How to clean hairbrush - Step-by-step guide + tips

Let's talk a little bit about hygiene. And not about the kind of hygiene that will make your friends look at you with suspicion, but about hair hygiene. Washing your hair too often is not recommended, but infrequent washing leads to expected consequences. Well, think about it... Let's say you wash your hair 2-3 times a week, which is recommended. On the days when you don't wash your hair, natural oils and particles from the environment accumulate on the hair follicle. Then comes the time to wash your hair, but during that time you probably don't want to look like a disheveled mess. As a result, you use your brush, and all the elements I mentioned above accumulate on it. As a result, it gets dirty and over time it needs cleaning.

Cleaning your brush is essential for several reasons:

• Your hair starts to get greasy faster and you'll need to wash it more often.

• A dirty hair brush can lead to the accumulation of elements that can cause dryness and itching.

• A dirty hair brush creates an environment suitable for the development of different kinds of bacteria, which can lead to inflammation.

So, get your tools ready and roll up your sleeves, because in this article, I'll explain How to clean a hair brush.

What do you need?

Before you start with the essential part, make sure you have everything you need. Surely you don't want to start cleaning and realize that you can't continue because you haven't done your homework. So, for this purpose, we will need the following:

• Toothbrush

• Large bowl

• Vinegar

• Shampoo

• Scissors or tweezers

• Towel

• UV light (optional)

• Disinfection spray (optional)

How to clean a hairbrush?

1. Remove the hair from the brush (Help yourself with scissors or tweezers)

2. Wash it with shampoo (Both the bristles and the handle)

3. Dip the brush in a big bowl with warm water, shampoo, and vinegar (mixed)

4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water

5. Let it dry on a dry towel with brush bristles facing down

6. Disinfect with UV light or disinfecting spray (Optional)

Here is a short video of the process:

As you can see, cleaning the brush is an easy and quick task. It will take you no more than 10 minutes and will cost you cents if you reuse all the components in the process. To explain the process in more detail, I will describe each of the steps separately. And since brushes made of synthetic bristles and materials are the most common, I have started with them, and later in the article, I will explain how to clean a brush made of boar bristles or one made of wood.

Here are some examples of before & after cleaning a hairbrush:

How to remove hair from the brush

There are always hairs left on the brush that need to be removed to ensure smooth passage of the bristles through the hair. It is important to remove as much hair as it's possible in order to prevent tangles and to keep the hair clean. To remove them, you can start by pulling them out with your fingers. In the process, you will see how this becomes increasingly difficult. Therefore, you can use scissors or tweezers. They will allow you to be more precise. This way you will easily remove the small hairs that will remain.

How to wash the brush head?

After you have already cleaned the hairs from the brush, it's time to wash it. First, rinse the brush with lukewarm water. Then put shampoo on a toothbrush. Just like brushing your teeth, simply don't brush your teeth because you won't like the taste of it 😂. Start scrubbing between the bristles of the brush and use perpendicular movements. After scrubbing well in both directions, scrub the handle as well. It is important not to skip it, as natural oils and dirt also accumulate on it, which then goes on your hands and then on your hair.

Why dip the brush in a bowl when cleaning your brush?

It is good to let the brush soak. This will help remove built-up dirt more easily. Consequently, cleaning will be more effective. The mix should be 3 tablespoons of vinegar, a few drops of shampoo, and half a gallon (~ 2L) warm water in a large bowl. Mix the mixture well and soak the brush for 2-3 minutes. Then shake it well.

Note: If your brush has wooden elements (such as a handle or bristle tips), do not dip it in the mix as you risk swelling it. Instead, read below on how to treat a wooden brush.

How to rinse the brush?

After you have washed the brush and it has been soaked for a few minutes, it is necessary to rinse it thoroughly. Place it under running hot water and use your hands to remove any remaining product from it.

How to dry it?

If your brush is made of synthetic materials, simply place it on a towel with the bristles facing down. Wait a few hours until it dries, and make sure that there is no collected water inside (if the brush has one). If there is (most commonly in brushes with a rubber base and an air pocket under the bristles), press the brush well until it sinks and squeeze out as much water as possible. Then leave it for a few more hours.

How to disinfect? (Optional)

Disinfection is a very effective way to add another layer of safety during washing. As I already mentioned, the dirty brush creates a precondition for the formation of an environment suitable for all kinds of microbes. Often these microbes do not disappear with washing alone. For this purpose, I would recommend a UV lamp, which can be purchased from Amazon, or a disinfection spray. If you use a UV lamp, simply illuminate mainly the area of the bristles for a long time (about 30 seconds). If you use a spray, spray from a distance of 15-20 cm to spread the spray evenly.

