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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• Jul 7, 2023

How To Clean A Boar Hair Brush A Step-By-Step-Guide

Image: Shutterstock

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

Shampoo and comb are essential tools to clean a boar brush

Image: Shutterstock

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.

Quick Tip

Use a sulfate-free shampoo for cleaning your brush as it is gentler on the brush.

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

Image: Shutterstock

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

Air drying boar bristle brush after cleaning it

Image: Shutterstock

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.

Quick Tip

You can also use an old toothbrush to clean the bristles of a very dirty boar brush before washing it with shampoo.

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?

Image: Shutterstock

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. Check out the infographic below to learn how to clean and maintain a boar bristle brush.

tips to clean and maintain a boar bristle brush (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, 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

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.

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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