How To: Clean Your Hairbrush

August 24, 2007

The other day, a fellow Sugar editor asked me how long your hair brush should last. When I told her that a good one can last years if cleaned regularly, she just kind of cocked her head and make a funny sound. I realized then that it hadn't even occurred to her to that you can clean a hairbrush!

For those of you out there who aren't quite sure what I mean either, it's okay not to totally get it. Hairbrushes collect dirt, dust and contain the same amount of product buildup that's you have in your hair. So just think of all the icky stuff that gets trapped in the bristles if you don't wash it weekly.

To read my four-step guide to cleaning your hairbrush, read more

STEP 1: Before you begin washing your brush, remove as many trapped and tangled strands of hair as possible. The best tool you can use for assistance is a wide-toothed comb. Hold the brush over a trash can and slide the comb through the bristles.
STEP 2: Fill up your sink with warm water and add a couple of drops of shampoo to the water so that it's nice and sudsy. Place your brush in the water and swish it around for about two or three minutes.
STEP 3: Washing should loosen any remaining hairs and the dirt on your brush. Now, take the comb and slide it through the bristles one more time.
STEP 4: Give the brush one final rinse with lukewarm water. Lastly, tap off the excess water, dry the handle and the back of the brush and lay it bristle-down hanging over the edge of your sink so that the moisture won't get trapped in the base/pad. And here's a tip: It's wise to periodically check your brush for any split bristles. These can catch on your hair and damage the strands. If you see 'split ends' on your brush, it's time for a new one.

45 Comments

3 years

I clean my hairbrush daily, like I shower and wash my hair daily too. It takes less than a minute once you get used to it being part of your daily cleaning-of-self routine. Remove hair strands with comb, then dab shampoo/dishwashing detergent on brush, then rub against another hairbrush to get rid of hairstyling products clinging to bristle, then rinse. Waiting a week or two weeks to clean a hairbrush takes more work - you have more hair and more gunk to get rid of.

3 years

Cool Thanks

3 years

Thanks for the cleaning tips. I mostly use a hair brush cleaning tool that I bought on a Dollar Store. I also wash my brush after reading your tips. Thanks for keeping my brush in top performance!

3 years

I replace hairbrushes once every month or two. I have really long hair and I end up breaking the handle.

4 years

Well now I feel gross because I've never washed a hairbrush in my life and had no idea I was supposed to :/

gigill 4 years

I usually just pull out the hair but will try the shampoo tip for next time.

Allytta 4 years

i use tweezers to get out the hair from by brush :) some are really stuck in there.

amber_castaldo 5 years

This is great. Normally I just boil water with a little soap on the stove and then let hair brush simmer. Your way is much better.

LadyLaurel 5 years

I have to add a trick for rinsing your hair brush in fabric softener, to help cut down on static cling in the winter months. Add to finale rinse water. And do not rinse off! I use a big gulp cup, 32oz. to wash my brushes and combs. A little butter churn, up and down action works well to clean and then rinse.

LadyLaurel 5 years

I have to add a trick for rinsing your hair brush in fabric softener, to help cut down on static cling in the winter months. Add to finale rinse water. And do not rinse off! I use a big gulp cup,32oz. to wash my brushes and combs. A little butter churn, up and down action works well to clean and then rinse.

PinkNC 5 years

I thought that's how everybody cleaned them.

NMM911 5 years

Good directions...this is the method I use on my Mason Pearson.

EngminT 5 years

How about wooden brushes?

EngminT 5 years

How about wooden brushes?

gruaig_rua 5 years

I regularly wash my hairbrush but didn't know if I was doing it right. But turns out I have been! Thanks Bella!

apinkpony 5 years

Thank you, i should probably clean my brushes before I take them into the public world of college (although they aren't so expensive).

elegance 5 years

Oh good! I never knew the proper way to clean my brish, usually I just pull out the hair stuck in it and rinse under some water, but it makes sense to clean it using shampoo since it probably collects all the product stuck in your hair when you brush it.

mobiluncus 5 years

old toothbrush and baby shampoo cause it's so gentle

Cinnamon Girl 5 years

Great tip , thank you :)

Cinnamon Girl 5 years

Great tip , thank you :)

hboogie 5 years

I must be the other person on here who doesn't brush her hair. I comb it after a shower and put product on so I don't look disheveled, but there's never any need to brush it because it doesn't knot. My hair is very fine and it's wavy and looks weird when it's brushed out.