Pro Tip: You can also use baking soda. It helps in the process by providing better efficiency when scrubbing.

That's it! You are ready, and now you can use your brush again without worries. But don't forget to do it regularly to keep your brush clean and safe. If you're wondering how often to clean your hair brush, just keep reading, I'll get there soon.

How to clean hair brush made of boar bristle?

The process is quite similar, depending on the density of the bristles, you may need to skip a step, as it will be difficult to run a toothbrush between the bristles of a natural bristle brush. In this case, focus on the step of soaking the brush in the cleaning mixture and use your fingers to massage the bristles to ensure the cleaning solution penetrates as deeply as possible.

After soaking and washing the brush, allow it to air dry, but be patient as natural materials tend to dry more slowly than synthetic ones. Here are the steps:

1. Remove all the hair from the brush using your fingers or a comb.

2. Dip the brush into a bowl of warm, soapy water. Use a gentle shampoo or a solution of water and baking soda.

3. Gently scrub the natural bristles with a toothbrush or a similar soft-bristled brush.

4. Rinse the brush with warm water, making sure to remove all the soap.

5. Gently squeeze out any excess water from the bristles.

6. Let the brush air dry on a clean towel with the bristles facing down.

How to clean a brush made of wood?

To clean a brush made of wood, you need to limit the water used in the process. Wood is a material that tends to absorb and retain water. Under extreme conditions such as low or high temperature, this can lead to splitting or warping of the wooden material. If your brush is made of wood, it is important to apply additional drying while cleaning.

In addition, you should skip the step of soaking the brush in a large bowl of water. Submerging a wooden brush is not recommended because it will absorb a large amount of water, which can lead to deformation. Instead, use a toothbrush to clean the bristles and handle, then rinse thoroughly and dry immediately by wiping the handle with a clean, damp cloth. Use a towel to remove all the moisture from the brush and even use another towel if the first one becomes too damp.

You might wonder, "If I don't use so much water, won't the cleaning quality be lower?" The answer is "No, if you use the last (optional) step called 'Disinfection.' If you disinfect your brush, you can be sure you've done a good job!" Here are the steps:

1. Remove all the hair from the brush using your fingers or a comb.

2. Use a toothbrush or a similar soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the bristles with a solution of warm water and mild shampoo.

3. Rinse the brush with warm water, making sure to remove all the soap.

4. Gently squeeze out any excess water from the bristles.

5. Wipe the wooden handle with a clean, damp cloth. Do not submerge the wooden handle in water, as it can damage the wood.

6. Let the brush air dry on a clean towel with the bristles facing down.

How often should you clean your brush?

It is recommended to clean your brush every 2-3 weeks. However, there are factors that can affect the frequency of cleaning. For example, if you do not use your brush every day (instead you alternate it with a comb). The degree of oiliness of your hair also matters. If your hair is too greasy, your brush can become dirty faster. Another factor that affects the brush's dirtiness is the hair products you use. If you use hair products more intensively (larger quantities or more frequent use), it is good to wash your brush more often.

Nevertheless, it is good to remove the hair from the brush every 2-3 days to avoid tangling and breaking. Even if it's not a thorough cleaning it will benefit the performance of your hair brush. Also, leaving hair in the brush acts as direct contact (hair to hair) and helps with easier dirt buildup.

Why is it important to clean your brush?

Everyone knows that dirty hair brushes can cause trouble. To avoid drying out, greasiness, itching, or even inflammation, it is good to regularly clean your brush. As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, regularly cleaning your brush helps not only with better hygiene but also with maintaining good hair health.

Another very important clarification is that if someone you know has recently used your brush, it is good to clean it before using it. And not because you are whiny or have to be, but because different hairs retain different elements that may be harmful to your scalp. It is especially important to wash it and even buy a new one if someone who has lice has used your brush. As you know from the article "Lice vs Dandruff - How to tell them apart," lice are highly contagious. They can easily be transmitted through a hairbrush or any other styling tool.

When should you change your brush?

The brush should be replaced when it no longer performs well. As you know, hairbrushes made of synthetic materials such as plastic and rubber are practically eternal. The materials they are made of will likely last for hundreds of years. On the other hand, this does not mean that they are usable. If the bristles of the brush are bent or broken, it's time to get a new one. The bent bristles can get tangled in your hair and cause breakage. Another reason to change your brush is if you notice that it leaves residue that even after washing continues to leave traces. Some products, like hair gels and sprays, can sometimes damage the structure of the material the brush is made of, and this is irreversible. In this case, you should replace it.

Another case in which you should change your brush is if you notice increased hair loss. This may mean that the brush is not suitable for your hair, and you need a different solution like a wide-tooth comb.

