How to Properly Clean Hairbrushes and Combs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Keeping your hairbrushes and combs clean is essential for maintaining healthy hair and scalp. Over time, brushes accumulate hair, oil, dead skin cells, and product buildup, which can transfer back onto your hair if not cleaned regularly. To help you get the most out of your hair tools, here’s a simple guide on how to clean them properly and how often you should do it.
Why Cleaning Your Hairbrush Matters
Each time you use your brush or comb, it collects oils, product residue, and even bacteria. If left uncleaned, these can lead to greasy-looking hair, scalp irritation, and reduced effectiveness of your hair tools. Cleaning your brush regularly extends its lifespan and ensures it continues to glide smoothly through your hair without transferring unwanted buildup.
How to Clean Hairbrushes
While different brushes—such as paddle, round, or boar bristle—may have unique designs, they can generally be cleaned using the same method. Here’s how:
1. Remove Hair from the Brush
Use your fingers, a rat-tail comb, or a wire brush cleaner to pull out the trapped hair. This makes the cleaning process much more effective.
2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Mix warm water with either a clarifying shampoo or mild dish soap. This helps break down product buildup and oils.
- For metal or ceramic brushes: You can fully submerge them in the mixture.
- For wooden, paddle, or boar bristle brushes: Only dip the bristles to avoid damaging the brush handle or cushion.
3. Scrub the Bristles
Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the bristles and remove any stubborn debris.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the brush under warm water to remove any soap residue.
5. Disinfect (Optional but Recommended)
If you share your brush with others, disinfect it by spraying it with alcohol or soaking it in a diluted disinfectant solution.
6. Let It Air Dry Properly
- Paddle brushes: Dry bristle-side down on a towel.
- Round brushes: Lay them flat to prevent water from collecting inside, which could lead to mold.
How to Clean Combs
Combs don’t trap as much hair as brushes but still collect oils and product residue. Follow these steps to keep them clean:
- Remove any trapped hair using your fingers or a fine-tooth comb.
- Soak in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes to break down buildup. (For metal or wooden combs, limit soaking to 5–10 minutes to prevent damage.)
- Scrub between the teeth using an old toothbrush, toothpick, or cotton swab.
- Disinfect by spraying with alcohol or soaking in a disinfectant solution.
- Rinse and dry completely to prevent mold or bacteria growth.
How Often Should You Clean Your Hairbrushes and Combs?
The frequency of cleaning depends on your hair type, how often you use your brush, and whether you use styling products.
- Oily or fine hair: Every 3–4 days
- Thick or curly hair: Once a week
- Coily or natural hair: Every 10 days
- Dry or damaged hair: Once a week
- If using lots of styling products: Every 3–4 days
- If sharing a brush: Disinfect after each use
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Hairbrush or Comb
Even with regular cleaning, hair tools eventually wear out. Here are some signs that it’s time for a new one:
- Bristles are bent, broken, or missing
- The brush pad is cracked or loose
- The comb’s teeth are broken or missing
- Even after cleaning, there’s still excessive buildup
By keeping your hairbrushes and combs clean, you’ll maintain healthier hair, prevent scalp issues, and ensure your tools last as long as possible. Make regular cleaning a part of your hair care routine for the best results!
