Extend the life of your hairbrush

Brushing your hair regularly keeps it healthy and beautiful. Ideally, you want a hairbrush that is well-suited to your hair type, and one that will stick around a while.

With so many brushes available to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? That depends on your personal preference, your hair type, what you want to use it for and the look you want to achieve.

• For most types of hair, a brush with stiff natural bristles and widely spaced tufts is best. The more space between the tufts, the better the hair will flow and the more thoroughly it will be brushed.
• If you have fine or thinning hair, look for a brush with soft bristles. Bristle tips should be uneven in height. This will provide more thorough penetration than level tips that will just skim the surface.
• Besides bristle, brush filaments are made of rubberized quills, nylon, and metal (for coarse hair). For everyday grooming and to help clean hair, experts say bristle is best. Quill brushes are best for blow-drying and styling.

Makers of top quality hairbrushes recommend you replace them after six months of use, but you can extend that many times over by keeping your brushes clean and well-maintained. Just follow this regimen at least once every two weeks:

1. Wash brushes regularly. Before washing a hairbrush, use a comb to gently lift away trapped hairs, taking care not to scrape the back. If the brush has a rubber cushion base, block the air hole with a wooden matchstick.

2. Wash the brush in warm, soapy water (never ammonia or harsh detergents). Submerge just the tufts, not the brush back or handle.

3. Rinse thoroughly in cold water. Shake off excess water and wipe gently with a towel.

4. Let brushes dry naturally in the open air (but not in direct sunlight), bristle-side down. Never dry brushes on a radiator or next to direct heat.