How to Clean Hair Brushes at Home, Step by Step

Hair brushes collect shed hair, lint, dust, and styling-product residue. Cleaning them removes that buildup and helps the bristles work as intended. The right method depends on the brush: a sturdy plastic brush can usually be washed more thoroughly than one made of wood, natural bristles, or a padded cushion. Check the care instructions if you have them, and do not assume every brush can be submerged.

What You’ll Need

A comb, brush-cleaning tool, or blunt pointed tool for lifting out hair
A small bowl or sink with lukewarm water
A few drops of mild shampoo or dish soap
An old, clean toothbrush or small soft brush
A clean towel
Optional: scissors for carefully cutting through hair wrapped around bristles

Avoid sharp tools that could scratch the brush or injure your hand. If the brush has electrical parts, a removable head, or special care instructions, follow the manufacturer’s directions instead of washing it as an ordinary brush.

Step-by-Step

Check the brush. Look for a care label or manufacturer guidance. Identify whether it is plastic, wood, natural bristle, or a cushioned brush with a flexible pad. Remove any detachable parts if the instructions say they are washable. Never immerse an electric brush or its handle.
Remove the loose hair. Hold the brush over a wastebasket. Use your fingers or a comb to lift hair from the base of the bristles, working from one side to the other. A brush-cleaning tool can help with dense bristles. Pull gently rather than yanking, which can bend or loosen them.
Cut stubborn tangles if needed. If strands are tightly wound, slide the tips of small scissors beneath the hair and snip along the length of the brush, taking care not to cut the bristles or scratch the pad. Lift out the cut sections. Do not force a blade into the cushion.
Mix a mild cleaning solution. Add a few drops of mild shampoo or dish soap to a bowl of lukewarm water. You need only enough soap to loosen residue; a strong detergent or very hot water is unnecessary and may damage finishes or bristles.
Wash a washable plastic brush. Dip the bristles into the soapy water, keeping the handle submerged only if it is clearly safe to do so. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub between bristles and around their bases. Rinse the bristle area with clean lukewarm water until it no longer feels slippery.
Clean wood, natural-bristle, or cushioned brushes gently. Do not soak these brushes. Dampen a cloth or toothbrush with the soapy solution, then clean around the bristles and along the base without saturating the wood or pad. Wipe away soap with a separate cloth dampened with plain water. Water trapped inside a cushion or handle can be slow to dry and may harm the brush.
Remove residue from the handle. Wipe the handle with a lightly damp, soapy cloth, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth. Keep water away from seams, openings, electrical controls, and any area that the care instructions say to keep dry.
Shake off water and towel-blot. Hold the brush with the bristles facing down and gently shake it over the sink. Press a clean towel against the bristles to absorb moisture; do not twist or rub them vigorously. For a cushioned brush, press gently so water is not driven into the pad.
Air-dry completely. Place the brush bristle-side down or on its side on a clean, dry towel, with air able to circulate around it. Let it dry fully before putting it away or using it. Do not use a hair dryer, radiator, or other direct heat, which can deform plastic or damage bristles.

Common Mistakes

Soaking every brush. Prolonged immersion can damage wood, loosen glued parts, or trap water in a cushioned pad. Use a brief wash for suitable plastic brushes and a damp-cloth method for delicate ones.
Using very hot water or too much soap. Heat can warp some materials, while excess soap leaves a film that attracts residue. Lukewarm water and a small amount of mild cleaner are enough.
Scrubbing too hard. Aggressive brushing can bend bristles, scratch a pad, or loosen bristle bundles. Use a soft tool and light pressure, especially around the base.
Putting the brush away while damp. Moisture can remain between bristles or inside a cushion. Allow the entire brush to dry before storing it in a drawer or closed container.
Using bleach or harsh cleaners. These are unnecessary for routine brush cleaning and may discolor or degrade materials. Stick to mild soap unless the manufacturer specifies another method.

Tips

Remove trapped hair whenever it becomes noticeable; less buildup makes each full cleaning quicker.
Keep one small comb or brush-cleaning tool with your hair-care supplies for lifting out strands.
Clean brushes more often when they collect visible styling-product residue, lint, or dust. How often depends on use and the products you apply.
Clean one brush at a time and keep the removed hair out of the sink drain.
If a brush has loose bristles, a cracked handle, a damaged cushion, or a strong odor that remains after cleaning and drying, replacing it may be more practical than scrubbing harder.

Troubleshooting

Hair will not come out: Work in small sections with a comb or cleaning tool. Snip only the tangled hair, not the bristles, and avoid pulling hard on the pad.

The brush still feels sticky: Styling products may need a second gentle wash. Use fresh lukewarm water and a little mild soap, scrub lightly, and rinse thoroughly. Do not add stronger chemicals just because residue remains.

Water got into the cushion: Hold the brush bristle-side down, press it gently against a towel, and leave it in a well-ventilated place until fully dry. Do not apply direct heat or store it while damp.

The bristles look bent after washing: Let the brush air-dry without pressing the bristles against a surface. If they remain misshapen or the base is coming loose, check the care instructions and consider replacing the brush.

The wood feels rough or the finish changes: Stop washing it with water. Wipe it dry and let it air-dry; avoid further soaking, oils, or polish unless the manufacturer recommends them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my hair brush?

Remove hair as it builds up, and wash the brush when you notice residue, dust, or lint. The interval depends on how often you use it and whether you use styling products.

Can I clean a hair brush with shampoo?

Yes. A few drops of mild shampoo in lukewarm water can clean a washable brush. Rinse away the suds well, and use only a damp cloth or brush for wood, natural bristles, and cushioned styles.

Can I put my hair brush in the dishwasher?

Do not assume it is dishwasher-safe. Heat and prolonged water exposure can warp plastic, damage bristles, loosen glued parts, or harm a cushioned base. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

How do I clean a wooden hair brush?

Remove the hair, then wipe the bristles and handle with a lightly soapy damp cloth or soft toothbrush. Wipe away soap with a clean damp cloth and dry it promptly; do not soak it.

How long should a hair brush take to dry?

Drying time varies with the brush design, room conditions, and how wet it became. Leave it in a ventilated spot until the bristles, base, and any cushion are completely dry before storing or using it.

Should I throw away a brush with a few loose hairs?

A loose strand trapped around bristles is usually removable. If the brush itself is shedding bristles, cracked, or has a damaged pad, cleaning will not repair it; check its care guidance or replace it.

Further reading: none, this is general know-how. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.