How to Clean Your Hair Brush

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 sheets, it seems as though there’s a never-ending cleaning to-do list. One thing you may have forgotten to add to your cleaning checklist? Your hair brush! Think you don’t need to know how to clean hair brushes? Think again! Below, we’re sharing everything you need to know about how to clean a hairbrush (and even how to clean a comb) so you can keep this hairstyling necessity squeaky clean.

WHY YOU SHOULD CLEAN YOUR HAIR BRUSH

You may be wondering why you should clean your brush in the first place. Think about it: You use your hair brush on the daily, distributing your hair’s natural oils as well as any hair styling product you may be using throughout your mane. Over time, these oils and products build up on your brush. Not only that, but strands of hair that naturally fall out and dead skin cells build up, too. This buildup may affect how well your brush works, not to mention it’ll end up dirtying your strands.

HOW TO CLEAN HAIR BRUSHES

So, how does one clean a hair brush? It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

STEP #1: REMOVE EXCESS HAIR

Of course, you’ll want to remove any strands that have built up on your hair brush. This is the same for all types of brushes, whether you tend to reach for a round brush or a paddle brush. You can begin to do this by simply pulling away the hair with your fingers. Any strands that seem to have latched on and are a little more difficult to remove, you can use a pair of scissors to cut loose. You’ll want to do this about once a week, or when you notice your hair starting to build up on your brush. As with most cleaning, the more often you do it, the less you'll have to do next time. 

STEP #2: MAKE YOUR MIX

Once you’ve removed all excess hair from the brush, you’ll want to make a cleaning mixture. When it comes to giving your brush a thorough washing, your best bet is to create a concoction of shampoo and water. You can throw a bit of baking soda into the mix as well. Stir up your creation in a cup when you’re ready to clean.

STEP #3: SCRUB AWAY

Reach for a clean toothbrush—yes, a toothbrush! This will be your sidekick when it comes to cleaning your hair brushes, as it’ll 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 hair brush. After you’ve given your brush a thorough cleaning, rinse the bristles with water and allow your hair brush 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.

HOW TO CLEAN A COMB

Wondering how to clean a comb? It isn’t all that different from cleaning a brush. There are just a few simple steps to follow.

STEP #1: REMOVE THE HAIR

Just like with cleaning a hair brush, you’ll want to remove all excess hair from your comb.

STEP #2: MAKE YOUR MIX

Grab your shampoo and water! Make a mix just like you would for cleaning your hair brushes.

STEP #3: SOAK

Since combs are typically made fully of plastic, with no cushion or wooden part to worry about, you can let it soak to remove any debris. Simply place your comb(s) into the mix and allow it to sit for a half-hour to an hour.

Editor’s note: You can use this soaking method to clean hair brushes that are made completely of plastic, too!

STEP #4: DRY YOUR COMB

When time is up, remove your comb from the mix and pat it dry with a clean towel. All done!

Next: How to Clean Your Hot Tools