It’s easy to overlook cleaning your hair brushes, but think about it – they collect hair, product buildup, dust, and oils every day. A dirty hair brush isn’t just unhygienic; it can also hinder your hair’s cleanliness and shine. If you’ve noticed your brush looking a bit grimy, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through a simple yet effective method to clean your hair brushes and restore them to their former glory.
You might be surprised how much of a difference a clean hair brush can make. Not only will it feel nicer to use, but it will also distribute your hair’s natural oils more effectively, leading to healthier and shinier hair. Plus, regular cleaning extends the lifespan of your brushes, saving you money in the long run.
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather what you’ll need for this quick cleaning session.
What You’ll Need:
- Dirty Hair Brush(es): This method works for most types of hair brushes, including cushion brushes, paddle brushes, and round brushes.
- Dish Soap or Shampoo: Gentle dish soap like Dawn or your regular shampoo will work perfectly to break down oils and grime.
- Old Toothbrush: An old toothbrush is ideal for scrubbing away dirt and debris from around the bristles.
- Warm Water: You’ll need warm water in either a bowl or your sink to soak and rinse the brushes.
- Towel or Paper Towel: For drying your freshly cleaned brushes.
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started with the cleaning process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Hair Brush:
Step 1: Remove the Hair
The first and most crucial step is to remove all the loose hair trapped in your brush. This is essential before washing, as wet hair can become even harder to remove. Use your fingers, a comb, or tweezers to pull out as much hair as possible. For stubborn hair, tools like a pen tip or a dedicated hair brush cleaning tool can be helpful to get right down to the base of the bristles.
Step 2: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Fill your sink or a bowl with warm water. Add a few drops of dish soap or a small amount of shampoo to the water. The warm water helps to loosen dirt and oils, while the soap or shampoo acts as a cleaning agent to break down buildup.
Step 3: Scrub and Soak
Dip your hair brush into the soapy water, ensuring the bristles are submerged. Take your old toothbrush, and if using dish soap foam, apply a bit to the toothbrush like toothpaste. Gently scrub the base of the bristles and all around the brush head. Pay particular attention to areas with visible buildup. For a thorough clean, spend a few minutes scrubbing, reaching every angle and nook. After scrubbing, let the brush soak in the warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes. This soaking time allows the cleaning solution to further loosen any remaining dirt and grime.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Remove the brush from the soapy water and rinse it thoroughly under clean, running water. Make sure to rinse away all traces of soap or shampoo. Gently shake off excess water and then place the brush bristle-side down on a clean towel or paper towel to dry. Air drying is best, and depending on the type and thickness of your brush, it may take several hours or even overnight to dry completely. Avoid using a hairdryer, as excessive heat can damage the brush, especially if it has a wooden handle or delicate bristles.
The Sparkling Clean Result
Once your brush is completely dry, you’ll be amazed at the difference. It will look and feel cleaner, and you’ll be ready to enjoy the benefits of using a fresh, clean hair brush.
Cleaning your hair brushes regularly, ideally every 2-4 weeks depending on usage and product buildup, is a small but significant step in maintaining good hair hygiene and the longevity of your hair tools. Enjoy your clean and revitalized hair brush!
