How to Clean Your Hairbrush: Step-by-Step Care Guide

Quick answer

Clean your hairbrush every one to two weeks by removing loose hair with a comb or a dedicated hairbrush cleaner tool, washing the bristles with a drop of gentle shampoo in lukewarm water, and drying the brush bristle-side down. If your brush has a wooden handle or a cushioned pad, keep the handle and pad out of the water and spot-clean instead.

Why brush hygiene matters more than most people think

Every time you brush, you move oil, dead skin cells, dust, and styling product residue from your hair onto the bristles. If those stay there, they transfer back to clean hair the next time you brush. That can make hair look dull sooner and can leave a brush smelling stale. A clean brush also performs better: bristles that are free of buildup can grip and polish hair more evenly instead of dragging.

The good news is that most brushes only need a few minutes of care. The key is matching the cleaning method to the brush material, because not every brush can be fully submerged.

How to remove hair from a hairbrush without damaging it

Start dry. Wet hair is harder to pull out of bristles and can push it deeper into the pad. Use a wide-tooth comb, a tail comb, or a small rake-style tool to lift hair out from the base of the bristles rather than yanking from the tips. Work in small sections from one side of the brush to the other.

If your brush has a cushioned pad, avoid pressing sharp tools into the air hole or the pad itself. A dedicated hairbrush cleaner tool is designed with short, rounded teeth that reach between bristles without scratching the cushion or bending pins.

Wash hairbrush steps for different brush types

For plastic or metal brushes with no wooden parts, fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle shampoo. Swirl the bristles in the water and use your fingers or the cleaner tool to work the shampoo through the bristles. Rinse under lukewarm running water, then shake off excess water.

For round brushes with boar bristles and nylon pins, keep the handle and the base of the brush out of the water if they are not fully sealed. Dip only the bristle head, use a gentle shampoo, and rinse quickly. Do not soak a round brush for long periods, because water can loosen the bristle bundle or break down the cushion.

For wooden-handled brushes, never submerge them. Wipe the bristles with a cloth dampened with a little gentle shampoo and water, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth. Dry immediately.

How to dry a hairbrush properly

After washing, shake the brush firmly and blot the bristles with a clean towel. Set the brush bristle-side down on a towel or drying rack so water can drain away from the pad or handle. Never stand a wet brush upright on its handle, because water can seep into the handle and cause cracking or loosening.

Let the brush air-dry completely before using it again. Using a damp brush can undo the cleaning by transferring moisture and residue back to your hair. Most brushes dry within a few hours; a round brush with dense bristles may take longer.

When to replace your hairbrush

Replace your brush when bristles are bent, missing, or no longer spring back, when the cushion pad feels soft or cracked, or when the handle is loose. A brush that no longer grips or glides properly can cause more tugging and breakage. If the brush has a persistent odor after cleaning, or if the pad has visible mold or mildew, it is time to let it go.

A well-made brush can last for years with regular cleaning. If you are unsure whether your brush is still doing its job, compare how it feels on wet hair versus dry hair. A brush that snags on wet hair but works on dry hair may simply need a more thorough cleaning rather than replacement.

Step-by-step hairbrush cleaning routine

1. Step 1: Remove loose hair: Use a comb or a hairbrush cleaner tool to lift hair out from the base of the bristles, working in small sections. Do this over a trash can to contain the debris. Mistake to avoid: pulling hair from the tips, which pushes it deeper into the pad.
2. Step 2: Mix a gentle cleaning solution: Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle shampoo. Swirl to mix. Avoid hot water, which can warp plastic or loosen bristle glue. Checkpoint: the water should be comfortable to touch, not steaming.
3. Step 3: Wash the bristles: Dip only the bristle head into the water and use your fingers or the cleaner tool to work the shampoo through the bristles. For wooden or cushioned brushes, wipe with a damp cloth instead of dipping. Mistake to avoid: submerging the handle or pad, which can trap water and cause damage.
4. Step 4: Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the bristles under lukewarm running water until no shampoo residue remains. Residue can leave bristles sticky and transfer to hair. Checkpoint: water runs clear when you squeeze a bristle bundle gently.
5. Step 5: Dry bristle-side down: Shake off excess water, blot with a towel, and set the brush bristle-side down on a drying rack or towel. Never stand it upright on the handle. Mistake to avoid: using the brush before it is completely dry.
6. Step 6: Check for wear: While the brush dries, inspect bristles for bending or loss, and feel the pad for softness or cracks. Replace the brush if it no longer performs. Next step: mark your calendar to repeat this routine every one to two weeks.

Tools that make brush cleaning easier

• Hairbrush Cleaner: Specially designed mini rake gently clears bristles of hair, dust and product buildup so your hairbrush will last longer and remain as fresh and effective as the first time you used it. A rake-style cleaner reaches between bristles without bending pins or scratching the cushion pad, making weekly cleaning faster and safer than using a comb or your fingers.
• Small (45mm) Round Hairbrush: This 45mm brush blends crystal nylon pins and refined blonde boar bristles to gently massage and exfoliate the scalp while taming tangles and polishing the hair cuticle. Because this round brush combines two bristle types, it needs gentle cleaning that protects both the nylon pins and the boar bristles; avoid soaking the handle and dry it bristle-side down.