Pull a hairbrush out of a drawer and look closely at the base of the bristles. Odds are good there’s a gray, fuzzy layer of hair, dust, and old product packed in there. It’s easy to ignore because the brush still works, but every pass through clean hair picks up some of that buildup and puts it right back on the scalp.
Cleaning a hairbrush takes about ten minutes and a few things already in most bathrooms. This guide covers the basic method, how it changes for different brush types, and how often it should happen.
Why a Hairbrush Needs Cleaning
A brush collects more than loose hair. Scalp oil, dead skin, dust, and styling products all settle between the bristles and into the base. Healthline points out that a brush acts a lot like a sponge, so the buildup transfers back to the hair each time it’s used, even right after a fresh wash. Washing the hair and then running it through a dirty brush undoes a good part of the effort.
What You’ll Need
- A rat tail comb, pencil, or the tip of a pen for lifting out tangled hair.
- A bowl or sink filled with warm water.
- A small amount of mild shampoo or gentle dish soap.
- An old toothbrush for scrubbing between bristles.
- A clean towel for drying.
- Optional: a little white vinegar or baking soda for heavy buildup.
How to Clean a Hairbrush Step by Step
Step 1: Remove the Hair
Start dry. Use a comb handle or pencil to lift and pull out the hair caught at the base of the bristles. For a round brush, snipping the tangled clumps with scissors on each side makes removal much easier. Getting the hair out first keeps the wash water cleaner and the rest of the job simpler.
Step 2: Loosen the Buildup
Run a comb through the bristles to pick up any remaining lint, dust, and product residue. If the brush is especially grimy, an old toothbrush works well for scrubbing the base. Start at the bottom of the bristles and work upward.
Step 3: Wash the Brush
Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of shampoo. For a plastic brush, the whole thing can go into the water. For a cushioned, paddle, or wooden brush, dip only the bristles and swish them around, keeping the base out of the water so the cushion and wood don’t get soaked.
Step 4: Scrub Gently
Dip the toothbrush into the soapy water and scrub between the bristles, then across the base. Stubborn residue from heavy styling products often needs a bit of extra attention here.
Step 5: Rinse
Rinse under a gentle stream of cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can damage some bristles and handles, especially wooden ones. Shake the brush firmly to knock off excess water.
Step 6: Dry Properly
Pat the brush with a dry towel, then set it bristle side down on a clean towel to air dry, ideally overnight. Drying bristle side down lets water drain out instead of pooling in the base, which helps prevent damage and mildew.
Cleaning Different Types of Hairbrushes
Not every brush handles water the same way, so it’s worth matching the method to the material.
| Brush Type | Can It Be Soaked | Best Cleaning Method |
| Plastic or nylon bristle | Yes, fully | Soak in warm water with a little shampoo, scrub, rinse |
| Paddle or cushion brush | No, dip bristles only | Dip bristles in soapy water, keep the cushion base dry |
| Boar bristle with wooden handle | No, dip bristles only | Lather bristles lightly, rinse gently, avoid soaking the handle |
| Wooden bristle or wooden base | No | Wipe with a damp cloth, use a toothbrush between bristles |
| Round brush | Yes, if all plastic or metal | Snip hair with scissors, then wash with warm soapy water |
| Comb | Yes, if plastic or metal | Soak, scrub between teeth with a toothbrush |
Boar Bristle Brushes
Natural boar bristles absorb scalp oil, which is part of why they’re good at spreading shine through the hair, and also why they get greasy quickly. They’re best cleaned gently, with the bristles dipped in lightly soapy water and the handle kept dry. Natural bristle brushes with wooden handles in particular shouldn’t be soaked.
Wooden Brushes
Water is hard on wood, so a wooden brush is better cleaned with a damp cloth and a toothbrush than a full wash. Some stylists suggest a little diluted vinegar on the cloth to cut through oil and product, followed by a dry wipe.
Round Brushes
Round brushes trap hair more tightly than flat ones, so scissors and a comb do most of the early work. Once the hair is out, a warm soapy wash is usually enough for an all plastic or metal barrel.
How Often Should a Hairbrush Be Cleaned
Opinions vary a little, but the guidance is fairly consistent. A dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic, quoted in a Today.com piece on brush hygiene, suggests that the average person clean a brush about every one to two weeks, and more often for people with longer hair. A stylist in the same piece recommends pulling loose hair out at least three or four times a week to keep the build up from getting out of hand.
- Remove loose hair from the brush every few days.
- Do a full wash about once a week if styling products like gel, hairspray, or dry shampoo are part of the routine.
- Wash every one to two weeks for lighter use with few products.
- Clean sooner if residue shows up on the bristles or the brush smells off.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Soaking a wooden or cushioned brush, which can warp the wood and trap moisture inside the base.
- Using very hot water, which can damage bristles and loosen glue.
- Skipping the hair removal step and washing a brush that’s still packed with hair.
- Drying the brush bristle side up, which lets water collect in the base.
- Sharing a brush without cleaning it, since oil and skin cells transfer between users.
When to Replace a Hairbrush
Even a well cared for brush wears out. Bristles that are bent, split, or missing, a cracked handle, or a cushion that’s peeling away from the base are all signs it’s time for a new one. A brush that still smells musty or looks grimy after a thorough wash has probably held onto too much for cleaning to fix.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a hairbrush isn’t complicated, but it’s one of those small habits that’s easy to put off for months. Pulling out the hair, washing with a little shampoo, and letting it dry bristle side down covers most of it. Matching the method to the type of brush, and doing it about once a week, keeps the brush working well and keeps the hair cleaner between washes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my hairbrush?
A good rule is to remove loose hair every few days and do a full wash about once a week if using styling products, or every one to two weeks with lighter use.
Can I use vinegar to clean a hairbrush?
Yes. A little white vinegar mixed into warm water, or applied with a damp cloth, can help break down oil and product buildup, especially on wooden brushes that shouldn’t be soaked.
Can I put a hairbrush in the dishwasher or washing machine?
It isn’t recommended. Heat and prolonged water exposure can damage the bristles, cushion, and handle, and hand washing is gentler and just as effective.
How do I clean a wooden hairbrush?
Avoid soaking it. Wipe the bristles and base with a damp cloth, scrub between the bristles with a toothbrush, and let it dry bristle side down on a towel.
Why is my hairbrush so greasy?
Scalp oil, styling products, and dead skin all collect on the bristles over time, which is especially noticeable with natural boar bristle brushes that absorb oil.
Should I wash my hairbrush after using dry shampoo?
Dry shampoo and other styling products build up on a brush quickly, so frequent users may want to wash the brush weekly or even more often to keep residue from transferring back into the hair.
