all hair types How To Properly Clean Your Hairbrush

We’ll be the first ones to say that cleaning can be a bit of a drag. From cleaning your makeup brushes to cleaning your heat-styling tools, it seems like there’s a never-ending list of things that need to be soaped up and scrubbed down. And while adding an item to your to-do list is less than ideal, you may want to add your hairbrush to that memo. If you’ve been going about life not knowing how to clean a hairbrush — or thinking it’s unnecessary — it’s time to change that. Below, we’re sharing what you need to know about how to clean a hairbrush, plus an easy three-step tutorial to leave your hairbrush looking almost as new as the day you bought it.  

Why You Should Clean Your Hairbrush 

You use your hairbrush daily, which distributes your hair’s natural oils, as well as any hairstyling products you may have put on your hair. Over time, these oils and products build up on your brush. Not only that, but strands of hair that naturally fall out as well as dead skin cells accumulate, too. Even bits of dust and other environmental debris can end up on your strands and on your brush. This buildup can then transfer back onto your hair when you’re brushing it. If your strands have already been looking or feeling greasy lately, transferring buildup to them isn’t helping.

How To Clean A Hairbrush 

So, how does one deep clean a hairbrush? It’s actually pretty easy. Follow these easy steps to rid your hairbrush of unwanted buildup.

1. Remove Excess Hair 

Of course, you’ll want to remove any hair that has built up on your hairbrush. You can begin to do this by simply pulling the hair away with your fingers. You can also use a pair of scissors to cut out any strands that seem to have latched on and are a little more difficult to remove. You’ll want to do this about once a week, or when you notice hair starting to build up on your brush. As with most cleaning, the more often you do it, the less rigorous it’ll be next time.

2. Make A Cleaning Mixture

Once you’ve removed all excess hair from the brush, make a cleaning mixture that’s equal parts shampoo and water. You can throw a bit of baking soda into the mix as well. Stir  your creation in a cup when you’re ready to clean.

3. Scrub Away 

Reach for a clean toothbrush — yes, a toothbrush —  which will allow you to gently scrub away any buildup without being too harsh. Dip the toothbrush in your mix of shampoo and water, then gently scrub between the bristles of your hairbrush. After you’ve given your brush a thorough cleaning, rinse the bristles with water and place your brush in a cool, dry place to air dry.

Editor’s note: If you’re working with a wooden brush, make a mixture that remains as dry as possible. Keep water to a minimum. This will help avoid over-saturating the brush and help prevent damage.

Next: What Exactly Is Hair Made Of?

Edited by: Alyssa Kaplan, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn