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How to Clean a Boar Bristle Brush: A Guide to Healthy Scalp
A clogged hairbrush invites dirt and oil to build up on your hair. Understand the tips on how to clean a boar bristle brush for healthy hair and scalp.
Learning how to clean a boar bristle brush is crucial for achieving optimal hair care results. Boar bristle brushes have been trusted for generations due to their unique ability to distribute natural oils, stimulate the scalp, and promote healthy hair growth. However, with regular use, these brushes can accumulate dirt, oils, and product buildup, which not only affects their effectiveness but also poses potential hygiene and scalp issues. That's why understanding how to properly clean your boar bristle brush is essential.
By following our expert tips and techniques, you can restore the vitality of your boar bristle brush and enhance your hair care routine. We will also address common concerns, such as the recommended frequency for cleaning your brush and additional tips for keeping it in excellent shape.
Whether you're a regular boar bristle brush user or new to natural hair care tools, this guide will teach you how to keep your brush clean and sanitary.
Tools You Will Need to Clean a Boar Bristle Brush
To effectively clean a boar bristle brush, you will need a few essential tools that will aid in the process. 
1. Comb Or Hair Pick
A comb or hair pick with wide teeth will help you remove any loose hair, debris, or tangled strands from your boar bristle brush before cleaning it.
2. Mild Shampoo Or Cleanser
Opt for a gentle shampoo or cleanser that is suitable for delicate materials. Avoid using harsh chemicals or clarifying shampoos that may damage the bristles or strip away natural oils.
3. Lukewarm Water
Prepare a bowl or sink with lukewarm water to rinse and soak your boar bristle brush. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause damage to the brush and compromise its structure.
4. Towel Or Cloth
Keep a clean, dry towel or cloth nearby to gently pat and remove excess water from the brush after cleaning.
5. Vinegar Or Baking Soda
If your boar bristle brush has stubborn buildup or requires deeper cleaning, you can prepare a mixture of vinegar and water or baking soda and water in equal quantities to aid in the cleaning process. These can help remove residue and restore the brush's cleanliness.
In the case of a wooden brush, avoid submerging the wooden handle in water completely. This may weaken the brush handle in the long run and make it dry quicker.
How to Clean a Boar Bristle Brush: Steps to Follow
Cleaning a boar bristle brush is a simple process that, when done correctly, will help maintain its effectiveness and prolong its life span, along with keeping your scalp dirt-free. Here’s how to clean a boar bristle brush to ensure a thorough and proper cleaning:
Step 1: Brush out Hair And Debris
Start by using a comb or hair pick with wide teeth to gently remove any loose hair, debris, or tangles from the boar bristle brush. This will help clean your boar bristle brush faster and more effectively.
Step 2: Prepare Cleaning Solution
Take a bowl filled with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of mild shampoo or cleanser suitable for delicate materials. Swirl the water gently to create a soapy solution. You may use a mixture of water and vinegar or water and baking soda for a deeper clean.
Step 3: Soak the Brush
Submerge the boar bristle brush in the prepared cleaning solution. Make sure the bristles are fully immersed, but avoid submerging the brush handle. Allow it to soak for a few minutes to loosen any dirt, oils, or product buildup. Our contributor Eliza Pineda, Hair care expert at Mayraki Professional, shares, “After cleaning out all the debris and hair, you’ll want to remove any residue, oil, or product buildup by soaking. It would be best to not soak your brush handle or any wooden parts.
Step 4: Clean the Brush
Using a toothbrush or a rat-tail cleaning brush with soft bristles, gently scrub the bristles of the boar bristle brush. Pay attention to the base of the bristles and the cushioned area to ensure thorough cleaning. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, as it may damage the bristles.
Step 5: Rinse the Brush
Hold the boar bristle brush under lukewarm running water to rinse off the cleaning solution and any loosened residue. Gently massage the bristles with your fingers to ensure all the soap or cleanser is removed.
Step 6: Remove Excess Water
To remove excess water, gently squeeze the bristles of the brush with a clean towel or cloth after rinsing. Twisting or pulling on the bristles can cause damage, avoid doing that.
Step 7: Air Dry
Place the boar bristle brush on a clean towel or cloth, with the bristles facing downward, to allow it to air dry naturally. Do not use heat sources such as hairdryers, as they may damage the bristles.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once the brush is completely dry, use a comb or hair pick to gently fluff and separate the bristles. This will ensure they are ready for your next use.
If you have a boar bristle brush that’s never been cleaned before, you’ll need to try a different approach to clean it. Our contributor Eliza Pineda, shares ways to clean a hairbrush that has never been cleaned before.
