Are Dirty Styling Tools Causing Your Bad Hair Days?

Admin January 15 2023

How many styling tools do you use on a daily basis? Most people use between 3-5 different styling tools every day- combs, brushes, blow dryers, and a curler and/or straightening iron. Now ask yourself this question. When was the last time they were cleaned? If that’s not something you’ve ever thought about before, you’re not alone. Most people don’t even realize that their styling tools need to be cleaned aside from pulling the hair out of their hairbrush every day, but if your styling tools are dirty they might not be functioning correctly and could even be damaging your hair and ruining your hairstyles. So, let’s take a look now at what you need to clean, why, and how to do it properly.

Cleaning Brushes and Combs

There is a lot more to cleaning brushes and combs than simply removing shed hair. You should do that daily, but that’s only the first step in a deep clean which should be done weekly. After you remove all the loose stuff with your fingers, use something long and thin like a chopstick or the handle of a rat tail comb to slide between the bristles of your hairbrush to bring all of the deep-down debris to the surface to be removed. All that stuff you’re seeing, that’s bits of dead skin, broken hairs, dirt, dust, oils, and product buildup, and it creates a happy home down in those bristles for germs that get distributed all over your hair and scalp when you brush. Aren’t you glad you’re getting all of that out of there? Now fill your sink or a large bowl with warm water and add a squirt of shampoo. 

Set aside any wooden or natural bristle brushes and place all other brushes and combs in the sudsy water to soak. When they’ve soaked for 10-15 minutes run any brushes you previously set aside under warm water and add a drop of shampoo. Give them a good scrub all over and between the bristles with an old toothbrush, and then scrub all the others. Give them all a good rinse and then lay them bristles down on a clean towel to air dry. Turning their face down allows all the water to drain from the bristles.

Cleaning Curlers and Flat Irons

Over time product buildup and burned-on oil residue can gunk up the plates, barrels, and clamps of your heated styling tools. This sticky buildup tugs on your hair as it passes through causing breakage and can even cause the tools to burn your hair. These tools are super easy to clean. There are three rules to remember when cleaning electric appliances.

1. Always make sure they are unplugged and cool before cleaning.
2. Never submerge in water.
3. Make sure they are completely dry before you plug them back in.
    

Once they are unplugged and cool simply wipe them down well with a damp cloth. Add a bit of rubbing alcohol to your cloth to cut through any stubborn buildup. Let them dry and you’re ready to style again. Do this once per month to keep them squeaky clean.

Cleaning Blow Dryers

If you have had your blow dryer for a while, the first thing you should do is take a close look at the vents on the back of the appliance. All of that dust and debris you see clogging the filters is reducing your hair dryer’s efficiency and shortening its life by blocking airflow. To keep your blow dryer working properly you need to clean it at least once per month. Start by wiping the whole thing down with a damp cloth to remove any styling spray and dust. Next, twist off the back cover and remove the filters. If yours doesn’t twist off easily consult your owner’s manual to learn how to remove the cover to clean the filters. Give the filters a gentle scrub and rinse to remove all the buildup. Pat them dry and allow them to air dry completely before putting it all back together. You’ll be amazed at how much better it works!

Now that your styling tools are properly maintained it’s time to give your hair a little TLC as well. Come see the hair care experts at  D’Ametri’s for a trim and botanical or keratin treatment to give your locks their luster back. It’s just the midwinter boost they need. Give us a call at 303-274-7838, use our convenient online booking tool, or download our free mobile app from iTunes, or Google Play to schedule your appointment today. We’ll see you soon at 5760 Olde Wadsworth Blvd, Arvada, CO.