Best Guide to Clean Hairbrushes to Remove Lint & Buildup

Don’t overlook this essential step and follow our straightforward method to enjoy the beauty benefits of a clean hairbrushes.

Discover how to effectively clean your hairbrushes, removing dirt, hair, and product residue.

Neglecting this task not only leads to unsightly brushes but could also harm your freshly washed hair. According to Shelly Aguirre, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, cleaning your brushes is vital to maintain their performance and functionality at their best.

How to Clean Hair From a Hairbrush

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Photo: How to Clean Hair From a Hairbrush

Removing hair and lint from your hairbrush is a straightforward task that can be done using your fingers or a comb to gently pull out the strands.

For round brushes, you can unwind the hair wrapped around them and use scissors to carefully cut away the strands. Additionally, there are specialized tools available for cleaning hairbrushes that can enhance your cleaning routine and make the process even easier.

Deep-Cleaning a Hairbrush

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Photo: Deep-Cleaning a Hairbrush

Apart from hair, hairbrush bristles tend to accumulate lint, oil, and dead skin cells.

Once you’ve removed all the hair, a good washing is necessary to eliminate this buildup. Luckily, you don’t need any special cleaning products; your regular shampoo will do the trick.

Apply a drop of shampoo to the brush head and gently agitate it with your fingers or a toothbrush. This shampoo cleaning method works effectively on both synthetic bristle and boar’s bristle hairbrushes.

Wiping Down the Handle and Rinse:.

While cleaning the bristles, remember to wipe down the handle of your hairbrush with a towel to remove any sticky hairspray or styling product residue.

Use a cotton swab to clean any grooves. However, be cautious with wood-handled brushes and avoid soaking them in water to prevent damage or warping.

After cleaning, rinse the hairbrush thoroughly in clean warm water.

Air-Drying the Hairbrush:.

To dry the hairbrush, place it on a clean towel with the bristles facing down and let it air-dry completely before using it again.

Depending on the type of brush, drying can take overnight or a shorter time for vented brushes without a padded base. Although some suggest using dryer sheets to clean a hairbrush, the water and shampoo method is more effective for deep-cleaning and dislodging buildup.

Cleaning Frequency and Replacement

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Photo: Cleaning Frequency and Replacement

It’s essential to keep your hairbrushes clean to maintain its effectiveness.

Regularly clean out the hair and buildup as needed, but remember that deep-cleaning is not a daily chore. Experts recommend performing a thorough cleaning about once a month, and more frequently if you notice significant product buildup or excessive hair shedding.

Knowing when to replace your hairbrush is equally important.

While proper cleaning and maintenance can extend its lifespan, it’s time for a new brush when the bristles are worn down, and the brush no longer gets clean enough. Technology in hairbrushes evolves over time, so getting a new one every five years or so can be beneficial.

A new brush can significantly improve the health and appearance of your hair, making it a worthwhile investment for your daily styling routine.

*The information is for reference only.