Some people may see it build faster than others, again it really depends. If your hair is oilier? you will probably get fuzz faster. If you live in a dusty area? if your brush is sitting on the counter in the bathroom all day? you’re basically letting it air collect crud. Have you thought about the floating lint in the air from towels, tissues, dry shampoo clouds, that time you shaved your sweater? Your brush is sitting in that. That’s not great.
How Often Should you be Cleaning It? Probably more than you think
So here’s the deal. Just ripping away all of the big clumps of hair every once in a while? Doesn’t count. I mean, it’s better than nothing, but that’s not actually cleaning. Seriously, experts are saying you should be pulling off the loose hairs every time you use it (if we are being good, every use) but let’s be honest, just once a day would be considered an upgrade for a lot of people.
And then there’s washing. That’s probably once a week or every other week depending on how often you apply product. And if you’re the type who likes to load up on gel, spray, everything- you probably should do a deep clean once a month. I assure you, it’s not too much. Also, if the brush is falling apart? Missing bristles, still gross after a scrub? Toss it. Just buy a new one. They aren’t family heirlooms.
Okay But… How Do You Even Clean a Hairbrush?
First part is annoying: get all the hair out. Like, ALL of it. Your fingers can maybe get most of it, but honestly, it’s easier to use something pointy – a comb, a pencil, the end of a makeup brush or whatever is handy. Dig it all out. It’s satisfying in a “cleaning your keyboard with toothpick” kind of way.
Then the soak. Warm water + gentle shampoo (or dish soap) = a good start. Feeling ambitious? Toss in a spoonful of baking soda. Don’t ask me why, I just trust it’ll make it cleaner. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes. You can scroll through your phone during that part.
Once it’s soaked for a bit, get an old toothbrush. Not one you’re still using. And scrub in the bristles. You’ll see the gunk come off, which is both gross and kind of… satisfying. Then rinse it under running water. Lay it bristle-side down on a towel to dry. Important: don’t use it wet. Moist bristles are like an invitation for mold to party.
Now- wooden brushes, or those with natural bristles- you have to be more careful. Do not dunk those. Just stick the bristles in your soapy solution, and wipe the handle with a damp cloth. Soaking wood? That’s how you get a warped, cracked, sad little brush.
