How to Clean a Hairbrush (5 Steps) + How Often to Do It

Wondering how to clean a hairbrush properly? A quick monthly clean helps remove trapped hair, lint and product buildup, so your hair brush stays gentle, hygienic and long-lasting. Follow these 5 simple steps (it takes around 10 minutes of hands-on time), plus a few easy habits to keep your Happy Hair Brush feeling like new. For faster clean-ups, our Happy Hair Brush Cleaner tool makes it easy to lift hair and fuzz from the bristles and base.

1. Remove loose hair
   Use the Happy Hair Brush Cleaner tool (or your fingers) to lift out any trapped hair from the bristles and base. Put it aside. 
2. Soak the bristles (not the whole hair brush)
   Fill a bowl with warm water and a small amount of gentle shampoo/soap. Soak only the bristles for 5–10 minutes to loosen buildup.
   Tip: Avoid soaking handles or fully submerging the hairbrush. 
3. Scrub between the bristles
   Use your brush cleaner tool (or an old toothbrush) to gently scrub the base and between bristles where lint and residue collect. If you havent washed your brush before, it might need you to actually scrape the fluff off with your finger tips. To ensure that doesnt happen again, regular cleaning reduces build up. 
4. Rinse thoroughly
   Rinse the bristles under warm running water until the water runs clear and there’s no suds left in the bristles. 
5. Dry bristles-down
   Shake off excess water, pat with a towel, then leave the brush to air-dry bristles facing down until completely dry.

REMEMBER: Regularly using our Happy Hair Brush Cleaner tool is an easy and efficient way to keep your family’s hair brushes clean and sanitary. Pair it with a gentle everyday detangling hairbrush from our detangling hair brushes collection for smoother brushing and less buildup over time.

Hairbrush & hair brush cleaning FAQs

How often should you clean your hair brush?
Quick clean: pull out trapped hair every few uses (or whenever you notice it building up).
Deep clean: aim for a proper wash about once a month. If you use lots of styling products, have a sensitive scalp, or notice buildup quickly, a deep clean every 1–2 weeks can help.

How do you clean a hairbrush with product buildup?
Start by removing all loose hair first (this makes a huge difference). Then soak only the bristles in warm soapy water for 5–10 minutes, scrub the base between bristles, rinse well, and dry bristles-down. For faster hair and lint removal, use a brush cleaning tool.

Can you soak a hair brush in water?
You can soak the bristles, but try not to soak the entire brush for long periods — especially if it has a wooden handle. A bristles-only soak loosens residue without letting water sit where it shouldn’t.

How do you disinfect or sanitise a hairbrush?
If someone’s been unwell, you’ve had a scalp flare-up, or you’re sharing brushes, disinfecting can be a good extra step. After washing, you can lightly wipe the bristle base and handle with a disinfectant wipe (or a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth), then let it fully air-dry.

What is the grey fluff in my hair brush?
That “grey fuzz” is usually a mix of lint, dust, product residue and tiny bits of hair. It’s super common — and it’s a sign your hairbrush will love a proper clean.

How do you clean a boar bristle brush?
Boar bristles are more delicate, so keep it gentle: remove hair, use a small amount of mild shampoo in lukewarm water, and avoid soaking for too long. Scrub lightly, rinse carefully, and dry bristles-down.

How do you clean a hairbrush without soaking it?
Remove hair first, then use a damp cloth with a tiny bit of gentle shampoo/soap to wipe along the bristles and base. Follow with a clean damp cloth to remove suds, then air-dry bristles-down.

When should you replace your hair brush?
If bristles are bent, missing, or the brush doesn’t detangle gently anymore (even after cleaning), it may be time to replace it. You can browse our gentle detangling options in the Happy Hair Brush collection.