Cleaning Hair Brushes of All Types (+How, Why, and Tips)

An essential part of healthy, beautiful hair is not only washing and styling but cleaning hair brushes to keep your hair healthy.

A dirty brush can affect the health of your hair and scalp, leading to breakage, frizziness, and other ailments. Cleaning hair brushes does not take long, but it helps to know how to do it correctly. 

So, to get the job done fast, learn everything you need to know about how and why it is essential to keep your hair brush clean here.

Why Cleaning Hair Brushes Is Important

cleaning hair brushes

Hair brushes get dirty with frequent use due to product residue, dead skin cells, broken hair, and oil. Dust mites can also build up on brushes, making them less effective and causing scalp damage.

When you use a dirty brush, the dirt is redeposited into your clean hair. Regularly cleaning your brush will make your hair less frizzy, oily, and tangled.

Another problem is that a dirty hairbrush can harbor bacteria and yeast, contributing to dandruff and scalp conditions like infections.

How Often Should You Clean Your Hair Brush?

For most hair brushes and types, cleaning them once a month is enough, but it does depend on how often you commit to upkeep.

If you are active, the best thing to do is clean your hair brushes once a week, primarily if you use styling products or have oily hair.

The same applies if you have dandruff; cleaning your brushes weekly will remove dead skin flakes and not be re-deposited into your hair after washing it.

You can wash your hairbrush every two weeks and use fewer products for dry hair. We recommend removing loose hair daily from the brush to prevent buildup between your deeper cleanings.

4 Tips For Cleaning Hair Brushes

cleaning solution

Cleaning hair brushes is crucial for hair and scalp health and helps extend the life of styling tools. Here are some tips and steps to ensure your hairbrushes and combs are clean.

1. Make a Cleaning Solution

An effective way to clean hair brushes before washing them is to make a cleansing solution. You can opt for the following depending on the type of brush you have:

  • To soak plastic or synthetic brushes, use a few drops of liquid soap or mild shampoo mixed with warm water in a bowl.
  • You can use a mild sulfate-free shampoo mixed with warm water to clean a wooden brush or one made of natural materials. The main difference is that you need a toothbrush to clean between the bristles. Do not let the brush soak in water to prevent damage.

Trick: Add a teaspoon of baking soda for cleaning power if buildup occurs.

2. Remove Hair and Buildup

The next step is to remove the trapped hair from the bristles before placing the brush in the cleaning solution. You can use a pointy object, such as chopsticks, a pen, or fingers to finish the job.

3. Cleaning The Brush

Once the hair is removed, soak your plastic or synthetic brush in water for 30 minutes to loosen the dirt. Then, remove the brush and use an old toothbrush to clean between the bristles.

Use a small brush or toothbrush dipped in soapy water to scrub between the bristles of your wooden brush.

Do not submerge the brush, as it can cause warping. Adding baking soda will help dissolve oils and eliminate bacteria buildup.

4. Rinse And Leave to Dry

Rinse your brush well under running water to remove any soapy residue. The brush material does not allow water to soak into the base or cushions.

Then, squeeze out the excess water and give it a good shake. To help with drainage, place your brush with the bristles on a towel in a ventilated area.

Before using your brush, ensure it is dry to prevent mildew and mold.

When To Replace Your Brush

keep brushes clean

We recommend replacing your hairbrush with a new one every six to 12 months.

But it does depend on the brush’s condition and use. If your brush is broken, missing bristles, or bent, it is time to replace it.

The same applies if you cannot remove the buildup or it has an unpleasant odor. A damaged brush is ineffective in helping detangle your hair and can lead to scalp irritation with time.

Wrap-Up: Clean Hair Brushes Lead to Healthy Hair Care

As important as it is to visit your salon regularly, it is just as essential to keep your hairbrush clean weekly or monthly. 

A clean hairbrush prevents the buildup of oil, hair, dead skin cells, dirt, and product residue from re-depositing into the hair.

The process is simple: use soap and water and dry it well after washing. If you notice any damage to the brush or bristles, then it is a good time to have them replaced.

FAQ

What is the gray fuzz in the hairbrush?

The gray fuzz is a mix of dust, product buildup, and hair. We naturally shed hair and form a grayish mess, which is normal. There is no need to worry about it. However, it is essential to clean your brush to keep it fresh.

Will vinegar help to clean your hair brush?

Vinegar is a natural cleaner, primarily when used with baking soda, and can help clean your hair brush by removing bacteria from the bristles.

What do salons use to keep their hair brushes clean?

Salons soak their hair brushes and combs in a liquid called Barbicide and wash them with soap and water.

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