Your hairbrush is one of the most important tools in your daily routine, but when was the last time you cleaned it? Over time, brushes collect loose hair, product buildup, natural oils, dust, and bacteria, which can affect your scalp and styling results. In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove trapped hair, deep clean bristles, and get rid of stubborn buildup to keep your brush performing like new.
Why Cleaning Your Hairbrush is Essential
Over time, your hairbrush collects more than just loose strands—it builds up with product residue from hairspray, gels, oils, and serums that can coat the bristles and reduce their effectiveness. If left uncleaned, this buildup can transfer back onto your freshly washed hair, making it feel greasy or weighed down even after a thorough shampoo.
Additionally, brushes can harbor dead skin cells, dust, and environmental pollutants, which may contribute to scalp irritation, clogged follicles, and even dandruff. Using a dirty brush can counteract your haircare routine and lead to issues you might mistakenly attribute to your products or scalp health.
Regular cleaning not only helps prevent these problems but also keeps your brush functioning at its best. Clean bristles grip and glide through hair more smoothly, improving styling results and extending the lifespan of your tool. For both hygiene and performance, cleaning your hairbrush should be a non-negotiable part of your haircare regimen.
Tools We Trust: Meet Ciccio & Dada from the FS Collezione
At Fabio Scalia Salons, proper tool maintenance is part of our professional routine—and that includes regular brush cleaning. To help our clients do the same at home, we created Ciccio and Dada, two essential care tools from the FS Collezione, designed to keep your hairbrushes in top condition.
Ciccio is a rake tool made to easily lift and remove trapped hair from between bristles, whether you’re using a round, paddle, or boar bristle brush. Dada, with its firm nylon bristles, is perfect for scrubbing the base and body of your brush or comb, reaching spots that are often missed. Together, these tools ensure your brushes stay clean, effective, and long-lasting—just like we expect them to be in the salon.
Keep reading below to learn how to use these tools effectively. And for a limited time, we’re offering a special in our salons: receive a free brush cleaner with the purchase of any brush or comb from the FS Collezione.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Hairbrush
Step 1: Remove Hair Using the Ciccio Rake Tool
Hold your brush firmly and use the Ciccio rake tool to gently lift and remove tangled hair from between the bristles. Work from one side to the other, making sure to catch and pull out all loose strands. If the hair is heavily knotted, use small, gentle movements to avoid damaging the bristles or the brush base.
Step 2: Remove Buildup with the Dada Deep Clean Tool
In a bowl, mix warm water with a small amount of mild shampoo or brush-safe cleanser. Dip the Dada tool into the solution and scrub the base and bristles in circular motions to loosen product buildup, oil, and debris. For wooden brushes, avoid soaking the brush—briefly dip only the bristles or use a damp cloth. To enhance sanitation, you can add a drop of tea tree oil or white vinegar to the cleaning solution.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry Properly
For wooden brushes, avoid rinsing under running water; instead, wipe the bristles clean with a damp cloth. Always lay the brush bristles-down on a towel and allow it to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area—never use heat, and allow at least 48 hours to dry thoroughly.
Important Care Notes:
- Never immerse wooden brushes in water—prolonged moisture can damage the wood.
- Avoid detergents or harsh chemicals, which can compromise the brush’s materials.
- Use a gentle sanitizing spray or brush cleaner to keep your tool hygienic between deep cleans.
- Regular, careful cleaning helps preserve your brush’s shape, performance, and longevity.
How Often Should You Clean Your Hairbrush?
If you use your brush daily, aim to remove loose hair every few days and give it a thorough cleaning about once a week.
If you regularly use styling products, such as hairspray, oils, or creams, it’s best to clean your brush after every 2–3 uses to prevent buildup from accumulating.
For boar bristle brushes, we recommend a weekly cleaning to keep the bristles performing at t
heir best and to maintain the brush’s condition over time.
A clean hairbrush is the secret to healthier hair, a cleaner scalp, and better styling results!
🛍️ Shop Ciccio & Dada today and upgrade your hairbrush cleaning routine!