How to Clean Your Hairbrushes and Combs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your hairbrush is one of the most used—and most neglected—tools in your beauty arsenal. Every day, it collects dead skin cells, natural oils, product residue, and dust. Over time, this buildup transfers right back onto your clean hair, leaving it dull, greasy, and lifeless. Worse, a dirty brush can harbor bacteria and fungi that may irritate your scalp or even cause breakouts along your hairline.

Cleaning your hairbrush and comb is a simple, inexpensive habit that pays off in healthier hair and a happier scalp. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods for every type of brush—from boar bristle to wide-tooth combs—and share tips to make the process quick and effective. Whether you’re using a classic paddle brush or a versatile styler, regular cleaning keeps your tools performing their best.

Why Cleaning Your Hairbrush Matters

Think of your hairbrush as a sponge for your hair. Each stroke picks up natural sebum, styling products like pomades and creams, and microscopic particles of pollution. When you brush, you’re not just detangling—you’re redistributing those impurities back through your strands. This can lead to product buildup, weighed-down hair, and even scalp issues like dandruff or folliculitis.

Regular cleaning also extends the life of your brush. Bristles clogged with residue lose their flexibility and can become brittle, causing them to snap or scratch your scalp. A clean brush glides smoothly, distributes natural oils evenly, and helps maintain your hair’s shine and volume. For tools like the PRESTIGE Handmade Hair & Beard Brush, proper care ensures the bristles stay soft and effective for years.

• Prevents product buildup and dull hair
• Reduces risk of scalp irritation and infections
• Keeps bristles flexible and gentle on hair
• Extends the lifespan of your brush

How Often Should You Clean Your Hairbrush?

As a rule of thumb, give your brush a quick cleanup every one to two weeks, depending on how often you style your hair and how much product you use. If you apply heavy creams, gels, or oils daily, you may need to clean it weekly. For those who only brush to detangle, every two weeks is usually sufficient.

Between deep cleans, remove hair from the bristles after each use. This simple habit prevents tangles from accumulating and makes the deep clean much easier. You can use a wide-tooth comb, a tail comb, or even an old toothbrush to lift away strands. For brushes with dense bristles, like the BEAUTE Classic Repair & Shine Brush, a quick daily removal keeps the brush ready for your next styling session.

• Quick clean: remove hair after every use
• Deep clean: every 1-2 weeks
• More frequent cleaning if you use styling products daily

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Hairbrush

Start by removing as much hair as possible. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to pull strands away from the bristles. For stubborn hair wrapped around the base, a pair of scissors can help—just be careful not to cut the bristles. Once the brush is free of loose hair, prepare a basin of warm water with a few drops of gentle shampoo or dish soap. Submerge the brush bristle-side down, but avoid soaking the handle if it’s wooden or has a cushioned pad, as water can damage these materials.

Let the brush soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen oils and product residue. Then, use an old toothbrush or a cleaning brush to gently scrub between the bristles and the base. Pay extra attention to the areas where hair tends to build up. Rinse thoroughly under warm running water, making sure no soap remains. Shake off excess water and place the brush bristle-side down on a clean towel to dry. Avoid using a hairdryer, as heat can warp the bristles or the handle.

• Use warm water, not hot, to avoid damaging bristles
• For wooden handles, keep the handle out of water
• Dry with bristles facing down to prevent water from seeping into the base

Special Care for Boar Bristle and Natural Brushes

Boar bristle brushes are prized for their ability to distribute natural oils and add shine, but they require gentler cleaning. Avoid soaking them in water, as this can cause the bristles to become brittle and lose their natural luster. Instead, after removing hair, wipe the bristles with a damp cloth or use a brush cleaner spray. For a deeper clean, mix a tiny amount of shampoo with water, dip a toothbrush in the solution, and scrub the bristles in small sections. Then, wipe with a clean, damp cloth and let dry.

Natural combs, like the Wide Tooth 4 inch Tortoise Comb, also need careful handling. These materials can be sensitive to prolonged moisture. Clean them by wiping with a soft cloth dipped in soapy water, then immediately dry with another cloth. Never leave them soaking. For combs with tight teeth, a cotton swab can help reach the crevices.

• Boar bristle: avoid soaking; use a damp cloth or spray
• Wooden handles: keep dry and condition occasionally with mineral oil
• Tortoise shell: wipe clean and dry immediately

Cleaning Combs and Styling Tools

Combs, especially those with fine teeth, can trap oil and product just like brushes. The same general method works: remove hair, soak in warm soapy water, scrub with a toothbrush, and rinse. For plastic combs, you can even use a mild antibacterial soap. For metal combs, ensure they are thoroughly dried to prevent rust.

Don’t forget about styling tools like the Play Paste Versatile Styler—while not a brush, this product can leave residue on your hands and tools. If you use such styling products, cleaning your brushes more frequently becomes essential. Also, consider using a clarifying shampoo occasionally to remove buildup from your hair itself, which in turn reduces the residue your brush picks up.

• Clean combs at the same frequency as brushes
• For fine-tooth combs, use a toothpick to remove debris
• Store all tools in a dry place to prevent mold and bacteria growth

Signs Your Brush Needs a Deep Clean

If you notice your hair looks greasy shortly after washing, or if your brush has a visible film or odor, it’s definitely time for a deep clean. Another sign is if your brush feels sticky or pulls at your hair instead of gliding through. A dirty brush can also make your scalp itchy or flaky, as bacteria and dead skin cells accumulate.

For a thorough deep clean, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste, which helps break down stubborn buildup. Apply it to the bristles, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse. This method works well for both synthetic and natural bristle brushes, but always check the manufacturer’s care instructions first.

• Visible residue or discoloration on bristles
• Unpleasant odor coming from the brush
• Hair feels heavy or dull after brushing

Cleaning your hairbrush and comb is a small investment of time that yields big rewards for your hair health. By incorporating this simple routine into your weekly schedule, you’ll enjoy cleaner, shinier hair and a happier scalp. Remember to use gentle products and dry your tools properly. For a brush that’s easy to maintain and gentle on all hair types, check out the PRESTIGE Handmade Hair & Beard Brush—a timeless tool that deserves the best care.