Your Old-*** Hairbrush Could Be Destroying Your Hair. Here Are 10 Replacements To Buy ASAP.
I recently took a look at my hairbrushes that I've owned for years, and realized that most of their ball tips were worn off. I've been getting split ends more than I used to, and I found myself wondering if my worn-down hairbrushes were slicing through my strands of hair, contributing to the problem.
Since, I've learned you're supposed to swap out your hairbrushes every six to 12 months — way more frequently than I have been.
How often should you replace your hairbrush?
"In many cases, replacing a hairbrush every six to 12 months is a good general guideline, although it can vary depending on how often the brush is used and how well it is maintained," board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology Dr. Alexandra Bowles told HuffPost. "Over time, the bristles can become worn, bent, or damaged, which can make the brush less effective and potentially rougher on the hair and scalp. If the brush begins to accumulate buildup that is difficult to clean or if the bristles lose their shape, it's usually a good sign that it's time for a replacement. Regularly replacing or maintaining your hairbrush helps ensure it continues to detangle and style the hair without causing unnecessary stress to the strands."
So now I've thrown away my old hairbrushes, and it may well be time for you to do so as well.
"Hairbrushes are often overlooked when people think about hair and scalp care, but they do play an important role in maintaining healthy hair," Dr. Bowles said. "Using a clean, well-maintained brush helps reduce unnecessary tension and breakage while also keeping buildup from being redistributed onto the scalp. Small habits like cleaning and maintaining your brush can make a noticeable difference in overall hair health over time."
Take this as your sign to invest in a new hairbrush. I have some favorites, and so does Dr. Bowles. Shop the best hairbrushes ahead from Dyson, Wet Brush, Tangle Teezer and more brands.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
Our expert's personal favorite
"One brush that I often recommend is the Wet Brush original detangler
," Bowles said. "It's designed with flexible bristles that help detangle hair with less pulling or tension on the strands. I find it particularly helpful for individuals with fragile, fine, or easily tangled hair because it glides through the hair more gently than many traditional brushes. It can also be used on both wet and dry hair, which makes it a versatile option for daily use."
I own and swear by this hairbrush as well. I use it on my wet hair straight out of the shower. It's your most affordable option here. Over 75,000 Amazon reviewers have helped the brush earn a 4.7-star rating, too.
My favorite hairbrush that I'd definitely buy again
This is one of the hairbrushes I recently had to retire. I loved it and would definitely repurchase it. It's generously sized for my long hair, and pairs perfectly with my Dyson hair tools. This Dyson paddle brush is worth the splurge.
Amazon
A nifty hairbrush with built-in storage
Teleties' attractive brush has a built-in mirror and storage for transporting your hair ties. That makes it great for travel or throwing in your bag. It comes in three different versions, each tailored for your hair type: fine , medium and thick . There's even a pick built into the handle that makes it easier for you to remove hair from the bristles — making it easier to keep you brush clean, per Bowles' guidance.
A wet brush that detangles gently
The Tangle Teezer
the ultimate detangler brush has a two-tiered tooth technology that's gentle on wet hair. Find it in several colors.
Promising review: "Compared to classic boar bristle brushes, the Tangle Teezer is a complete steal. Don't get me wrong; I appreciate the finish that only a boar brush can impart and have seen many stylists work magic with them. But as someone who just wants to detangle her hair as quickly as possible in the morning (and possibly while running out the door), this fits the bill perfectly."
A brush that's pretty enough to display
This stunning paddle brush with pearlescent shades of pink and white will look great left out on your vanity. The Emi Jay bamboo paddle hairbrush
is made for all hair types and is plastic-free.
Promising review: "Leaves my hair feeling silky soft, helps with frizziness, and makes me feel so pampered and luxurious!" — JuliaBedell
A classic wooden paddle brush
The classy Aveda wooden paddle brush
is lightweight and helps to smooth your hair.
Promising review:"I can't live without this brush, and this is the third time I've purchased it. It doesn't pull your hair out and gets through all the layers of your hair. I have fine brunette hair, and I've used it on my blonde daughter as well since she was little, and she has a very sensitive scalp." — KMcSmith
A vented, highly flexible brush
This unique-looking hairbrush has flexible bristles that help to detangle your hair and massage your scalp. The Kitsch detangling flexi brush
comes in four colors.
Promising review: "I tried it dry and wet, and it effortlessly went through my hair. Less hair loss, less effort, and so easy to clean."
Ulta
An affordable dual-bristle brush
This unique brush
has both vegan boar bristles and nylon bristles for the best of both worlds. The boar bristles help smooth and shine, while the nylon bristles detangle, offering the benefit of two brush types in one.
Promising review:"It really does just glide through the hair and makes it glossy. And it's such a wonderful feeling on the scalp too." — Vivien H.
Ulta
A brush for detangling and styling
The pink Dae detangle + style brush
is made for both wet and dry hair. It has vegan boar-like bristles as well as detangling bristles.
Promising review: "This is an amazing Mason Pearson dupe. I've always wanted that brush but couldn't justify spending $200-$300 dollars on a hair brush. Was willing to try this since it was a good price and tend to like Dar products. Glad I did! It's a really good brush that keeps the hair shiny and soft, while evenly distributing natural oils from root to tip." — Jenna-Marie L. Clark
A smoothing brush in a fun color for wet or dry hair
Drybar's detangling hairbrush for wet and dry hair, called the Super Lemon Drop
, fittingly comes in a fun yellow.
Promising reviews:"Amazed how a hairbrush would make a difference in how my hair looks. It reduces hair lost and it made my hair look shiny and soft." — anikaki
"I have a lot of fine ish hair, but it is wavyyyyyy. Every time I brush my hair (and I know better) when it is dry I get a poof ball that looks yucky on my head. Idk why but this brush is very smoothing. Will probably be buying a couple more to leave around the house" — hloup
How to clean your hairbrush
That's right — it's also important to regularly clean your hairbrushes to maintain them. I know I'm overdue for giving mine a good rinse.
"I typically recommend removing trapped hair after each use or at least every few days," Bowles said. "Every one to two weeks, the brush can be washed with warm water and a gentle shampoo to remove oils and product buildup. Using a small brush or toothbrush can help clean between the bristles if necessary. After washing, it's best to allow the brush to air dry completely before using it again. This simple routine can help extend the lifespan of the brush and keep it more hygienic."
The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
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