How to clean your hairbrush: the method according to the type

We wash our hair several times a week, but when was the last time you cleaned your brush? For many of us, the answer is “never,” or almost never. Yet, a brush quickly accumulates hair, sebum, dead skin, styling product residue, and dust. Every time you brush, this mixture is redeposited on clean hair and the scalp. The result: roots that get greasy faster, dull hair, and a brush that wears out sooner. The good news: cleaning your brush takes just a few minutes, provided you adapt the method to its material. Here is the complete, step-by-step guide for every type of brush. A simple habit that is one of the basics of a healthy scalp.

1. Why and how often to clean your brush

A dirty brush isn’t just unsightly. The greasy film that forms on the bristles and at the base is a mixture of sebum, dead skin cells, and products. It is transferred to your hair with every pass, weighing down the roots and potentially perpetuating an itchy or quickly greasing scalp. As for the accumulated hair, it prevents the bristles from passing through, making them less effective at detangling and causing them to pull more.

Here is a simple routine to adopt:

• After each use: remove the hair caught in the bristles.
• Once a week: a full cleaning, especially if you use styling products or have an oily scalp.
• Every two weeks: sufficient for a brush that is rarely used or reserved for clean hair.

Before you start, always read the manufacturer’s recommendations: some brushes, especially electric or wooden ones, must not be immersed.

2. Removing hair: the first step

Regardless of the type of brush, start by clearing the hair from the bristles. Several techniques exist:

• By hand, pulling the hair upward, from the base to the tips of the bristles.
• With a tail comb or an old fine-tooth comb, which you slide into the base of the bristles to lift the tangled hair.
• With scissors for very clogged brushes: cut the hair in the middle of the brush lengthwise, then remove it more easily.

For brushes with retractable bristles, the process is even simpler: by retracting the bristles, the hair detaches and can be removed in a single motion. This is the case with the Ambralya misting brush, whose retractable bristles on an air cushion make daily maintenance easier.

3. Cleaning a plastic or cushion brush

Plastic brush with nylon bristles, without a cushion. This is the easiest to wash. Prepare a bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild shampoo. Soak the brush head for a few minutes, scrub the bristles and the base with an old toothbrush, rinse under clear water, shake, and leave to dry upside down on a towel.

Air cushion brush (non-electric). The cushion often has a small ventilation hole through which water can seep in and collect. Therefore, avoid submerging it completely. Dip a toothbrush in soapy water and scrub the bristles and cushion, then quickly rinse under a stream of water while holding the brush upside down. Wipe it and leave it to dry with the bristles facing down so that water does not enter the cushion.

Silicone massaging brush. Like the 2-in-1 silicone massaging brush, it can simply be rinsed with water after each use in the shower and washed with mild soap once a week.

4. Cleaning a wooden or natural bristle brush

Wooden or bamboo brush. Wood does not like standing water: it can swell, crack, or turn black. Never soak it. Remove the hair, then pass a toothbrush lightly moistened with soapy water over the bristles and the base. Wipe immediately with a dry cloth and leave to air dry away from a heat source.

Boar bristle brush. Natural bristles retain sebum; that is their function. Remove the hair with a comb, then lightly dampen the bristles with a little diluted mild shampoo. Gently rub with your fingers or a soft toothbrush, rinse quickly while keeping the base out of the water, blot dry, and leave to dry with the bristles facing down. Natural bristles take several hours to dry: preferably clean it in the evening.

Wooden comb. The same principle: a damp cloth, a little soap, and immediate drying. The anti-static bamboo comb can thus be cleaned in a few seconds.

5. Cleaning an electric or misting brush

Electric brushes require special precautions because they contain a battery and electronic components. The absolute rule: never immerse them in water or put them under the tap, unless explicitly stated otherwise by the manufacturer.

1. Turn off the brush and unplug it if it is charging.
2. Remove the hair from the bristles (by retracting them if possible).
3. Pass a soft, slightly damp cloth over the brush head, with a drop of soap if necessary.
4. Wipe with a dry cloth and leave to air dry.

For a misting brush, also think about the reservoir: empty it if you do not use it for several days, rinse it with clear water, and leave it to dry open. If your water is hard, filtered water will limit deposits in the nozzle. To learn more about these tools, consult our comparison of steam brush or misting brush.

Finally, take advantage of the cleaning to inspect your brush: bent bristles, missing protective balls, or a punctured or cracked cushion are signs that it is time to replace it. Our guide which hair brush to choose will help you find the next one.

Conclusion

Cleaning your hairbrush is a simple action that benefits your hair, your scalp, and the lifespan of your brush. Remove the hair after each use, wash it every week using a method suited to its material, and never immerse an electric brush in water. For a brush that is easy to maintain daily, the retractable bristles of the Ambralya misting brush are a real asset. Discover our hair accessories as well.

FAQ: cleaning your hairbrush

What should I use to clean a hairbrush?

Warm water and a few drops of mild shampoo are sufficient in most cases, along with an old toothbrush to scrub the base of the bristles.

Can I put a hairbrush in the dishwasher?

This is not recommended: heat and powerful detergents can deform the bristles and damage the cushion or wood. Hand washing is safer.

How can I clean a cushion brush without damaging it?

Avoid submerging it: scrub the bristles and cushion with a damp, soapy toothbrush, rinse quickly upside down, and leave it to dry with the bristles facing down.

Can I put an electric brush under water?

No, unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. Clean it with a slightly damp cloth while the device is turned off and unplugged.