It is as if you are re-contaminating the environment that was just cleansed, Hill says.

This can cause a buildup of bacteria and lead to irritation or worse possible infection.

Cleaning your brushes also optimizes the performance of the brush.

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Why is there gray fuzz in my hair brush?

The buildup of debris affects the appearance of the brush and can impact its effectiveness in styling hair.

How often should I clean my hair brush?

Hill says that generally, youll want to remove any hair youve shed from your brush after every use.

But for brushes that are used for your edges, Hill recommends washing them weekly.

How do I clean my hair brush?

Natural bristle brushes need gentler cleaning methods to preserve their integrity, she says.

Brushes with cushioned bases and wooden handles require special attention during cleaning to prevent water damage or warping.

Then rinse the brush to get the suds out before laying it out to air dry.

Brushes made out of natural bristles, wood, or cork, Hill says, require more TLC.

Natural fiber brushes should not be submerged in water, she says.

Once its done soaking, rinse thoroughly and air dry completely before using again.

When should I replace a hair brush?

When should you throw in the towel and just get a new brush?

Rubenstein says when your brush no longer performs well, its time to replace it.