When we think about acne, most of us immediately point to the usual triggers hormonal changes, an unhealthy diet, stress, or even the skincare products we put on our face every day. And while those factors certainly matter, they’re not the whole story. Sometimes, the cause of your breakouts might be hiding in a place you’d never expect: your hairbrush.
It sounds surprising, doesn’t it? After all, a hairbrush is just a basic tool you use without much thought. But when you stop and consider how often it comes into contact with your scalp, hair products, natural oils, dust, and environmental pollutants, you can see how it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and build-up. Every time you drag that same brush through your hair, you’re re-distributing those substances not just onto your hair, but also close to your skin.
This build-up can end up clogging pores around your hairline, forehead, and temples. For people with long hair or bangs, it can even transfer to the cheeks. That’s why you might notice small pimples or clusters of blemishes popping up in those areas, even when the rest of your face seems under control.
Another overlooked factor is the type of brush you’re using. For example, brushes with synthetic bristles often cling to product residue more than natural-bristle brushes. If you regularly use hairspray, dry shampoo, or styling gels, your brush is likely coated in a thin film of those products. Combine that with sweat and scalp oils, and you’ve got the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.
The good news? This type of breakout is often preventable. With some simple adjustments like cleaning your hairbrush more often, replacing it when it’s worn out, and being mindful of how your hair and skin interact you can significantly reduce the risk of brush-related blemishes.
So before you overhaul your skincare routine yet again or cut out another food from your diet, take a moment to look at your hair tools. That overlooked brush on your dresser might just be the missing piece of the puzzle.
1. How Hairbrushes Can Lead to Breakouts
Most people don’t think of their hairbrush as a possible cause of acne, but it can play a bigger role than you might realise. Hairbrushes, combs, and even styling tools like round brushes or detanglers tend to collect all sorts of impurities with regular use. Every stroke through your hair transfers oils from your scalp, loose strands, dust from the environment, and residue from hair products straight onto the bristles. Over time, this build-up becomes a hidden source of skin irritation.
When you continue brushing with a tool that isn’t cleaned regularly, those impurities don’t just stay on the brush they get redistributed back into your hair and onto your skin. This can clog pores around the forehead, temples, and hairline, which are already areas prone to breakouts. The result? More pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads in places that are frustratingly hard to treat.
Product Buildup
If you use styling products like hairspray, mousse, gels, or smoothing serums, your brush will inevitably collect some of that residue. These products don’t simply evaporate; they coat the bristles in a thin film that grows heavier with each use. Every time you run the brush through your hair, traces of that film can touch your skin. For people with bangs or layers that brush against the face, this is a common reason why small breakouts form along the forehead or cheeks.
Over time, this cycle of product transfer can irritate pores, trigger inflammation, and make existing acne worse. Even “lightweight” or non-comedogenic styling products can become problematic once they’re mixed with oils and dirt on your brush.
Bacterial Growth
Bathrooms and vanity areas are often warm and humid, which creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and even fungi. When a brush coated in oils, skin cells, and product residue is left in these conditions, bacteria can multiply quickly.
Each time you use that brush, you’re potentially spreading these microbes directly onto your scalp and the surrounding skin. This raises the risk of breakouts, particularly around the hairline and forehead where the brush makes the most contact. For acne-prone skin, even small amounts of bacteria can tip the balance and spark new pimples.
Oil Transfer
Your scalp naturally produces sebum (oil) to keep your hair and skin moisturised. While this is healthy and necessary, too much oil can become problematic. When you brush your hair, this sebum coats the bristles. Over time, the brush becomes saturated with oil, which is then spread across your skin with each use.
When excess oil combines with dead skin cells on the surface, it can easily block pores and create the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. This is one of the main reasons why people who rarely wash their brushes may notice persistent breakouts around the face, even if they’re careful with their skincare routine.
2. Signs Your Hairbrush Might Be Causing Acne
Acne can be frustrating, especially when you’re doing everything “right” for your skin. You may be using gentle cleansers, exfoliating regularly, and sticking to non-comedogenic moisturisers but breakouts persist. In such cases, your hairbrush could be an unexpected culprit. The key is to look for patterns and subtle clues that suggest your hair tools are affecting your skin.
