Below, we list a few quick and easy steps on brush cleaning and maintenance. With proper care, your trusted brush should last you anywhere from one to five or even 10 years. This timeline can depend on the quality of its bristles. Read on to see how to clean a hairbrush in less than five minutes:
How to Clean a Hairbrush
Step 1: Remove ALL of the hair.
Yes, all of it—the strands that are literally floating on top of the bristles to the gnarly ones entangled on the brush bed, which, depending on how fastidious you are, may or may have not been there for months. You can also use the end of a fishtail comb to help pick out any tangled strands. Make sure not to scratch the bristle bed! This step is ideally done daily, but can also be done weekly at the least.
Step 2: Wash your brush, or gently clean with shampoo or mild soap.
How to clean a hairbrush with soap and/or shampoo? Take note of its material. Plastic hairbrushes, or those with slats like vented drying brushes, maybe soaked in soapy water or run under a faucet in order to thoroughly clean the head and remove any dirt and residue between the slats and on the bottom of each bristle. For mixed and natural-bristle brushes, go gentler. Dip the head in a bowl of warm water to moisten, and take a toothbrush that’s been topped with either shampoo or mild soap to the bristles. This helps remove any flakes, grime and all other residues that might have built up at the base. Afterward, rinse the head of your brush in a bowl of clean water for about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Dry.
For plastic brushes, blot and wipe any excess moisture on the head, handle and bristles with a soft fabric or tissue. For any other materials, blot the handle and head of your hairbrush and lay it on a towel or paper towel. Make sure to lay it bristle-down, till completely dry (usually six to eight hours). Repeat the wash and dry process at least once a month to extend the life of your tools.
