When Was The Last Time You Cleaned Your Styling Tools

Your styling tools work hard for you every day to help you create the perfect hair styles. What many people don’t realize is that if you want them to work effectively and efficiently you need to be doing some routine maintenance by cleaning them periodically. Everything from your combs and brushes to your hair dryer and flat iron all needs to be kept free of dirt and product residue to prolong their life and to keep your hair healthy. Here’s how you can give your styling tools the care they need.

 

Brushes And Combs

Most people pull the loose hairs out of their combs and brushes when they’re finished detangling and styling their hair, but few take the time to actually clean them. Dead skin cells from your scalp, dirt, dust, product residue, and excess oils collect down deep in those bristles and if they aren’t removed they become a reservoir of germs that can negatively affect the health of your hair and scalp. To give them a deep cleaning remove all the loose hair and debris you can with your fingers. Then use a wide-toothed comb or the handle of a rat tail comb to get in between the bristles and lift out the deeper dirt and hair. Place all except those with wood handles and natural bristles in a sink full of warm water with a squirt of shampoo to soak. Soaking can damage wood and boar bristles so just run them under hot water, add a few drops of shampoo, and scrub them with an old toothbrush. Give the rest a quick scrub, rinse well, and lay face down on a towel to dry. Repeat weekly to keep them squeaky clean.

 

Flat And Curling Irons

Product buildup on heated styling tools can actually burn your hair as well as snag it as it passes through causing breakage, so you’ll want to keep these styling tools very clean. Start by making sure they are unplugged and cooled down. Now simply wipe away all of the sticky residues with a damp cloth. If there are any stubborn spots try putting a little rubbing alcohol on your cloth to cut through the gunk. Let them dry completely before plugging them back in. You should do this at least once a month.

 

Blow Dryers

Have you ever looked at the vents on the back of your hair dryer? If yours isn’t brand new you should go look at it now. Gross, right? Well, don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. Most people don’t realize that those vents have filters that need to be cleaned regularly. To get them clean you’ll need to remove the back cover. Most of them simply twist off. If yours doesn’t you can find how to remove it in your owner’s manual. Take out the filter and give it a quick scrub and rinse. An old toothbrush usually works well. While you’re waiting for the filter to dry wipe down the rest of the hair dryer with a damp cloth. When everything is dry put it all back together and enjoy the increased airflow and faster drying time. Clean it once a month to keep it in peak working order.

 

Hair Accessories

Do you ever wash your hair accessories? Again, most people don’t, but they are susceptible to the same buildup of grime and germs as your styling tools are. If it won’t harm them to get wet, fill the sink with warm water and a squirt of shampoo and toss in all the barrettes, clips, headbands, and scrunchies. Wash them by hand and air dry on a clean towel. If they can’t be submerged in water, wipe them off with a damp cloth regularly to keep them clean. How often you wash your accessories will depend on how often they are used. Everyday items will need to be cleaned more often than special occasion ones.

 

Ready to try a new style with your freshly cleaned styling tools? Come to  PYARA SPA AND SALON and allow our expert stylists to give you a trendy new cut so that you can have loads of fun styling it and showing it off  Give us a call today at 781-270-9200 or BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT ONLINE. You’ll find us at 1050 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge.