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When Should You Change Your Hairbrush? Your Guide to Healthy, Happy Hair

June 16 2025

At The Masters Salon, we believe healthy hair starts with smart habits, and one of the simplest (yet most overlooked) tools in your hair care routine is your hairbrush. Whether you use it to detangle, style, or smooth your strands into place, your hairbrush does a lot of heavy lifting day after day. But here’s a question many clients don’t think to ask:

When’s the last time you replaced your hairbrush?

If you're unsure, you’re not alone. Let’s explore why your hairbrush matters, how to tell when it’s time to toss it, and how to keep it (and your hair!) in top condition.

Why Your Hairbrush Deserves More Attention

Your hairbrush touches your hair every day, sometimes multiple times a day. That means it's coming into contact with natural oils, product residue, dead skin cells, and loose hairs. Over time, all of that builds up, making your brush less effective and even damaging to your hair.

A dirty or worn-out brush can:

• Tug and break your strands
  

• Causes scalp irritation
  

• Redistribute oil and product residue unevenly
  

• Undermine your hair’s volume, shine, and overall health

The right hairbrush helps you detangle without damage, boost shine, and enhance the look and feel of your style. But even the best brush has a shelf life.

Signs It’s Time for a New Hairbrush

So, how do you know when it’s time to swap your old faithful for a fresh tool? Here are a few key signs:

1. Bent or Broken Bristles

If the bristles on your brush are warped, missing, or have split ends of their own, they’re likely doing more harm than good. Damaged bristles can snag your strands and cause unnecessary breakage.

2. Build-Up That Won’t Budge

We get it everyone gets a little product buildup now and then. But if your brush is caked with residue that doesn’t wash out easily, it's time for a replacement. A gunky brush redistributes old product and dirt back onto clean hair.

3. A Loose or Cracked Base

If the brush head or pad is coming loose or cracked, your brush won’t work as effectively. Plus, it can catch your hair or scratch your scalp.

4. Unpleasant Odor

Yes, your brush can develop an odor over time, especially if it stays damp or is rarely cleaned. That’s a red flag; it’s time to replace it.

5. More Breakage Than Usual

Noticing more breakage, split ends, or hair shedding? Your brush may be the culprit. An old or wrong brush can cause mechanical damage with every pass.

How Often Should You Replace It?

The timeline varies depending on the type of brush and how often you use it, but a good rule of thumb is:

• Natural-bristle brushes (like boar bristle): Every 6 to 12 months
  

• Synthetic or plastic-bristle brushes: Every 6 months
  

• Heavily used brushes (like round brushes used with blow dryers): Every 3 to 6 months

Of course, if you notice damage before that time, don’t wait; your hair deserves better.

Keep It Clean Between Replacements

Want your brushes to last longer and work better? Cleaning is key. We recommend:

1. Remove hair after each use: Use your fingers or a comb to pull out loose strands.
   

2. Wash weekly: Soak your brush in warm water with a gentle shampoo or baking soda. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the base and bristles.
   

3. Dry thoroughly: Let it air dry bristle-side down on a clean towel to prevent moisture buildup or mildew.

Pro tip: Never soak a wooden brush or one with a cushioned base just clean the bristles and wipe the rest carefully.

Choosing the Right Brush for Your Hair Type

At The Masters Salon, we love helping clients find the perfect tools for their texture, length, and styling goals. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Fine or fragile hair: Look for boar bristle brushes, they’re gentle and distribute natural oils beautifully.
  

• Thick or curly hair: A wide-tooth detangling brush or paddle brush with flexible bristles helps manage knots without breakage.
  

• Blowouts and volume: Round ceramic brushes work wonders for creating lift and shape with heat styling.

If you’re unsure what’s best for your hair, ask your stylist at your next visit. We’ll match you with a brush that supports your hair’s health and your daily routine.

Let Your Brush Be a Beauty Ally

Your hairbrush shouldn’t be an afterthought it’s an extension of your hair care routine. And when it’s in top shape, your hair will thank you for it. 

At The Masters Salon, we’re all about setting you up with the best tools, tips, and treatments to love your look every day.

Healthy hair starts here at The Masters Salon, where beauty and care meet every brushstroke.

Call us today or schedule your appointment online, and let’s create a summer look that’s effortless, radiant, and 100% you. Request an appointment online or give us a call at 256.883.6270. We are located at 930 Bob Wallace Ave. SW, Suite 220 in Huntsville. You can also download our free mobile app from iTunes or Google Play to schedule appointments, get reminders, get great offers, and more!