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.
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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 fas... more
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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
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To clean a boar bristle brush, 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.
Gather 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
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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. Do not soak for long to prevent damaging the soft fabric padding and wooden handle.
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
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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.
Tips To Clean And Maintain A Boar Hair 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.
- 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 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?
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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.
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. Click on the infographic below to learn how to clean and maintain a boar bristle brush. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Download Infographic
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, you must ensure that you clean the boar bristle hairbrush properly. 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
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.
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.
