How Often You Should Change Your Hairbrush, According to a Hairstylist

Chances are you use a hairbrush daily, but when was the last time you took a good look at it? Your hairbrush may be giving you clues that it’s time for a change. We asked a hair expert when you should replace your hairbrush and signs it’s time to toss it.

Here’s How Often You Should Replace Your Hairbrush 

“Most people will probably need to replace it after about a year,” says Jenna Spino, stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. “It depends on how often the brush is used, how often it’s cleaned, how it’s stored, and the quality of the brush,” she explains.

How Will You Know When to Replace It?

These are the top signs to look for that mean it’s time to buy a new brush, according to Spino.

• Missing bristles: Spino explains when the when bristles are missing on a hairbrush, it’s definitely time to swap it out.
• Bent bristles: While you may have all the bristles intact on your hairbrush, if any are bent or melted it’s time for a replacement.
• Cracks: If your hairbrush has any cracks—including within the pad, bedding, coating, or even the handle—you should swap it out.
• Build up: According to Spino, any build-up stuck on the brush means your hairbrush has been put to good use and now needs to be retired.

Can You Make Your Hairbrush Last Longer? 

While Spino says a hairbrush should be thrown out if it starts to show any of the signs of wear and tear from above, there are ways to help keep using it as long as possible.

“You should remove hair from the brush after each use to prevent buildup,” she says. “Hairbrushes should be cleaned at least once a month and laid out to dry.”

However, if you’re ready for a new hairbrush to replace your old, Spino says to look for a mix of boar and nylon, like the RPZL polisher brush, which she says can be used on wet or dry hair to help smooth your locks.