Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eco Headies?
A reusable stainless steel toothbrush with replaceable bamboo heads. One handle, kept for years. Heads swapped every three months. About 97% less plastic than disposable brushing.
How does the head attach to the handle?
The head clicks into the top of the handle. Line up the head, press down until you feel a soft click, it takes about five seconds. To remove, pull straight up. No tools, no twisting.
How often should I replace the head?
Every three months. That's the same cadence dentists recommend for any toothbrush.
What is the handle made of?
AISI 304 stainless steel, the same grade used in commercial kitchens and dental instruments. Available in Black or Coffee, finished with an electrophoresis coating that won't chip or peel. The logo is laser engraved, not printed. Rust resistant, dishwasher safe (top rack), and engineered to last decades.
What are the head and bristles made of?
The head body is natural Mao bamboo with a water based clear coating. The bristles are Tynex RS 1010, a high performance nylon that contains castor oil derived content, made by the same supplier most dental recommended brushes use. Soft, densely packed, with 0.12mm tapered tips designed for sensitive gums.
Are the heads biodegradable?
The bamboo body of the head is biodegradable. The bristles are not, they're a high performance nylon partially derived from castor oil. To dispose of an old head, you can remove the bristle section with pliers and compost the bamboo body. We're working on a fully biodegradable bristle and will launch it when it performs as well as the current one.
Is it good for sensitive or receding gums?
Yes. The bristles were designed with sensitive gums in mind. Soft, densely packed, with tapered 0.12mm tips that reach the gumline without poking. Many of our customers come to us specifically because nothing else was gentle enough.
Does the head stay on while I brush?
Yes. The silicone gasket inside the head grips firmly. You can brush hard, even drop the brush, and the head stays put. To remove it, pull straight up with intent, it doesn't slip off on its own.
Is the stainless steel handle hygienic?
Yes. AISI 304 stainless steel is non porous, doesn't absorb water, and resists bacteria. You can rinse it, run it through the dishwasher, or sterilize it in boiling water any time. Unlike bamboo handles, it doesn't go mushy. Unlike plastic, it doesn't develop micro scratches that harbor bacteria.
Can kids use it?
Yes. We're working on a smaller kid sized handle with smaller, extra soft heads. Family bundles will be available later this year.
How much does it cost compared to disposable brushes?
About the same in year one, you're paying upfront for the handle. After that, you only buy heads, which cost less than a full disposable brush. Over five years, Eco Headies cost significantly less per person.
How do I dispose of an old head?
Remove the bristle section with pliers and compost or trash the bristles. The bamboo body can be composted, used as garden mulch, or burned safely. We're working on a take back program for the bristle component.
How long does the handle actually last?
The handle is engineered to last 20+ years of normal use. In practice it's limited by the user, not by the material. Stainless steel of this grade doesn't rust, doesn't degrade, and doesn't fatigue from brushing.
Where is it made?
The handle is manufactured in China at a facility that produces medical and dental grade stainless steel products. The bamboo is natural Mao bamboo, sourced and processed in the same region. We chose this manufacturer for material quality and quality control. The same approach companies like Apple or Patagonia use: designed in one place, made overseas.
Can I subscribe and get heads on a schedule?
Subscription is coming soon. Once it's live, you'll be able to have heads shipped every 3, 6, or 12 months at a 20% discount. Cancel anytime, no fees.
What's your return policy?
30 day money back guarantee. Use it for a month. If you'd rather go back to plastic, send it back and we'll refund you. Email info@ecoheadies.com to start a return.
Do you ship internationally?
Right now we ship within the United States. International shipping is in the works.
Can I put the handle in the dishwasher?
Yes. Top rack. Stainless steel doesn't mind. The head itself should not be put in the dishwasher, pull it off first.
Is the brush approved by the FDA?
It's classified as a Class I medical device by the FDA. It's registered in the FDA database and complies with US sales requirements. We don't make specific medical claims about treating dental conditions, it's a well designed brush for daily use.
How is Eco Headies different from a full bamboo toothbrush?
Bamboo handles go mushy in a humid bathroom within one to three months. They splinter. They harbor mold. And you still throw the whole thing away every few months. We use bamboo only where it makes sense (the small, replaceable head) and stainless steel where it actually pays off (the handle you keep for life).
How is it different from an electric toothbrush?
No battery to replace, no charging dock taking up counter space, no proprietary subscription heads. Just a well made manual brush. Travel friendly, no failure points, and significantly cheaper over five years.
Do the bristles transfer any taste from the bamboo?
No. The bamboo has a water based clear coating that seals it. You taste your toothpaste, nothing else.
Is the handle cold against my teeth?
The bristles are what touch your teeth, not the handle. The handle stays at room temperature and warms quickly in your hand. No different from using a metal spoon.
Will it actually last as long as you say?
AISI 304 stainless steel of this grade doesn't rust, doesn't degrade, and doesn't fatigue from normal use. The only failure point is the silicone gasket inside the head, and that part is replaced with each new head.
Can I share a handle with someone in my family?
We don't recommend it for hygiene reasons. Each person should have their own handle. That's why we'll offer family bundles with multiple handles in different colors so each person can identify theirs.