How to Clean Hair Brush Correctly: Plastic Brush and Wooden Bruh

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Do you know how to clean hair brush correctly? Most of us use a hair brush every single day. We use it in the morning before work, before going out, and sometimes several times throughout the day. It is one of the most used tools in our daily routine.

However, many people forget to clean their hair brush regularly. We wash our hair, we wash our combs, but the brush often gets left out. Over time, it collects old hair, dust, dead skin cells, and product residue without us noticing.

In this article, you will learn how to clean hair brush the right way. We will also cover how often you should do it, why it matters for your hair health, and some useful tips to make the process easier. We gathered the information from various sources, Friday (24/4/2026). Let's get started.

There are several good reasons to make hair brush cleaning a regular habit. Here is a quick look at why it matters for your hair and your health.

- It Prevents Dirt From Going Back Into Your Hair: A dirty brush holds oil, dust, dead skin cells, and product residue. Every time you brush your hair with a dirty brush, all of that goes right back onto your clean hair and scalp.

- It Supports a Healthier Scalp: Buildup on your brush can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. Using a dirty brush regularly may lead to scalp irritation, dandruff, or other scalp problems over time.

- It Helps Your Hair Look Better: A clean brush distributes your scalp's natural oils evenly from root to tip. This gives your hair a healthy shine and a smoother finish after brushing.

- It Makes Your Brush Last Longer: Buildup and moisture trapped in the bristles can wear out your brush faster. Regular cleaning helps the bristles stay flexible and effective for a longer time.

- It Improves Your Overall Hair Hygiene: A clean brush is simply better for your hair in every way. It does the job it is designed to do without adding unwanted residue to your strands.

Cleaning a regular plastic or synthetic hair brush is simple and does not take much time. Follow these steps to remove buildup and keep your brush in good condition.

What You'll Need:

- A bowl of warm water

- Gentle shampoo or mild soap

- An old toothbrush

- A pointed comb or pen

- A clean towel

- Scissors (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Remove the Hair: Use the pointed end of a comb, a pen, or your fingers to lift the hair out from the bristles. If the hair is tangled, use scissors to cut through it first. Make sure to remove as much hair as possible before moving to the next step.

2. Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of gentle shampoo or mild soap. Stir the water gently to mix it.

3. Soak the Bristles: Place only the bristle part of the brush into the soapy water. Let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not put the whole brush underwater, especially if it has a padded base, as water can damage it.

4. Scrub Between the Bristles: Use the old toothbrush to gently scrub the base and sides of the bristles. This is where most of the oil and product residue collects. Work from the base of the bristles upward.

5. Rinse Well: Hold the brush under warm running water until the water runs clear and there are no more soap suds left in the bristles.

6. Dry the Brush: Shake off the extra water and pat the bristles gently with a towel. Then place the brush with the bristles facing down on a clean towel. Let it air dry completely before using it again.

A wooden hair brush needs more careful cleaning because water can damage the wood. Here is a gentle method that protects the brush while still getting it clean.

What You'll Need:

- A bowl of warm water

- Mild shampoo or gentle soap

- An old toothbrush or soft cloth

- A clean towel

- Natural oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Remove the Hair: Use your fingers or a comb to gently pull out all the hair stuck in the bristles. Be careful not to pull too hard on the wooden bristles, as this can loosen them from the base.

2. Prepare a Small Amount of Soapy Water: Mix a few drops of mild shampoo with warm water in a bowl. You only need a small amount of this solution.

3. Clean the Bristles Carefully: Dip the old toothbrush into the soapy water and gently scrub just the bristles. Focus on the base where buildup collects. Do not dip the wooden body of the brush into the water, as soaking wood can cause it to crack or change color.

4. Rinse With Care: Use a damp cloth or rinse only the bristles briefly under warm running water. Avoid letting water sit on the wooden parts.

5. Dry Bristles Down: Pat the brush gently with a towel and place it bristles down on a dry surface. Let it air dry overnight in a well-ventilated area. Never use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process, as heat can warp or crack the wood.

6. Condition the Bristles (Optional): Once the brush is completely dry, you can apply a small amount of natural oil to the wooden bristles to keep them soft and flexible. Apply just a few drops, massage it in gently, and wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.

The right cleaning schedule depends on how often you use your brush and what products you put in your hair. If you use styling products such as hairspray, gel, or mousse regularly, you should clean your brush once a week. People who do not use much product can clean their brush every two to three weeks. Either way, try to remove loose hair from the bristles every few days.

For a quick daily habit, pull out trapped hair from the bristles after each use. This simple step prevents buildup from getting worse and makes your monthly deep clean much faster and easier. If you notice the bristles looking dull or your hair feeling greasy after brushing, that is a clear sign your brush needs a wash.

A few small habits can make a big difference in keeping your brush cleaner between washes. These tips are easy to follow and will save you time in the long run.

- Remove Loose Hair After Every Use: You do not need to do a full wash every time. Simply pulling out the trapped hair after each brushing session prevents heavy buildup from forming.

- Never Share Your Brush: Sharing a hair brush with others can spread bacteria, oils, and even head lice. It is best to keep your brush personal and for your use only.

- Avoid Leaving Your Brush in Wet Areas: Storing your brush in a humid bathroom with no ventilation can encourage bacteria growth. Let it dry fully between uses and keep it in a dry spot.

- Use the Right Cleaning Method for Your Brush Type: Plastic and synthetic brushes can handle more water and a longer soak. Natural bristle brushes and wooden brushes need a gentler, quicker cleaning process to avoid damage.

- Replace Your Brush When Needed: Even with good care, brushes wear out over time. If the bristles are bent, missing, or the brush no longer detangles your hair smoothly, it is time to get a new one. Most brushes should be replaced every 6 to 12 months depending on use.