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Are my worn-down hairbrushes slicing through my strands of hair and causing split ends?

Since, I’ve learned you’re supposed to swap out your hairbrushes every six to 12 months — way more frequently than I have been.

“In many cases, replacing a hairbrush every six to 12 months is a good general guideline, although it can vary depending on how often the brush is used and how well it is maintained,” board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology Dr. Alexandra Bowles told us. “Over time, the bristles can become worn, bent, or damaged, which can make the brush less effective and potentially rougher on the hair and scalp. If the brush begins to accumulate buildup that is difficult to clean or if the bristles lose their shape, it’s usually a good sign that it’s time for a replacement. Regularly replacing or maintaining your hairbrush helps ensure it continues to detangle and style the hair without causing unnecessary stress to the strands.”

So now I’ve thrown away my old hairbrushes, and it may well be time for you to do so as well.

“Hairbrushes are often overlooked when people think about hair and scalp care, but they do play an important role in maintaining healthy hair,” Dr. Bowles said. “Using a clean, well-maintained brush helps reduce unnecessary tension and breakage while also keeping buildup from being redistributed onto the scalp. Small habits like cleaning and maintaining your brush can make a noticeable difference in overall hair health over time.

That’s right — it’s also important to regularly clean your hairbrushes to maintain them. I know I’m overdue for giving mine a good rinse.

“I typically recommend removing trapped hair after each use or at least every few days,” Bowles said. “Every one to two weeks, the brush can be washed with warm water and a gentle shampoo to remove oils and product buildup. Using a small brush or toothbrush can help clean between the bristles if necessary. After washing, it’s best to allow the brush to air dry completely before using it again. This simple routine can help extend the lifespan of the brush and keep it more hygienic.“

Take this as your sign to invest in a new hairbrush. I have some favorites, and so does Dr. Bowles. Shop the best hairbrushes ahead from Dyson, Wet Brush, Tangle Teezer and more brands.

The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.

"One brush that I often recommend is the Wet Brush original detangler," Bowles said. "It’s designed with flexible bristles that help detangle hair with less pulling or tension on the strands. I find it particularly helpful for individuals with fragile, fine, or easily tangled hair because it glides through the hair more gently than many traditional brushes. It can also be used on both wet and dry hair, which makes it a versatile option for daily use."

I own and swear by this hairbrush as well. I use it on my wet hair straight out of the shower. It's your most affordable option here. Over 75,000 Amazon reviewers have helped the brush earn a 4.7-star rating, too.

Get it from Amazon for $6.90+ (available in 14 colors).

This is one of the hairbrushes I recently had to retire. I loved it and would definitely repurchase it. It's generously sized for my long hair, and pairs perfectly with my Dyson hair tools. This Dyson paddle brush is worth the splurge.

Teleties' attractive brush has a built-in mirror and storage for transporting your hair ties. That makes it great for travel or throwing in your bag. It comes in three different versions, each tailored for your hair type: fine, medium and thick (currently out of stock). There's even a pick built into the handle that makes it easier for you to remove hair from the bristles — making it easier to keep you brush clean, per Bowles' guidance.

Get it for fine hair from Amazon for $16.99 (available in two colors) and medium hair from Teleties for $16.99.

The Tangle Teezer the ultimate detangler brush has a two-tiered tooth technology that's gentle on wet hair. Find it in several colors.

This stunning paddle brush with pearlescent shades of pink and white will look great left out on your vanity. The Emi Jay bamboo paddle hairbrush is made for all hair types and is plastic-free.

Promising review: "Leaves my hair feeling silky soft, helps with frizziness, and makes me feel so pampered and luxurious!" —JuliaBedell

The classy Aveda wooden paddle brush is lightweight and helps to smooth your hair.

Promising review: "I can't live without this brush, and this is the third time I've purchased it. It doesn't pull your hair out and gets through all the layers of your hair. I have fine brunette hair, and I've used it on my blonde daughter as well since she was little, and she has a very sensitive scalp." —KMcSmith

This unique-looking hairbrush has flexible bristles that help to detangle your hair and massage your scalp. The Kitsch detangling flexi brush comes in four colors.

This unique brush has both vegan boar bristles and nylon bristles for the best of both worlds. The boar bristles help smooth and shine, while the nylon bristles detangle, offering the benefit of two brush types in one.

Promising review: "It really does just glide through the hair and makes it glossy. And it's such a wonderful feeling on the scalp too." —Vivien H.

Get it from Kitsch for $15 (available in four colors).

The pink Dae detangle + style brush is made for both wet and dry hair. It has vegan boar-like bristles as well as detangling bristles.

Promising review: "This is an amazing Mason Pearson alternative. I’ve always wanted that brush but couldn’t justify spending $200-$300 dollars on a hair brush. Was willing to try this since it was a good price and tend to like Dar products. Glad I did! It’s a really good brush that keeps the hair shiny and soft, while evenly distributing natural oils from root to tip." —Jenna-Marie L. Clark

Drybar's detangling hairbrush for wet and dry hair, called the Super Lemon Drop, fittingly comes in a fun yellow.

Promising reviews: "Amazed how a hairbrush would make a difference in how my hair looks. It reduces hair lost and it made my hair look shiny and soft." —anikak

"I have a lot of fine ish hair, but it is wavyyyyyy. Every time I brush my hair (and I know better) when it is dry I get a poof ball that looks yucky on my head. Idk why but this brush is very smoothing. Will probably be buying a couple more to leave around the house" —hloup

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.