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How to properly clean hairbrushes and combs, according to experts
You should do so at least once every two weeks and possibly more depending on a few key factors.
Moirano suggests using a wire brush cleaner to remove hair before you clean your brush. This option has two sides, both of which have flexible metal prongs in a rake-like shape. On one side the prongs are more spaced out, so you can run it through the bristles of your bush to dislodge hair and debris. The other side has prongs that are much closer together to help you remove anything that’s stuck in your brush.
This cleaning tool has a pick on one side and a nylon brush on the other. Use the pick to loosen strands that are wrapped around your comb’s teeth or brush bristles, then use the brush to pull them out. This tool also has an ergonomic handle that makes it comfortable to hold, according to the brand.
Have you ever been in a barber shop and seen combs sitting in blue liquid? That liquid is called Barbicide and it’s a disinfectant used to kill bacteria on combs. Mix two ounces of this liquid with 32 ounces of water, and you can soak your combs in the liquid for 10 seconds to sanitize them, according to the brand.
If you mix dish soap with a bit of warm water, you'll be able to create a cleansing solution for your brushes. You can either spritz it on your brush using a spray bottle or fully submerge your brushes in the solution. The dish soap will help to break up oil residue so you can rinse it away. This option from Dawn tackles grease and has a pleasant fresh scent, according to the brand.
After you’ve cleaned your brush, you’ll want to let it air dry by placing it so the bristles are facing down on a towel. These microfiber towels are small enough to fit on your counter and are super absorbent, so they’ll soak up any water or liquid that falls off your brush after you’ve cleaned it. The towels come in a set of 12.
“Combs don’t collect hair in the same way brushes do, so just a good thorough rinse and sanitization after each use is best,” says Moirano. Similar to hair brushes, you can follow these basic steps.
As you remove hair from your brush, you may also notice gray “fuzz” stuck on the bristles or teeth. Those gray pieces are a combination of lint, dust, dead skin cells, product buildup, and natural oils, according to Cardenas. It’s essential to remove this buildup when cleaning your tools because, over time, it can trap in bacteria, causing hair to look greasier sooner and compromising your overall scalp health, according to Haven Whiteman, a hairstylist and extension specialist at Luxy Hair.
Each time you brush your hair, you should remove the trapped hair, says Moirano. You’ll generally want to do a deep cleaning every one to two weeks, according to Cadenas and Moirano. However, it may vary depending on your hair type, how frequently you use it and whether it brushes through lots of styling products, which I explain in more detail below.
The more you brush your hair, the more the brush will collect hair, oil, product residue and grime, according to our experts. Frequent usage will require frequent washing, while those who only brush their hair a few times a week can get away with cleaning it less often, according to Whiteman.
Brushes are made with various bristle types, including nylon, metal and boar bristles. Below, Whiteman suggests the following brush cleaning schedule for your brushes’ bristle type.
If you use hairspray, serums, mousse and other styling products and brush your hair right after, the brush can experience quicker buildup. If you do this often, you can clean your brush every three to four days to prevent residue from clogging the bristles, says Whiteman.
If multiple people consistently use the same brush, you’ll want to disinfect it (using alcohol or Barbicide) after each use to prevent the spread of bacteria, according to our experts.
Routinely cleaning your hair tools helps maintain the brush and comb’s durability. For example, if you care for them and clean them once to twice a week, you may be able to use yours for years, according to Moirano.
However, there are instances when you need to replace it. Below, our experts list some signs to look out for if you’re considering tossing your old tool.
Would you brush your teeth with a toothbrush you didn’t rinse after using? Chances are, you answered that question with a resounding no. Similarly, if you use a dirty brush, you could be transferring dirt and bacteria back onto your hair. Plus, if there is a lot of hair buildup on your brush, the bristles won’t be as effective of a job of brushing your hair, says Moirano. Dirty hairbrushes can also harbor bacteria, which then gets transferred to your scalp and could cause a bigger issue, like a scalp infection or clogged hair follicles, says Moirano.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I’m an associate reporter who covers new product launches, skin care, hair care and more, including recent stories on the best blow dryer brushes and the best leave-in conditioners. For this story, I interviewed three hairstylists to find out how to clean hairbrushes and combs properly. I also included their recommendations for cleaning products as well as highly rated items that met their guidance.
Bethany Heitman a contributing editor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. I have written about several skin care ingredients, including squalane and retinol.
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