We’d be surprised if “Clean my hairbrush” is at the top of your to-do list. It’s probably not even on your to-do list. And hairbrush cleaning isn’t exactly something you can easily do while watching TV or relaxing over a candlelit dinner. But we’re guessing that every once in a while you look at your hairbrush and see some things you’d rather not see. Show If you rarely give a second thought to the condition of your hairbrush, the fact is
that a clean brush is much more likely to give you the results you want than one clogged with hair strands and product residue. And why run a dirty hairbrush through your hair after you’ve just taken the time to shampoo and condition it? It’s also important to bear in mind that good hygiene is important for your overall health and well-being—and that includes your hair. Keeping your brush clean is a form of prevention, similar to washing your hands. The good
news is that the more often you clean your hairbrushes, the easier it will become and the better the results you’ll get from them. Here’s the long and the short of how to clean a hairbrush and keep it prepped for peak performance. Step 1: Dig Out the Hair from the HairbrushYou may wonder how so much hair gets stuck in the bristles—and how you can get it out. Relax, we have the answer. Flat brushes:A comb works wonders. Place it at the bottom of the hairbrush bristles and work it in until you can pull the hair up and out. Turn the brush and repeat until all the hair is removed. The end of a tail comb inserted between the bristles can help loosen the hair as well. Use a hair pick in the same manner for flat brushes with wide-spaced, ball-tipped bristles. Round brushes:Loosen the hair in several places by inserting a narrow-tapered object between the packed hair and the base of the bristles. (We’ve heard of pens, pencils, awls, ice picks and slim screwdrivers – but we recommend the end of a rat tail comb.) Use a small pair of scissors to cut the loosened hair between the columns of bristles and pull the pieces out. You won’t be struggling to unwind if you cut the hairs first. Step 2: Wash out the Hairbrush Dirt and GrimeNow that you can see down to the bristles’ base, it’s time to take your hairbrush
cleaning to the next level. We know what’s down there: dust, dirt, lint, product buildup, oil and skin flakes. Not pretty. Fill your clean sink or a good-sized bowl with warm water. Add a drop of clarifying shampoo (you can also use baby shampoo, liquid Castile soap or another clear shampoo). Swish it around to get the suds going. Your hairbrush type matters at this stage:
After soaping, soaking and swishing, rinse the brush thoroughly under warm water and study your work. If it looks good, proceed to Step 3. If you’re not comfortable with the results, scrub the brush and base with a soft, clean toothbrush to brush away anything that’s left. Rinse again. Step 3: Dry Your HairbrushWipe the brush with a clean, dry cloth and shake it over the sink to remove excess water. All hairbrush types need cleaning, but how you dry yours depends on the type (not to mention the climate).
Don’t Give Regular Cleanings the Brush-OffTo avoid buildup and make cleaning easier, be sure to quickly rinse or wipe down your brushes once a week. Be diligent and you’ll probably only need to give them a deep clean once a month. And don’t limit cleanings to bristles and barrels. Dirt, grime, and product residue can also build up on the handles, so remember to clean those too. Whether you're cleaning your favorite hair straightening brush, wooden hairbrush, detangle hairbrush, or any other type, you’ll get the best use out of them if you keep them clean. For expert guidance on selecting the right brush for you, read our article, How to Choose the Best Hairbrush for Your Hair Type. Or browse our full Conair hairbrush selection now. |