Most people have a pretty standard morning routine, which includes showering, brushing their teeth, and fixing their hair. While you probably replace your toothbrush every three months or so, have you ever thought about replacing your hairbrush? If you’re like most people, you probably haven’t given it much thought. As long as the brush performs the way you expect, little else is of concern, right? Overall, replacing your hairbrush about every 6 to 12 months is a good baseline for most value-priced brushes; higher quality ones can last years with proper care. That said, the actual length of time they last depends on other factors such as your hair type, the type of brush, and how often you clean it. You might not think using the incorrect brush for your hair type affects the life of the brush, but it can. Those with thick or curly hair may see wear sooner than others. An old, dirty or otherwise broken-down brush isn't just unattractive on your countertop, it can actually cause a few issues beyond aesthetics — like split ends and hair breakage. Bristles with oily buildup can make your just-washed hair look lackluster and weighed-down. Perhaps more concerning is that a poorly maintained hairbrush can hide mold, yeast and bacteria. To help extend the life of your brush, you should remove hair from the bristles after every use and clean your brush once a week, either with a clarifying shampoo or baking soda solution.
