Each time you use a brush filled with buildup, it transfers dirt into your clean strands. No matter the texture of your strands, knowing how to clean hair brushes keeps them from working against you. You can fix this easily with a simple method at home.
Why It’s Important to Clean Your Hairbrush Regularly
Styling products are not the only things that accumulate on your hair as you proceed with the day. It may get covered with sweat, dust, and dead skin and rub onto your brush. Over time, all of this builds up in the bristles and settles around the base, often without being noticed.
A dirty brush doesn’t just look rough—it carries what your scalp has already pushed out. When you use it again, all of that goes straight back into clean hair. That’s why a clean brush makes a big difference. Not only does it move over your hair easily, it also keeps it clean.
How Regular Should Brush Cleaning Be?
Cleaning a brush depends on the amount of product that you use. When you apply creams, gels, or oils frequently, it will collect more residue on your brush, and you will need to clean it regularly. Less product use means less buildup and fewer cleanings.
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Clean your brush once a week if you use styling products every day.
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For light product use, clean it every two weeks.
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Let it be a routine to remove loose hair from the bristles every few days to stop buildup early.
Items Needed to Clean Hair Tools at Home
Just a few basic items are enough to clean your tools properly:
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Mild shampoo – to wash off dirt and product
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Warm water – to loosen buildup
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Baking soda – for stronger cleaning
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Bowl – to mix and soak
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Old toothbrush – to scrub bristles and edges
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Towel – to dry after cleaning
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Scissors – to cut out trapped hair
How to Clean Your Hairbrush at Home
DIY hair brush cleaning doesn’t take much time. Once you understand how to clean hair brushes the right way, you only need a few tools and a simple routine to keep it in shape:
Remove Trapped Hair
Look through your brush and take out any hair stuck in the bristles. Use your fingers or a comb to pull the hair out slowly. Pay attention to the base, where most of it collects.
In case the brush is round or the hair is hard to remove, scissors can help cut through it. Taking out the hair often makes the next clean much easier.
To choose brushes that clean more easily and last longer, read more on Hair Brush Selection Secrets: What Stylists Consider First.
Prepare a Simple Cleaning Mix
The moment the hair is out, fill a bowl with warm water and add a small amount of shampoo—preferably one free from harsh chemicals, like GK Hair Shampoos. Mix it well before placing the brush in.
If there’s more buildup, stir in a spoon of baking soda. It makes the mix stronger and helps loosen what shampoo alone might leave behind.
Soak the Brush
Put the brush in a bowl and keep the bristles under water. Try not to soak that part, if it has a wooden handle, that's because wood can puff up or crack.
After that, leave the brush in for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the buildup time to soften and lift off from around the base.
Scrub Between the Bristles
When it is soaked, get a soft toothbrush to clean in between bristles. Use slow, light strokes to lift out buildup sitting near the base.
For brushes with a cushioned or coated bottom, scrub with care so you don’t scrape or peel the surface. A gentle hand gives the best result.
Rinse Thoroughly
After scrubbing, hold the brush under clean water. Let the stream run through the bristles and reach the base. That’s where old products and dirt often settle, and where most people don’t pay enough attention.
Immediately it's clear, shake off extra water gently, and avoid twisting or bending the brush, especially if it has a soft cushion or coated finish.
Dry the Brush Completely
The last thing to do is let your brush dry. Place it face down on a clean towel. This helps the water drain out. Don’t stand it up or leave it wet, but leave it out until it is completely dry. Then you can use it again.
How to Maintain a Clean Hairbrush
Cleaning your brush is not just a one-time routine. The best thing is to turn this hair care routine into a daily habit. Always brush away stray hair after every use. This avoids accumulation and ensures that the bristles are doing their duty.
Here is how to do it:
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Remove loose strands after every use
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Clean weekly if you use creams or oils often
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Store your brush in a dry, covered place
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Avoid sharing brushes to reduce oil and germ transfer.
When to Replace Your Hairbrush
Every brush wears out with time. If the bristles start bending or falling out, or if they feel rough on your scalp, that’s a sign. A weak base can also make the brush pull your hair or scratch your skin.
Most brushes last between 6 and 12 months. All this depends on how often you use the brush, as well as the material it is made from. When it does not slide smoothly anymore, it is time to get a new one. A good option is GK Hair's Extra Round Hair Brush—designed for use on all hair types, including coarse, curly, and frizzy hair.
Wrap Up
Now that you know how to clean hair brushes at home, it is not going to be much of a stress to maintain them in good condition. Remove trapped hair regularly, rinse and wash with shampoo when needed. Keep at it, and the buildup will not even have a chance to come back.
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