Why is it important
When was the last time you cleaned your hair brushes, combs and hair clips ? Cleaning your hair tools is a very important step in your routine that is often missed, but if you do miss it, it can have an affect on your overall hair and scalp health.
Essentially cleaning your hair tools helps to prevent product buildup on your hair and scalp, as well as supporting to prevent bacteria forming leading to healthier and clean hair.
Every time you miss cleaning your tools is another day of dirt, particles, old product and dead cells you are putting back onto your hair. I am sure when we break it down to you like that you can understand why clean hair tools are important.
Many hairdressers will soak their tools within a percentage of alcohol as they use their tools on many different people. Could you imagine those not being cleaned? No I don't want to either !
The lasting implications to your scalp and hair
As explained previously, bacteria is one of the main reasons to keep your tools clean. But what can this do you to your scalp if exposed to this harmful bacteria?
- Dandruff
- A scalp infections and conditions can formulate
- Hair growth can be hindered
- Your hair could begin to fall out.
Longevity of tools
It is important to remember that like anything your tools will last longer if you make sure you clean them properly. Unclean tools will also affect their performance, for example if you have wooden tools or natural bristle brush materials the organic materials will wear away quicker due to the bacteria.
If you are a curly that on occasion straighteners their hair remember that this also needs cleaning as it can cause uneven heating if build up is found on the plates. You may find yourself passing the straighteners over you hair more to get the look you want. Equally as naturals we know that we often use looks of products and oils, this residues, can corrode and damage metal parts of your tools.
For those who diffuse their curls on wash day remember that your hair dryer can become clogged with hair and lint. This could cause your hair dryer to overheat, and become a fire hazard.
How to clean your tools
Combs & Brushes
- Remove build up- use a toothpick or even the end of a rat tail comb to remove old hair from your combs etc.
- Soak- Soak your brush/combs in warm water with either soap or shampoo this will up lift the debris.
- If wooden do not over soak as this could crack your tools.
Blow dryers
Unclip or unscrew the lint filter of your hair dryer and remove the lint. PLEASE make sure that your hair dryer is UNPLUGGED before doing this. And this goes without saying but do not take all of your whole blow dryer apart, you will not thank yourself after when it doesn't work haha.
Hair straighteners/Hot Combs
Do not use water directly as this could run into the tool and cause damage, a ring dried slightly damp cloth is suitable for cleaning your plates. For tough build up you can use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a dry cloth.
Please remember !
Dry your tools to ensure water is not left sitting on your brush and as this could formulate more bacteria.
Equally for your electricals as said before DO NOT use water directly or in excess as this will damage your items and can equally cause a fire hazard.
How often should you be cleaning your tools ?
For tools such as your combs as this are often used more regularly, once a week would be a good amount of time before washing them again.
For straighteners/hot combs this of course depends on your usage of these items and it might be reasonable to expect that as you use this infrequently you could clean them after use.
A for your hair dryer you could clean your lent three to four weekly
Key Takeaways
Ultimately you want to keep your hair tools clean to ensure you maximise your curly hair routine.
You don't want to put all that effort into your hair routine throughout the week such as having a good night time routine with our Satin Pillowcases or being mindful of cotton rubbing on your hair while going out and swapping regular everyday items for things such as our Curly Cap and/or Satin Lined Hoodie and miss a small but key step like cleaning your hair tools !
Let's walk this journey together in ensuring that our curls of moisture but also reduce the chances of product build up, infections and/or bacteria in some the places that people often forget about.