How To Clean A Boar Hair Brush: A Step-By-Step-Guide
The hygiene of your hair styling tools is super important for your hair and scalp health.
Yvey Valcin is a celebrated master stylist based in Seattle, WA, and was one of the highest rated stylists at the flagship Gene Juarez salon in Seattle. He is known for his superior cutting technique and has styled for top editorial and fashion events, such as New York and Paris Fashion Week.
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Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
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Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
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Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
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Boar bristle brushes are excellent for distributing scalp oil to the hair strands. However, they also soak oil from your scalp, and that is why you must know how to clean a boar hair brush to keep it dirt and debris-free. The bristles on the boar hair brushes are tightly packed, and they may be tough to clean if you do not know the right way.
This article explains the steps to clean a boar hair brush and tips to maintain it. Read on.
In This Article
Things You Need To Clean A Boar Bristle Brush
Boar bristle brushes are fast gaining popularity due to the soft, gentle way in which they help detangle the hair. However, due to the close placement of the bristles, dirt, and loose hair often gets trapped in the spaces, compromising hygiene. If you want to know how to clean your hair brush, we can help you! Here is a list of things you will need:
- A Comb: A regular toothed comb or a rat tail comb with a thin or pointed end can help take out the old hair and gunk off the boar bristle brush.
- Liquid Shampoo Or Body Wash: You will need shampoo or a body wash to prepare a soapy rinse for effective cleaning.
- Water: Use warm and room temperature water to clean the boar bristle brush.
- A Container: The container should be big enough to hold the soapy rinse and your brushes.
Quick TipGather all these items before you start cleaning the boar bristle brush. Scroll further to learn the cleaning steps.
How To Clean A Boar Bristle Brush
Step 1: Remove The Hair And Gunk
Start by removing the hair and gunk from your boar bristle brush. Use the rat-tail comb’s thin end of the toothed part to brush the hair and gunk stuck between the bristles. Start at the edges of the boar bristle brush. Comb through to loosen the hair and dirt.
Step 2: Prepare A Shampoo Rinse
Prepare a soapy rinse by mixing a few drops of shampoo and warm water in the container. The amount of water depends on the material of the brush’s handle and bristles. If the brush has a wooden handle and soft padding, fill the container so that the brush does not completely submerge.
Step 3: Soak The Brush
Grip the brush’s handle and put it in the water, face down, so that only the bristles touch the water. Swirl it a few times. If you have a wooden hair brush, do not soak it for too long to avoid damaging the wood.
Step 4: Rinse The Brush With Water
Rinse the brush with cold water to clean the soap. This will also clean any dirt and debris that has loosened up while washing.
Step 5: Dry The Brush
Comb the brush with the rat-tail comb again to ensure no dirt and debris is stuck in it. Shake the excess water from the brush, use a dry towel to wipe it, and then place it in an airy place to dry naturally.
You can follow these steps to clean your boar bristle brush effectively. Apart from weekly cleaning, regular maintenance can help keep your brush in good shape. Check out a few tips for maintaining boar bristle brushes.
Essential Tips To Maintain Your Boar Bristle Brush
- Clean the Hair Strands After Every Use: Instead of waiting for all the hair and dirt to build up, make it a habit to pluck the loose hair strands every time you brush your hair.
- Cut The Hair Buildup: Often, loose hair strands may build-up at the bottom of the bristles. If possible, trim the matted hair from the sides. Be careful not to cut the bristles.
- Keep The Wet Brush Face Down: This will not allow water to settle on the soft fabric padding and cause damage.
- Add Essential Oils To The Brush Bath: Adding a few drops of tea tree oil or any essential oils of your choice to the final rinse will make the brush smell good.
- You can also use a disinfectant liquid spray to clean the brush.
Quick Tip- Always Detangle Your Hair Before Using The Boar Bristle Brush: This will ensure loose hair strands do not get stuck between the bristles.
Regular cleaning can help avoid debris buildup between the bristles and help you maintain proper hygiene. In the next section, find out how often you can use a boar bristle brush.
How Often To Use A Boar Bristle Brush
You can use it twice a day. However, the frequency depends on your hair type.
