clean. Focus on the base of the brush where most of the build-up hides.
   
   

3. DRY IT OFF: Let your brush air dry completely before using it again. No one wants a soggy brush.
   
   

WHY THIS ACTUALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE

When you clean your brushes and combs, you’re giving your scalp the opportunity to absorb all the goodness from the hair care products (and supplements!) you’re using. Plus, you’re helping your hair follicles stay happy and healthy, which means less shedding and more of those luscious strands you're working hard for. So, take five minutes to show your brushes some love, it’ll pay off in the healthiest hair possible.