How to Wash Hair Brushes

A Simple Guide for Clean and Healthy Hair

Have you ever looked at your hairbrush and noticed it's full of hair, lint, or some product buildup? We’ve all been there. Washing your hair brushes regularly is one of those small tasks that greatly helps keep your hair fresh, clean, and healthy. Whether your brush is filled with hair products, has collected dust, or you just dealt with a lice scare, here’s a simple guide on how to wash hair brushes the right way, without turning it into a chore.

Why You Should Wash Your Hair Brush

Think of your hairbrush like your toothbrush. You wouldn’t use the same one for months without cleaning it, right? Every time you brush your hair, your brush collects natural oils, dead skin cells, dust, and product residue. Over time, that buildup transfers back into your hair, making it look greasy or heavy even after washing. So, if you want your hair to feel lighter, shinier, and cleaner for longer, you should regularly wash your brush.

How Do You Wash Hair Brushes?

Alright, let’s get into it. The process is pretty straightforward. Here’s the basic method you can use for most types of brushes, whether they are plastic, paddle, or round.

What you’ll need:

1. A bowl or sink

2. Warm water (not super hot)

3. A few drops of gentle shampoo or liquid soap

4. An old toothbrush or small cleaning brush

5. A comb (for hair removal)

6. A towel

Step-by-step:

1. Remove the hair first. Grab a comb, scissors, or even your fingers to pull out all the loose hair stuck between the bristles. If it’s really knotted, use a tail comb to lift it out gently.

2. Make a cleaning mix. Fill your sink or bowl with warm water and a few drops of mild shampoo or dish soap.

3. Soak the brush. Dip your brush into the water. If it has a cushioned base or wooden handle, avoid fully submerging it just dip the bristles.

4. Scrub gently. Use your old toothbrush to clean between the bristles and around the handle where residue builds up.

5. Rinse and dry. Rinse off the soap under running water, shake off the excess, and lay it bristle-side down on a towel to air dry. Make sure it’s completely dry before using it again.

The Best Way to Wash Hair Brushes

Everyone has their own routine, but the best way to wash hair brushes depends on the type of brush. Plastic brushes can soak in water, but wooden ones require a gentler method because too much water can cause them to crack or loosen the handle. For wooden or natural bristle brushes, dip the bristles in soapy water instead of submerging the entire brush. Then, wipe the handle clean with a damp cloth. It's simple and safe.

How to Wash Hair Brushes After Lice

If you or someone in your home dealt with lice, cleaning brushes properly is crucial to prevent them from returning. Here’s what to do:

1. Remove all hair from the brush.

2. Soak it in hot water (at least 130°F) for about 10 minutes.

3. Add a little shampoo or lice shampoo to the water.

4. Rinse well and let it dry thoroughly.

You can also put the brushes in a sealed plastic bag for a couple of days; lice can’t survive long without a host. Some people even freeze the brushes overnight, which also kills any remaining pests.

How to Wash Hair Brushes at Home

You don’t need any fancy products or gadgets to keep your brushes clean at home. A few drops of shampoo, warm water, and an old toothbrush are your secret weapons. Schedule a regular “brush spa day” once every couple of weeks. It’s quick, easy, and helps your hair tools last longer.

Pro tip: If your brush has a lot of product buildup (like hairspray or dry shampoo), soaking it for 15 minutes before scrubbing can make cleaning easier.

How Often to Wash Hair Brush

This really depends on how you use your brush. If you use a lot of styling products, wash your brush once a week. For those who use minimal products or have short hair, washing every two to three weeks is fine.

Think of it this way; whenever your brush starts looking dull or dirty, it’s probably time for a quick clean.

How to Wash Hair Brushes and Combs

Good news! Combs are even easier to clean. You can wash them with your brushes using the same steps.

Soak them in warm, soapy water. Scrub with an old toothbrush, rinse, and dry. For extra freshness, add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water. It breaks down oils and removes stuck residue.

Can You Wash Hair Brushes in the Dishwasher?

This question comes up often, and the short answer is no, not really. While it may seem convenient, the high heat of the dishwasher can warp plastic handles or loosen the bristles. It can also damage wooden brushes. It's better to hand wash them. It only takes a few minutes and keeps your brushes in good condition.

How Do You Wash a Hair Brush, One More Time

To summarize it simply:

Remove hair and gunk.

Soak or dip it in warm, soapy water.

Scrub gently with a cleaning brush.

Rinse well and air dry bristle-side down.

That’s really all there is to it!

Keeping It Fresh

Keeping your hair brushes clean doesn’t just help your hair look great. It also makes your brushing routine feel fresher. This simple self-care habit is something you can do at home with tools you already have

Next time you wash your hair, take an extra five minutes to rinse your brushes thoroughly. Your hair and scalp will thank you!