How to Clean Your Hairbrush (and Why It Actually Matters)

Healthy, beautiful hair doesn’t start with your styling products—it starts with your tools. Have you ever looked at your hairbrush and thought… this needs a good clean? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most overlooked habits in hair care. And one of the biggest hidden reasons your hair routine might not be working as well as it should.
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At Salon Society, a professional hair salon in Regina, we see it all the time: amazing hair routines held back by one simple thing—dirty brushes. Let’s fix that!

Why You Should Clean Your Hairbrush

Your hairbrush collects way more than you think. Over time, it builds up:

• Shed hair
• Natural scalp oils
• Product residue (dry shampoo, hairspray, serums)
• Dust and environmental buildup

When you keep using a dirty brush, you’re essentially reintroducing buildup back into your freshly washed hair. That can lead to:

• Faster oiliness at the roots
• Weighed-down, dull-looking hair
• Product not distributing evenly
• Scalp irritation or sensitivity

​Clean brush = cleaner hair results. It’s that simple.

How to Clean Your Hairbrush (Step-by-Step)

You don’t need anything fancy—just a few minutes and some basic supplies.

1. Remove hair first
Use your fingers, a comb, or another brush handle to lift out all the trapped hair. Do this step thoroughly—this is where most buildup hides.

2. Soak the brush
Fill a bowl or sink with warm water and add a small amount of shampoo or gentle soap.

• For plastic or synthetic brushes: fully submerge
• For wooden brushes: dip bristles only (don’t soak the base)

Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes.

3. Scrub gently
Use an old toothbrush or small cleaning brush to gently scrub between bristles and remove buildup. Focus on the base where oils and product tend to collect.

4. Rinse well
Rinse with clean water until all soap is gone.

5. Dry properly
Shake off excess water and lay your brush bristle-side down on a towel. Let it air dry completely before using again.

How Often Should You Clean Your Hairbrush?

Here’s the simple rule we recommend at Salon Society:

• Once a week → ideal for most people
• Every 2 weeks minimum → if you use minimal product
• More often (every 3–5 days) → if you use dry shampoo, hairspray, or have oily hair

If you’re styling daily, your brush should be part of your weekly reset routine.

Hot Tip: The more frequently you clean your brush, the easier and faster the process!! 

Bonus Tip from the Salon Society Team

If your brush is full of buildup that won’t come out, or the bristles are bent, melted, or missing—it's probably time for a replacement. 

A good quality brush (and the right one!) is just as important as your shampoo or conditioner. Think of it as part of your hair health system, not just a styling tool.

The Bottom Line

A clean brush means cleaner hair, better styling results, and a healthier scalp. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.

​And if you’re ever unsure what brush is best for your hair type, your Salon Society stylist is always here to help guide you toward the right tools for your routine! 

Ready for Your Best Hair Yet?

If you’re putting in the effort at home, your salon routine should match it too. Healthy, beautiful hair is a combination of the right habits and the right professional care.

Let us help you level up your routine—from the tools you use at home to the results you see in the mirror. Book your visit with the Salon Society team in Regina today and let’s keep your hair looking its absolute best between appointments.

BOOK YOUR VISIT TODAY