What Is That Gross Gray Fuzz in Your Hairbrush? (And How to Clean It Like a Pro)

Never use a wet brush — dampness breeds mold and bacteria.

Bonus Tips for Different Brush Types

For plastic brushes :

Safe to fully submerge

Can withstand deeper cleaning agents

For wooden brushes :

Never soak the handle

Spot-clean the bristles only

Wipe the wood with a damp cloth — then dry immediately

For natural boar bristle brushes :

Avoid aggressive soaps

Use diluted shampoo

Air dry completely before reusing

Also, consider replacing your brush every 6–12 months — especially if the bristles are worn or discolored.

Why You Should Care About a Dirty Hairbrush

Brushing with a dirty brush means:

Re-depositing oils and dirt onto clean hair

Clogging pores on your scalp

Causing breakouts around your temples or forehead

Increasing frizz and dullness

Spreading dandruff or irritation

In short:

A clean brush = healthier hair and scalp.

And sometimes, that’s the missing piece between good hair days and bad ones.

How to Keep Your Brush Cleaner Longer

Clean after each use

Remove hair daily to slow buildup