Plus, spending a little time cleaning your brush will also help ensure it works better. The hair that gets stuck in the bristles can get in the way of allowing the brush to perform at its highest level and serve its intended purpose, notes Shelly Aguirre, a stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. The good news? Cleaning your hairbrush, no matter what kind it is, doesn’t have to be a complicated or time-consuming process. Here’s how to clean a hairbrush (or a comb) quickly and efficiently.
How Often to Clean a Hairbrush
A thorough monthly cleaning is sufficient for most hairbrushes and combs. If you have very long hair or use lots of styling products, you may need to clean the tools every two weeks. It’s a good idea to remove the tangled hair around the bristles regularly, even if you don’t do a thorough cleaning.
What You’ll Need:
Pintail combTweezersToothbrushGentle shampoo without added conditionersIsopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)Disinfecting spray Baking sodaSink or bowlTowel
How to Clean a Hairbrush
The steps for cleaning a hairbrush depend on what type of brush you are cleaning. Brushes with synthetic (plastic) bristles and handles are the easiest to clean, while natural-bristle or wooden-handled brushes require more careful attention.
Hairbrushes With Synthetic Bristles and Handles
These steps work well with all types of synthetic bristles and handles, including cushioned and paddle brushes.
Natural-Bristle Hairbrushes
Natural-bristle hairbrushes are more expensive and promise to leave hair smoother and shinier than synthetic bristles. Boar bristles are generally considered the best quality, and are usually mounted on a wooden handle.
Hairbrushes With a Wooden Handle
Wooden-handled hairbrushes can have synthetic, natural, or a mixture of bristles. Unlike plastic handles, wooden hairbrushes should never be allowed to soak in water. The water can cause the wood to deteriorate and the bristles to loosen. If your wooden hairbrush has gotten wet, never dry with high heat from a hairdryer. Use cool air if you must, or allow the wood to air-dry. If the handle has excessive hair product buildup, dip a toothbrush in soapy water and lightly scrub to remove any residue. Wipe the handle with a clean towel and place it on a towel with the bristles down to air-dry.
How to Clean a Hairbrush With Lint
After you remove the tangled hair from the bristles, you may notice lots of lint or dust stuck to the base of the brush. This can be more difficult to remove than the hair because it is mixed with scalp oils and hair product residue. If any lint remains after cleaning the type of bristles your hairbrush has, as recommended above, use a toothbrush to sweep out the lint from the base. This may take a bit of work, but move both horizontally and vertically through the rows of bristles. Rinse well and allow the brush to air dry with the bristles down.
How to Clean a Hairbrush if You Have Dandruff
Dandruff is a skin condition where the skin on your scalp flakes off, leaving visible flakes on your hair and clothing. Fortunately, it is usually easy to control with medicated shampoos and is not contagious. However, it can leave your hairbrush looking unsightly. If you have dandruff, clean your hairbrush weekly to help prevent skin flakes from redepositing into your hair. Follow the simple cleaning regimen recommended for your type of hairbrush, above.
How to Clean a Comb
When you’re cleaning your hairbrush, don’t forget your combs. Wooden combs should not be placed in water. Instead, dip a toothbrush in a warm, soapy water solution and gently scrub between the teeth. Wipe the comb with a clean towel and allow it to dry. To sanitize a wooden comb, spray lightly with a disinfecting spray.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Hairbrushes
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