- Breakouts along the hairline, temples, or forehead
One of the most common indicators is pimples that appear specifically where your hair touches your face. This includes the forehead, temples, jawline, and even the sides of your cheeks if you have long hair or frequently wear hairstyles that drape across the skin. These areas are especially prone because the brush repeatedly transfers scalp oils, product residue, and dirt onto your skin, which can clog pores over time. - Persistent acne despite consistent skincare
If you’re following a carefully planned skincare routine using acne-fighting cleansers, exfoliants, or topical treatments and your breakouts won’t clear up, it may be a sign that the cause is external rather than internal. Hairbrushes that haven’t been cleaned in weeks or months can constantly reintroduce bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil back onto your freshly cleansed skin, undermining your efforts. - Visible grease, sticky residue, or dust on bristles
Take a close look at your hairbrush. A thin layer of product residue, oil, or dust on the bristles is a clear warning sign. Even if it seems minor, this build-up can be enough to block pores and trigger inflammation. Brushes that appear “dirty” or greasy are more likely to carry bacteria that can aggravate acne-prone skin. - Flare-ups after styling sessions
Notice if your breakouts worsen after blow-drying, straightening, curling, or other styling routines. Heated brushes or tools can make it easier for product residue to transfer from your hair onto your skin. If pimples appear shortly after styling, it’s another clue that your hairbrush may be contributing to the problem. - Unexplained irritation or redness
Sometimes, the signs aren’t full-blown pimples. You might notice general redness, inflammation, or irritation along the areas where your hair touches your face. This can happen when oil, bacteria, and product residue irritate the skin without immediately forming visible blemishes.
By paying attention to these signs, you can start to determine whether your hairbrush is part of the acne puzzle. Often, addressing the brush itself through proper cleaning, maintenance, or replacement can make a noticeable difference in skin clarity, especially along the hairline and forehead.
3. How to Keep Your Hairbrush Clean
A clean hairbrush isn’t just important for maintaining healthy hair it can also play a major role in preventing breakouts along your hairline, forehead, and temples. Dirty brushes can harbour oils, product residue, dead skin cells, and bacteria, all of which can transfer to your skin and clog pores. By incorporating simple cleaning and maintenance habits, you can reduce this risk and keep both your hair and skin looking their best.
- Regular Cleaning
Start by removing loose hair from your brush after every use. Hair strands trap dirt, oils, and product residue, and if left on the brush, they can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Once a week, give your brush a deeper clean by washing the bristles with a gentle shampoo and warm water. For brushes with a plastic or rubber base, you can soak them briefly, but avoid submerging wooden brushes fully, as water can damage them over time. Make sure to rinse thoroughly and allow your brush to air dry completely before using it again. - Disinfect Occasionally
Even with regular cleaning, bacteria can linger on your brush bristles. To reduce microbial growth, periodically disinfect your brush using rubbing alcohol or an antibacterial spray. Lightly mist the bristles and let them air dry. This step is particularly important if you use styling products frequently or if someone in your household has experienced scalp infections or acne flare-ups. - Avoid Sharing Brushes
Sharing hairbrushes might seem harmless, but it can easily transfer oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria from one person’s scalp to another. Even if you share only occasionally, it can increase the risk of breakouts and scalp irritation. Keeping brushes personal helps maintain hygiene and prevents cross-contamination. - Replace Old Brushes
Brushes don’t last forever. Over time, bristles can become worn, bent, or frayed, which makes it harder to clean them effectively. Older brushes are also more likely to harbour bacteria that can contribute to breakouts. Experts recommend replacing your hairbrush every 6–12 months, depending on usage and the type of brush, to ensure both hair and skin remain healthy.
By following these simple habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of brush-related breakouts. A clean, well-maintained brush ensures that you’re not constantly reintroducing oils, dirt, and bacteria to your skin, helping to keep pores clear and your complexion smoother.
4. Choosing the Right Hair Tools
Not all hairbrushes are created equal, and the type of brush you use can have a direct impact on both your hair and skin health. Choosing the right tools can help reduce product buildup, minimize oil transfer, and lower the risk of breakouts along the hairline and forehead.