And last, but not least, as I mentioned earlier if someone with lice has used your brush. Although the probability of cleaning is enough, it is always better to take additional precautions against unwanted intruders. So buy a new one.

6 mistakes to avoid while cleaning your brush

1. If your brush is made of wood, avoid leaving the cleaning product on it for too long. Work at normal room temperature and use water at room temperature. After washing it, make sure it is well-dried.

2. Always leave the brush to dry with the bristles facing down. This helps the water to drain towards the towel on which it is drying. If you leave it with the bristles facing up, it will retain that water and be much more difficult to dry.

3. Wash the bristles carefully and do not apply too much pressure to avoid fraying or warping.

4. Do not use strong chemicals to clean your brush. The shampoo you use for your hair is the most suitable cleaning agent. Adding strong chemicals can not only damage your brush but also your hair if you do not rinse it well afterwards.

5. Do not skip the first step (Removing the hair from the brush). This will make cleaning the brush much easier and more effective.

6. Do not use a hairdryer to dry the brush. The heat can damage the bristles and the brush itself. Instead, allow it to air dry naturally.

People also ask:

What is the fuzz in my hairbrush?

Short answer: 🐵 It's caused by dead skin cells, excess hair, and product buildup

The fuzz in your hairbrush is a combination of dead skin cells, excess hair, and product buildup. It's important to clean your hairbrush regularly to prevent the accumulation of these materials.

Is it okay to soak a hairbrush in vinegar?

Short answer: 👍 Yes

It is okay to soak a hairbrush in vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can help remove bacteria and product buildup from your hairbrush. Just be sure to rinse the brush thoroughly with warm water after soaking it in vinegar.

How to Clean a Hairbrush if You Have Dandruff?

Short answer: 🧴 The same way as if you haven't

If you have dandruff, it's important to clean your hairbrush regularly to prevent the buildup of scalp flakes and bacteria. To clean a hairbrush if you have dandruff, start by removing any loose hair from the brush. Then, soak the brush in a mixture of warm water and shampoo for about 10 minutes. After that, use a toothbrush or small cleaning brush to gently scrub the bristles and remove any buildup. Rinse the brush thoroughly with warm water and let it air dry with the bristles facing down.

What’s the best way to clean a lice comb?

Short answer: 💧🧽 Soak it for at least 10 mins & give it a good scrub

To clean a lice comb, start by removing any visible lice or nits from the comb with a tissue or paper towel. Then, soak the comb in hot water for at least 10 minutes to kill any remaining lice or nits. After that, use a toothbrush or small cleaning brush to gently scrub the comb and remove any buildup. Rinse the comb thoroughly with warm water and let it air dry.

How do professionals clean hair brushes?

Short answer: 👀 The same way as you

Professional hairdressers often use a combination of warm water, shampoo, and a small cleaning brush to clean hair brushes. They may also use a disinfectant spray or UV light to kill bacteria.

How do you dissolve gunk in a hairbrush?

Short answer: 💧 Soak it

To dissolve gunk in a hairbrush, you can try soaking the brush in a mixture of warm water and baking soda for about 30 minutes. Baking soda can help dissolve product buildup and loosen any stuck hair. After soaking, use a toothbrush or small cleaning brush to gently scrub the brush and remove any remaining gunk.

Can a dirty hairbrush cause hair loss?

Short answer: 👍 Yes

A dirty hairbrush can potentially cause hair loss if it's not cleaned regularly. Bacteria and product buildup on the brush can cause scalp infections and inflammation, which can lead to hair loss.

Why do I find so many hairs in my hairbrush after I brush my hair?

Short answer: 🔄 Because of telogen phase of hair growth

It's normal to find some hair in your hairbrush after brushing your hair. However, if you're finding an excessive amount of hair, it could be a sign of hair loss or damage. It's important to take good care of your hair and your hairbrush to prevent further damage and hair loss.

Can I use Dawn to clean my hair brushes?

Short answer: 👍 Yes

You can use Dawn dish soap to clean your hair brushes. Dawn is effective at removing grease and oil from the bristles and can help clean a dirty hairbrush.

Does vinegar clean hair brushes?

Short answer: 👍 Yes

Vinegar is an effective natural cleaner for hair brushes. It can help remove bacteria and product buildup from the bristles and disinfect the brush.

Can I wash my hair brush in the dishwasher?

Short answer: 👍 Yes, if it's made of durable plastic

It's not recommended to wash your wooden or boar bristle hairbrush in the dishwasher. The heat and harsh detergents in the dishwasher can damage the brush's bristles and wooden handle. It's best to clean your hairbrush by hand if it's not synthetic.