Buzz
Among beauty tools, your hairbrush becomes filthy surprisingly quickly. On average, humans lose 50–100 hairs daily, many of which get trapped in your brush alongside a buildup of hair products, dead skin, and dust (creating an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi). Neglecting to clean your brush can reintroduce this dirt into your hair, leading to greasiness, tangling, and potential damage, while also worsening scalp conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
If your brush appears dirty, it absolutely needs cleaning. Remove hair as it builds up (daily or so) and perform a deep clean weekly if you use styling products like gel or hairspray (or every two to three weeks if you don’t).
The Best Way to Clean Your Hairbrush
Start by removing hair from your brush's bristles. Use your fingers initially, but for stubborn clumps, employ a pointed tool like a chopstick, toothpick, or comb edge, or carefully cut them with scissors. Make this a routine to avoid accumulation.
Now, proceed to wash the brush:
Prepare a basin, sink, or bowl with warm, soapy water. Dish soap or mild shampoo works for synthetic (plastic or rubber) brushes, but opt for sulfate-free shampoo for natural (wood or boar bristle) brushes. Adding one to two teaspoons of baking soda is optional.
Soak synthetic brushes, including bristles, for 10 minutes. For natural or padded brushes, only dip the bristles to avoid submersion. This loosens debris for easier cleaning.
Remove the brush, shake off excess water, and re-soak if significant residue remains.
Use your fingers to wipe grime off individual bristles.
Scrub the base and bristles with a clean toothbrush dipped in soapy water, focusing on areas with buildup.
Rinse under cool running water, shake or squeeze out excess moisture, and let it dry face-down.
Regular cleaning extends your hairbrush's lifespan, but replacement is necessary when bristles are broken, bent, or missing, or if cracks appear. Inspect your brush frequently.