- Bristle Material
The material of your brush bristles plays a key role in how oils and product residue are distributed. Natural bristles, such as boar or mixed natural-synthetic bristles, are generally more effective at spreading your scalp’s natural oils evenly along the hair shaft. This not only keeps hair looking healthier and shinier but can also prevent excess oil from accumulating at the roots, which can later transfer to your skin. In contrast, synthetic bristles tend to hold onto oils and product residue more stubbornly, which can make them more difficult to clean and more likely to contribute to clogged pores. - Brush Size and Design
The size and layout of your brush also matter. Brushes with very tight or densely packed bristles can trap oils, dirt, and product residue, making thorough cleaning difficult. Over time, this buildup can accumulate bacteria that eventually come into contact with your skin. Opting for brushes with widely spaced bristles or vented designs can make cleaning easier and reduce the amount of residue that comes into contact with your face. Round brushes for styling should be cleaned more frequently, as heat from blow-drying can melt product residue onto the bristles, increasing the risk of transferring oils and particles onto the skin. - Specialised Tools for Sensitive or Acne-Prone Skin
For those with particularly sensitive or acne-prone skin, brushes with softer, flexible bristles are recommended. These are gentler on the scalp and hairline, reducing mechanical irritation and the likelihood of micro-tears that can exacerbate acne. Some people also benefit from using detangling brushes with anti-bacterial coatings or silicone bristles, which are easier to clean and less likely to trap residue.
Choosing the right brush, combined with regular cleaning and proper maintenance, can significantly reduce the risk of breakouts while keeping your hair smooth and healthy. Simple adjustments in your haircare tools can go a long way toward improving both scalp and skin health.
5. When to Consult a Dermatologist
While maintaining a clean hairbrush and following proper haircare routines can greatly reduce the risk of breakouts, there are times when pimples and irritation persist despite your best efforts. If you continue to notice acne along your hairline, forehead, temples, or even the cheeks, it’s a strong signal that it may be time to seek professional advice from a dermatologist.
A dermatologist can assess whether factors beyond hairbrush hygiene are contributing to your breakouts. For example:
- Hormonal Acne
Hormonal fluctuations are a common cause of persistent acne. Changes related to menstrual cycles, stress, puberty, pregnancy, or underlying endocrine conditions can trigger breakouts that aren’t resolved by cleansing your hair tools or adjusting skincare. Dermatologists can evaluate your hormone levels and suggest tailored treatments, such as topical retinoids, hormonal therapies, or other prescription options, to target the root cause rather than just the symptoms. - Skin Sensitivity or Irritation
Some people have particularly sensitive or reactive skin that flares up even with minimal exposure to oils, residue, or friction from hair tools. A dermatologist can recommend gentle cleansers, soothing moisturisers, and non-comedogenic hair and skin products that minimise irritation. They can also guide you on routines and techniques to protect your skin while maintaining healthy hair. - Underlying Skin Conditions
Not all breakouts are acne. Conditions like folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), seborrheic dermatitis (scaly, red patches), or even fungal infections can appear similar to acne but require different treatments. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose these conditions, ensuring you receive the right therapy and avoid using ineffective or potentially irritating products. - Preventive Advice and Personalised Guidance
Beyond diagnosis, a dermatologist can offer practical recommendations on haircare and skin hygiene. They can advise which types of brushes and hair products are best suited for your skin type, how frequently to clean tools, and which topical or oral treatments might complement your routine to prevent flare-ups.
Consulting a dermatologist early can make a noticeable difference. By addressing the underlying cause of your breakouts, you not only improve the health and appearance of your skin but also prevent acne from becoming more severe or leaving lasting marks. Professional guidance ensures that your efforts like cleaning brushes and choosing the right products are truly effective and tailored to your unique skin needs.
Final Thought: Keeping Your Hairbrush from Causing Breakouts
While it might seem surprising, hairbrushes can be a hidden factor behind stubborn breakouts, especially around the hairline. By cleaning your brushes regularly, choosing the right tools, and maintaining a good skincare routine, you can reduce the risk of acne caused by hair products and bacteria.
If you continue experiencing breakouts and need expert guidance, you can reach out to our Acne Clinic in London to explore personalised treatments and prevention strategies.
References:
- Petrozzi, J.W. (1980). Comb and brush acne. Cutis, 26(6), 568–571. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6449356/
- Leyden, J.J., & Kligman, A.M. (1972). Hairs in acne comedones. Archives of Dermatology, 106(6), 851–853. Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/532968
- Yang, J., Xu, Y., & He, Y. (2020). A review of advancement on influencing factors of acne. Frontiers in Dermatology, 8, 752742. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7527424/
- Rinaldi, F., Pinto, D., Borsani, E., Castrezzati, S., Amedei, A., & Rezzani, R. (2022). The first evidence of bacterial foci in the hair part and dermal papilla of scalp hair follicles: A pilot comparative study in alopecia areata. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(19), 11956. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9570265/
- Essel, E.A., & Osei, S. (2019). Microscopic characteristics of scalp hair subjected to Ghanaian cultural styling methods. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 18(6), 1614–1620. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31819581/