The short answer

Be honest. How long have you had your hairbrush? If you can't remember buying it, you're not alone. Most of us only replace a brush when it snaps or goes missing, and then buy another one that won't last either.

As hairdressers, we see the difference a good brush makes every day behind the chair. And the honest answer depends on the brush. Most everyday plastic brushes need replacing every 6 to 12 months. Cheaper bristles bend, melt and lose their tips quickly, especially with daily heat styling.

A good quality brush is different. Look after a well made boar bristle brush and it can stay with you for years. So if you find yourself buying a new brush every year, it might be time to stop replacing and start upgrading.

Signs it's time for a new brush

Forget the calendar for a second. Your brush will usually tell you when it's done. Look out for:

• Bent, melted or missing bristles. Even a few damaged ones can catch and snap your hair.
• Pins that have lost their tips. Rough pin ends can scratch your scalp and pull at your lengths.
• A cracked or loose cushion. Once the pad splits, it traps water and dirt and the bristles lose their give.
• Build-up that won't wash off. If a proper clean doesn't shift it, it's time to let it go.
• Your hair feels different. More tangles, frizz or breakage than usual can point back to your brush.

Upgrade to a brush that lasts

If your brush is past its best, don't just buy another one you'll be throwing away in six months. Invest in one that's made to last. We designed our two brushes around the ones we reach for most behind the chair.

Every detail is chosen to go the distance. Both brushes are made to feel good in your hand and look beautiful on your dressing table. And when our first production run came back not quite right, we waited an extra six months rather than launch brushes we weren't completely happy with.

The Everyday pairs natural boar bristle with high quality nylon pins, both cut extra long for more control when styling. The boar bristle smooths and distributes your natural oils from root to tip, leaving hair soft and glossy, while the nylon pins work through every hair texture. Use it for daily brushing, slicking hair back or brushing out a roller set. It's the brush for a healthy hair routine.

The Detangler has flexible metal pins that flex as you brush, moving through knots and tangles instead of pulling against them. Start with The Detangler to loosen everything out, then finish with The Everyday to smooth.

This Christmas, both brushes can be personalised with name engraving. A brush with your name on it is one you'll want to look after.

How to look after your brush

Keeping your brush clean is the easiest way to make it last. This is what we do with our own:

1. Remove the hair weekly. Lift it out with your fingers or the end of a tail comb.
2. Wash it every 2 to 4 weeks. Mix warm water with a small amount of shampoo, then gently work it through the bristles with your fingers or an old toothbrush.
3. Don't soak it. Dip the bristles only. Soaking can damage the cushion, wooden handles and natural bristles.
4. Rinse and dry bristles down. Shake off the water and leave it to air dry on a towel, bristles facing down, so water doesn't sit in the base.

If you use a lot of styling product or heat style most days, clean it more often.

Your questions, answered

How often should you clean your hairbrush? Remove hair weekly and give it a proper wash every 2 to 4 weeks, or more often if you use a lot of product.

Can I clean my brush instead of replacing it? Regular cleaning will help it last longer, but it won't fix bent bristles, missing tips or a split cushion. Once those show up, it's time for a new one.

Can a dirty brush affect your scalp? It can. A brush full of oil, product and dead skin can leave your scalp feeling itchy or irritated.

How long does a boar bristle brush last? Much longer than a cheap plastic brush. Clean it regularly, dry it bristles down and never soak it, and a quality boar bristle brush like The Everyday can last for years.

Stephanie and Danielle, co-founders of maene.