If you have an oily scalp, use it only once a day. Brushing hair frequently can make your hair oily. However, if you have dry and frizzy hair, brushing your hair twice a day or more can help distribute the natural oils, minimize frizz, and smoothen your strands. Using the boar bristle brush the right way is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Check out a few tips in the next section.
Are You Using The Boar Bristle Brush Correctly?
Follow these tips to ensure you are using the brush properly:
- Use The Brush On Dry Hair: Using a boar bristle brush on wet hair can stretch the strands and cause damage and breakage. Before hair brushing, ensure your locks are completely dry.
- Do Not Use It For Detangling: Boar bristle brushes are not meant for detangling and should not be used on tousled hair. The densely packed bristles can further tangle the hair and cause breakage.
- Start From The Root: Boar bristle brushes are meant to distribute the scalp oils throughout the length of your hair. Brushing from the tips will kill the purpose of the brush.
- Always Brush In Section: When using boar bristle brushes, divide the hair into sections and then start brushing. This will avoid tangling and helps in even distribution of the scalp oils.
- Avoid Using Hair Styling Products With Boar Bristle Brushes: This is because hair styling products like mousse and gels can clog the bristles.
You may have been using a boar hair brush for a while now but have you ever thought about the benefits it offers? Get familiar with them in the section below.
Benefits Of Using A Boar Bristle Brush
Some advantages of using a boar hair brush are:
- They distribute natural oils all through the hair, from the roots to the ends, for a healthy, shiny appearance.
- They reduce frizz and smooth hair texture.
- They gently detangle the hair without causing breakage.
- They enhance scalp circulation for improved hair growth.
- They are suitable for all hair types, promoting softness and manageability.
Infographic: Tips To Clean And Maintain A Boar Bristle Brush
Boar bristle brushes are known for their excellent scalp oil-distributing properties. Also, they strip any dead hair strands stuck in the bristles. Hence, it is essential to clean them properly to maintain healthy hair. Check out the infographic below to learn how to clean and maintain a boar bristle brush. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Boar bristle hair brushes are excellent for managing frizz and distributing natural scalp oils throughout the hair strands. They have soft bristles that easily glide through the hair and minimize hair breakage, and as such, these brushes are great for delicate hair. However, they are prone to buildup and require proper maintenance. Therefore, cleaning your boar hair brush is an essential part of grooming and maintaining healthy hair. Follow the steps discussed in the article to clean the hairbrush. We also shared tips to help you use it correctly to get the desired results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to use any shampoo to clean my boar hair brush?
While any shampoo would work, it is recommended to use a mild, sulfate-free shampoo to clean your boar bristle brush.
What are the indicators that it is time to replace my boar bristle brush?
A few common signs that you need to replace your boar bristle brush include frayed or broken bristles, reduced effectiveness in detangling or smoothing, loss of bristle density, or persistent buildup that can’t be cleaned.
Can I use apple cider vinegar to clean my boar hair brushes?
You may use apple cider vinegar to clean your boar hair brushes. Combine two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of dish soap for best results.
How often should you replace your boar bristle hair brush?
Ideally, you should replace it every six months. However, this period will also depend on the quality of the brush and its usage. For instance, if you use it twice a day, and notice broken or missing bristles and cracks in the brush, it is time to change it.
Is it okay to use a hair dryer to dry my boar hair brush?
No, it is not okay to use a hair dryer to dry a boar hair brush as it can damage the brush’s bristles. Instead, dry it naturally at room temperature by placing it on a clean surface. Still, if you have to use a dryer, use the cool setting to avoid damage.
How long does it take for a boar hair brush to dry?
Ideally, a boar hair brush takes 24 hours to dry completely in natural air. Make sure to place it on a clean towel while you leave it for drying.
Key Takeaways
- To clean a boar bristle brush, first, you need to remove any hair or gunk caught between the bristles.
- Then, soak the brush in some warm water mixed with a few drops of shampoo. Rinse the brush with cold water and allow it to air dry.
- You can maintain the brush by removing any hair strands after use and keeping the wet brush face down.
- However, do not use the brush to detangle hair.
Illustration: How To Clean A Boar Bristle Brush: A Complete Guide
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Say goodbye to dirt and build-up on your boar bristle brush! Watch the video below to learn the secrets to deep cleaning and revitalizing your brush to achieve healthier, more beautiful hair. Get started today!
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