How to clean your hair brushes at home

How to Clean Your Hair Brushes at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Maintaining the cleanliness of our hair equipment is essential for both hair health and optimal performance. That’s why I’m here to guide you through an easy, at-home method for cleaning your hair brushes. The best part? You don’t need fancy cleaning products—just common items you probably already have in your home!

We use our hair brushes regularly, which means product buildup from hair spray, dry shampoo, texturizing products, serums, natural oils from our scalp, and even dandruff can accumulate on our brushes over time. Keeping your brushes clean not only extends their life but also promotes healthier hair by preventing the buildup of residue.

What You'll Need:

• Wide-tooth comb (for detangling)

• Toothbrush (for precision cleaning)

• Hair shampoo (gentle, clarifying or regular)

• Towel (for drying)

Step-by-Step Method to Clean Your Hair Brushes:

Step 1: Remove Hair from the Brushes

Start by removing any hair stuck in your brush. A wide-tooth comb works great for this task—simply run the comb between the bristles to dislodge any strands.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution

Fill a sink or bowl with warm water and add half a pump of hair shampoo. This simple solution will help break down product buildup without damaging the bristles.

Step 3: Scrub the Brushes

Immerse the brush into the soapy water and gently scrub between the bristles. I personally prefer using a toothbrush for this, as its small size allows you to get into the nooks and crannies of the bristles.

TIP: When scrubbing, always move in up-and-down motions with the bristles facing down to avoid damaging them. Be gentle but thorough to remove as much product residue as possible.

Step 4: Rinse the Brushes

Drain the soapy water from the sink or bowl and rinse the brushes under warm water to remove all residue. You may need to repeat this process until the water runs clear.

TIP: If the rinsed water still looks cloudy or soapy, continue rinsing until it’s clear. Typically, cleaning your brushes 2-3 times will get the job done, depending on how often you clean them.

Step 5: Dry the Brushes

Once your brushes are clean, lay them on a towel to dry. Round brushes should be placed with the bristles facing down to allow moisture to drain out. This helps prevent any residual water from seeping into the brush handle, which could cause damage over time.

TIP: Always make sure the brushes are bristle-side down so that the moisture can drip away, promoting faster and more efficient drying.

Why Clean Your Hair Brushes?

Regularly cleaning your brushes ensures they perform their best and prevents any harmful buildup from affecting your hair. Not only does it help with hygiene, but it also ensures your hair tools are ready to style without transferring old product or oils back onto your hair. Clean brushes also allow for a smoother application of hair products and help maintain the longevity of your brushes.