She states, “First, manually remove the hair and other debris with your hands while the brush is dry. If stubborn hair, lint, or debris won’t come out, use a combination of a rat-tail comb (or any object with a slightly pointy tip), a comb, and a toothbrush to pick out the hair. If there are any tangles of hair, carefully cut them with scissors. After this, wash your brush with shampoo or dish soap and rinse.”
Why Should You Clean Your Boar Bristle Brush?
Cleaning your boar bristle brush is essential for several important reasons. Firstly, regular cleaning ensures good hygiene. Over time, your brush can accumulate dirt, oils, dead skin cells, and product residue from your hair. These buildups create an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive (1). By regularly cleaning your brush, you remove these contaminants, promoting better scalp health and preventing potential infections or irritations.
Secondly, as mentioned above, cleaning your boar bristle brush is crucial for the health of your hair; If not properly cleaned, these substances can weigh down your hair, making it appear dull and lifeless. This ensures that you are not redistributing these impurities back into your hair with each use. Additionally, a clean brush helps distribute natural oils evenly throughout your hair, promoting healthier and shinier locks.
By cleaning the brush, you restore its functionality, allowing it to glide smoothly through your hair and effectively stimulate the scalp. This stimulation promotes better blood circulation, which can contribute to improved hair growth and overall hair health.
How Often Should You Clean Your Boar Bristle Brush?
The frequency at which you should clean your boar bristle brush depends on various factors, including how often you use it and the condition of your hair. Ideally, it is recommended to clean your boar bristle brush at least once every two weeks.
If you use your brush daily or have oily hair, you may need to clean it more frequently. Oil and product residue can accumulate on the bristles, diminishing their effectiveness. In such cases, cleaning your brush once a week or every few days can help maintain its performance and prevent buildup.
In cases of less usage or dry hair, you can reduce the cleaning interval to once every three to four weeks. It is, however, significant to monitor the condition of your brush and the presence of any visible buildup. If you notice excessive dirt, debris, or residue, it is a sign that your brush needs to be cleaned.
Ultimately, it is best to establish a routine that works well for your specific hair type, usage frequency, and personal preferences. Regularly inspect your boar bristle brush and trust your judgment to determine when it requires cleaning. By maintaining a clean brush, you can ensure optimal hair health and enjoy the full benefits of using a boar bristle brush in your hair care routine.
Tips on How to a Clean Boar Bristle Brush Effectively
When it comes to cleaning your boar bristle brush, here are some helpful tips to ensure effective and thorough cleaning:
1. Use a Toothpick Or Cotton Swab
You can use a toothpick to reach in hard-to-clean areas for squeaky clean boar bristle brush. Gently run the toothpick or swab along the base of the bristles and the cushioned area to remove any trapped residue or buildup.
2. Try Dry Brush Cleaning Method
In between deep cleanings, you can also use a dry cleaning method to remove excess oils and buildup from your boar bristle brush. Simply run a fine-toothed comb through the bristles to lift away any debris or oils. You may use this for quick cleaning.
3. Sunlight Exposure
Occasionally, place your clean boar bristle brush in direct sunlight for a few hours. Sunlight has natural disinfecting properties and can help kill bacteria and fungi that may be lingering on the brush (2).
4. Avoid Excessive Moisture
While it's important to clean your boar bristle brush, it's equally important to avoid excessive moisture during the cleaning process. Try to avoid brushing through a boar brush on wet hair.
5. Use a Few Drops of Essential Oil
Adding essential oil into the water bath will make your brush smell good, and your hair too (3), (4).
6. Trim Loose Bristles
Over time, some bristles may become loose or frayed. To maintain the brush's effectiveness, use small scissors to trim any loose bristles. This will help keep the brush in optimal condition and prevent tangling during use.
Conclusion
Knowing how to clean a boar bristle brush by following the steps mentioned above is essential for maintaining optimal hair health and prolonging the lifespan of your brush. Boar bristle brushes are one of the finest brushes for your hair; although expensive, they work well for straight-to-wavy hair. Having said that, it is also crucial to take care of this hairbrush in particular, as it has natural hair bristles.
Now that you are thorough with the tips and tricks to healthier hair and scalp, try to take some time from your busy schedule and follow the 15-minute hair care routine every once in a while. Remember, a clean boar bristle brush is more than just a hair care accessory—it's a key component in your overall hair care routine.
Contributor: Eliza Pineda, In-House Hair Expert at Mayraki Professional
Source:
1. "Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants"*: the efficacy of sun exposure for reducing fungal contamination in used clothes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25167689/
2. Trichomycoses - PMC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938571/
3. Influence of Fragrances on Human Psychophysiological Activity: With Special Reference to Human Electroencephalographic Response
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198031/
4. Essential Oils as Natural Sources of Fragrance Compounds for Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7865210/
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