Your hair tools work hard to keep your strands styled and healthy, but are you giving them the TLC they need? Over time, brushes, combs, and other styling tools can accumulate product buildup, oil, dead skin cells, and even bacteria—making regular cleaning essential. Not only does cleaning your tools help maintain hygiene, but it also maintains scalp health by preventing the buildup of oils and residue, ensuring your hair looks its best every time you style it.
Here’s everything you need to know about when and how to clean your hair tools, including easy tips to remove buildup and keep your tools in top condition.
Why Cleaning Your Tools Is a Must
Dirty hair tools don’t just affect how your hair looks—they can also impact its health. Product buildup on combs and brushes can transfer back onto your clean hair, making it look greasy or weighed down. Worse, bacteria and oil trapped in your tools can clog your scalp, contributing to irritation or even breakouts along the hairline.
A regular cleaning schedule ensures your tools stay effective and safe to use while extending their lifespan.
Brushes & Combs: Clean every 1-2 weeks, depending on usage and the amount of product buildup.
Heat Styling Tools (e.g., flat irons, curling wands): Wipe down after each use and deep clean monthly to remove any burned-on product residue.
Accessories (e.g., clips, sectioning tools): Wash every 2-3 weeks to keep them free of dirt and oil.
How to Clean Brushes
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Remove Hair: Start by using the teeth of a comb or your fingers to lift out any trapped hair from the bristles.
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Create a Cleaning Solution: Mix warm water with a few drops of mild liquid soap in a bowl to gently break down oils and product buildup.
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Soak and Scrub: Dip the brush head (avoid the handle if it’s wooden) into the solution. Use another small brush to gently scrub the bristles, focusing on removing any residue or buildup.
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Rinse and Dry: Rinse the brush thoroughly under running water, making sure to avoid soaking the handle. Pat dry with a towel and let it air dry overnight with the bristles down to prevent water from pooling.
Pro Tip: If the brush is shared or used professionally, consider soaking the brush head in a professional disinfectant solution after cleaning to ensure it’s completely sanitized and safe for scalp health.
How to Clean Combs
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Rinse Off Product: Begin by running the comb under warm water to loosen any residue, dirt, or product buildup.
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Scrub Gently: Use a clean brush dipped in soapy water to scrub between the teeth of the comb, ensuring you remove all trapped debris.
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Soak for Extra Cleaning: For combs with stubborn buildup, soak them in a bowl of warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes to help dissolve oils and residue.
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Rinse and Dry: Rinse the comb thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining soap or disinfectant. Dry it completely with a clean towel before storing to avoid water damage or bacterial growth.
Pro Tip: If the comb is shared or used professionally, follow up with a professional disinfectant solution to sanitize it thoroughly. This step is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of bacteria, especially for scalp health.
How to Clean Heat Styling Tools
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Unplug and Cool: Always make sure your tool is unplugged and cool before cleaning.
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Wipe the Surface: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the plates or barrel to remove dirt and residue.
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Tackle Stubborn Spots: For stuck-on products, mix baking soda and water into a paste and gently scrub the surface with a soft cloth.
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Dry Completely: Wipe with a clean, dry cloth before plugging it back in.
FAQs About Cleaning Hair Tools
How Do You Remove Product Buildup from Hair Tools?
Soaking your tools in warm, soapy water loosens product buildup, while a small brush helps scrub away residue from hard-to-reach areas. For heat tools, wipe them down with a damp cloth or use a gentle baking soda paste.
What Can I Use to Clean My Hair Tools?
Mild soaps work perfectly for cleaning brushes, combs, and accessories. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach that can damage your tools.
How Do You Clean Hairdressing Tools?
Professional hairdressing tools, like scissors and clips, should be cleaned in warm, soapy water to remove residue and then disinfected with a spray-on solution rather than soaking. This method prevents rusting, which can occur with prolonged exposure to liquids while ensuring the tools remain hygienic and safe for use. Proper disinfection is key to maintaining both the longevity of your tools and the health of your clients.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Hair Brushes?
The best way to clean brushes is to remove hair regularly, soak the bristles in a soapy water solution, and scrub with a toothbrush. Always rinse thoroughly and let the brush air dry with the bristles down.