Itchy scalp? A dirty hairbrush could be the culprit

Many people regularly clean makeup brushes and change pillowcases, but often neglect to clean their hairbrush. The greyish buildup between bristles is not just dust—it could be the real cause of scalp itching.

Scalp itching or discomfort may actually be caused by an everyday item that rarely receives attention: cleaning your hairbrush. Most people regularly wash makeup brushes and change pillowcases, but hairbrushes often go neglected.

The greyish, felt-like layer that accumulates between hairbrush bristles is far from harmless dust. It actually consists of dead skin cells, sebaceous gland secretions, hair debris, and residue from hair care products. All of this gets transferred back onto your hair and scalp with every brushing.

According to experts, a rarely cleaned hairbrush is one of the most common but least recognized causes of scalp irritation. If a brush is not cleaned regularly, it becomes an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, which in turn increases itching and scratching.

Experts recommend cleaning your hairbrush at least once a week. To do this, first remove any hair caught between the bristles, then soak the brush in warm soapy water and clean it with an old toothbrush if necessary. Plastic brushes tolerate moisture better, while brushes with wooden handles require quicker drying.