Maintaining hygiene is very important to have good health. The everyday objects that we use often go overlooked till they become visibly dirty. Combs are one such item that accumulates dirt, product residue, and oil from the scalp. These collect over the comb teeth and pass to your hair every time you comb.
Keeping the comb clean allows the hairs to be properly combed without getting struck mid-way. Cleaning it in a timely manner makes the process easy and less time-consuming. So, if you are looking for steps to understand how to clean a comb, this article will enlighten you to the core.
Basic Requirements to Clean a Comb
Hair brushes need to be cleaned at least once in a month. You can remove hair strands and tangle after every time you comb your hair to keep it tidy. People with long hair or using many hair products may need to clean it more frequently. Also, if you have any scalp infection or dandruff, you may need to clean the comb on a weekly basis.
The materials needed to clean a comb are a toothbrush, tweezers, bowl, towel, cotton swab, mild shampoo, disinfecting spray, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, and the comb.
Steps to Clean a Comb
Cleaning a comb depends majorly on the type you use. The combs that have natural bristles or wooden handles need more time and attention as compared to plastic combs.
Below are some common hair combs and the steps involved in cleaning them-
1. Synthetic Hair Combs
- Remove tangled hairs: Remove the hairs using tweezers or just with your fingers. You can also use another comb to remove the hairs by tangling it between the comb and removing the hairs.
- Cleaning with water: Take a big bowl and fill it with warm water. The temperature should not be too much to melt or deform the plastic.
- Apply shampoo: Add 2-3 spoons of shampoo and mix it well. Leave the comb in this solution for some time.
- Use toothbrush: Use an old toothbrush to scrub between the comb teeth and around the handle.
- Dry Baking Soda Method: If the comb doesn’t clean properly with shampoo, dip it in dry baking soda and scrub well. Rinse thoroughly afterwards with warm water. Later, place it on a towel and leave it to dry.
The last step is sanitizing the comb. Take isopropyl alcohol and water mixed in a 1:1 ratio. Dip the comb for a few minuets and allow it to dry.
Some other ways to clean synthetic combs are as follows:
A: The machine clean method: Put the brush in the dishwasher or washing machine. Run the machine using room temperature water and a little mild shampoo. Allow it to dry. You may add a few clothes as well to reduce the sound of comb banging on the machine walls.
B: The vinegar method: Add one part of vinegar to four parts of lukewarm water. Soak the comb for 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly to remove the vinegar solution and leave it to air-dry.
2. Natural Hair Combs
As natural hair combs do not have plastic but natural elements like wood, they need special care while cleaning.
- As with synthetic combs, the first step remains to clean the comb by removing the hairs using tweezers, fingers, or another comb.
- The natural hair combs have wooden handles that must be kept dry otherwise, the comb may get damaged.
- Dip only the comb teeth in warm water and a mild shampoo solution.
- Allow it to soak for a few minutes.
- Gently clean the comb teeth with your fingers.
- If the handle is very dirty, scrub it gently with a toothbrush. Wipe it clean with a towel and leave it to air-dry on a towel.
- Sanitize the brush by lightly spraying it with a gentle disinfectant. This step is completely optional.
How to Remove Lint from a Comb
When the dirt stuck on the comb mixes up with scalp oil and hair product residue, it forms lint at the base of the comb. This can be removed by following steps:
Check for residue at the comb base once it has been thoroughly cleaned by soap solution.
Remove the lint with a dry toothbrush using horizontal and vertical strokes.
Rinse the comb with water and pat it dry.
Conclusion
People use various products like gel, mousse, sprays etc. on hair on an everyday basis. Dirt, dust and other debris also settle on the hair as you step out from the home. While you comb, these may get struck to your comb. Using a dirty comb can lead to scalp infections and hair loss. Hence, it is important that the comb is kept cleaned and dirt free. The comb should be cleaned on a regular basis to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
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