TSD Cleaning Articles

How to clean hairbrushes

Hairbrushes and combs need to be properly cleaned to help you maintain healthy hair. Brushes collect dirt that your hair picks up on a daily basis. In addition to regular dirt, there is also residual mousse, hair sprays and oils that we use daily, not to mention the natural oils produced by the scalp. The first step in cleaning a hairbrush is to use a comb and gently comb through the bristles; this will remove loose hair and grease without damaging the bristles. Another brush can also be used to remove loose hair. It is good to clean your hairbrush daily, but once per week is okay if you are under time constraints.

There are two main methods of cleaning hairbrushes, the dry method and the wet method, although you can do a combination of the two. The methods used depend primarily on the material used to make the brush and the amount of time you have to dedicate to getting it clean.

Wet method

This method is not necessary for everyday cleaning of your hair brush, especially if you do not use the brush daily. However, experts recommend that we wash our hairbrushes at least once per month.

· Use a comb to gently comb through the bristles to remove loose hair

· Mix shampoo and baking soda with warm water (do not use hot water because it will damage the brush)

· Place the brush in the water and soak for about fifteen minutes; if the handle is made of wood, hold the bristles in the water for about five minutes to avoid getting the wood wet. Also, brushes made from certain material should not be immersed in water, for example: bristles made from natural fiber such as boar hair and cushioned brushes.

· Use cotton swab or other material to remove grease and other gunk from the base of the brush and from between the bristles

· Rinse the brush in warm water to remove shampoo residual and suds; then rinse again under running water for good measure

· Shake off excess water and place brush with bristles facing upwards on paper towel or towel to air dry. Avoid placing brush in direct sunlight.

Dry method

This method of cleaning hair brushes is fast and easy. Take a comb and run it through the brush, starting at the base and gently comb forward to the tip of the bristles. Use a cotton swab to remove grease from around and between the bristles.

This method of cleaning a hairbrush is recommended for daily cleaning of the brush. Doing this as a daily routine means that you do not transfer old oils and dirt to your hair, especially to just shampooed hair. Daily cleaning of your hairbrush is important if you use hair products such as hair oil, gels and mousse, or you work or live in an environment where your hair becomes dirty daily.

If your hairbrush is a designer brand or made of special material, follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning so as not to destroy it.