DIY Hairbrush Cleaning Solution

I’m sure that cleaning your hairbrush isn’t usually at the top of your to-do list, with the million other things to do. And, if you’re like most, when the buildup gets bad enough, you probably just end up replacing it.  What if I told you that this DIY Hairbrush Cleaning Solution is not only simple and cheap, but you probably already have everything in your cabinet to make it!

I love this DIY Hairbrush Cleaning Solution so much that I may just never buy another hairbrush again! Plus it’s very similar to our DIY Makeup Brush Cleaner and DIY Ring Cleaner so, If you want to knock out three chores at once have at it!

In this blog post, you’ll find a DIY Hairbrush Cleaning Solution

Why Clean Your Hairbrush?

A dirty hairbrush can accumulate:

Residual hair products (like hairspray and gels)

Dead skin cells

Natural scalp oils

Dust and lint

Bacteria and fungi

More Reasons to Clean Your Hairbrush

Using a dirty brush can lead to greasy hair and scalp irritations. A good cleaning routine ensures that your hair stays healthy and fresh. Here’s why using an unclean hairbrush can be bad for you:

Promotes Bacteria and Fungi Growth: The accumulation of oils, dirt, and moisture in your brush creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can lead to scalp infections and dandruff.

Reintroduces Dirt and Oil: Every time you brush with a dirty tool, you’re spreading old oils and debris back onto your freshly washed hair, making it look greasy and dull much faster.

Can Cause Scalp Irritation and Breakouts: If bacteria and product buildup transfer to your scalp, it can lead to itchiness, inflammation, and even clogged hair follicles.

Reduces Hairbrush Effectiveness: A clogged and dirty brush won’t glide through your hair as smoothly, making detangling more difficult and possibly leading to unnecessary breakage.

Tip: These are also great reasons to change your pillowcase often! 

DIY Hairbrush Cleaning Solution Recipe

You only need a few simple ingredients to make an effective, non-toxic hairbrush cleaning solution:

Ingredients:

warm water

2 tablespoons of baking soda

1 tablespoon of Dawn  dish soap

2 tablespoons of white vinegar

Optional: A few drops of tea tree oil (for its antibacterial properties)

Supplies:

A small cleaning brush or pick ( I used a hairbrush cleaning tool)

Toothbrush

A bowl (I used a clean sink)

A towel

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Remove Hair from the Brush
Use your fingers, a comb, or a hairbrush cleaning tool to lift and remove any trapped hair from the bristles.

Prepare the Cleaning Solution
In a bowl or a clean sink, mix the warm water, baking soda, Dawn soap, vinegar, and tea tree oil. Stir well until the ingredients are dissolved.

Soak the Hairbrush
If your brush is plastic or metal, let it soak in the solution for about 3o minutes. Avoid soaking wooden brushes. Excess moisture can damage them.

Scrub the Bristles
Dip a toothbrush or small cleaning brush into the solution and gently scrub the bristles and base of the brush to remove any remaining debris and buildup.

Rinse and Dry
Rinse the brush under warm running water. Shake off excess water and lay it bristle-side down on a towel to air dry completely before using it again.

How Often Should You Clean Your Hairbrush?

Weekly: If you use a lot of hair products or have an oily scalp.

Biweekly: If you use minimal styling products and have normal to dry hair.

Monthly: If you rarely use styling products and don’t notice visible buildup.

Final Tips for Keeping Your Hairbrush Clean

Remove hair from the bristles daily or after every use.

Avoid using excessive amounts of hair products that contribute to buildup.

Store your brush in a clean, dry place to prevent dust accumulation.

Consider replacing your hairbrush every 6-12 months for optimal hygiene.

By following this DIY cleaning method, you’ll keep your hairbrush in top condition while ensuring healthier hair and scalp. Give your brush the care it deserves, and enjoy a fresher hair routine!