How to Properly Push Out Hair from Brushes for Cleaning

Get Started By Assessing Your Brush's Materials

Before starting, you'll want to determine what materials your brush is made of. This dictates how much moisture can be used when cleaning.

Wood or Lacquered Handles

If your brush has a natural wooden or lacquered handle, take care not to submerge the entire thing in water to prevent warping or damage. Focus cleaning efforts on just the bristles.

Plastic Bristles

For plastic bristled brushes, higher heat settings and harsh cleaning solutions can cause bristles to become brittle and break over time. Stick to lukewarm water and gentle shampoos.

Boar Bristles

With natural boar bristles, high heat can diminish the brush’s effectiveness in distributing your hair’s natural oils. Cooler water temperatures are best for maintenance.

Prepare Workspace and Supplies

Clear counter space near your sink and gather all needed supplies before starting the cleaning process. This includes:

• Old towel
• Wide-toothed comb
• Shampoo or soap (preferably clear or liquid to see cleaning progress)
• Container for soaking
• Rinse cup
• Drying stand or hooks

Loosen Surface Debris Before Washing

Before placing your brush into water, use a wide-toothed comb to help push out hair and dislodge any loose debris caught in the bristles. Hold the brush upside down and:

1. Start at the ends of the bristles and gently work up towards the brush base
2. Work systematically around each bristle section to cover the entire surface area
3. Pay extra attention to the base where bulk often accumulates
4. Remove any hair or debris that dislodges onto the old towel

Soak the Bristles in Warm, Soapy Water

With pre-treatment complete, create your soak solution. In your container add:

• Warm (not hot) water
• A small amount of clear shampoo or soap

Stir the solution to activate sudsing. Lower your brush into the water bristles-first and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. This gives cleaning agents time to break down oils and buildup so they can be more easily rinsed away.

Agitate the Bristles

As the brush soaks, use your free hand to gently massage and agitate the bristles, pressing them between your palms and fingers. Be extra thorough over congested areas around the base. This manual manipulation helps dislodge trapped debris so it can be rinsed out.

Rinse Well

Once done soaking, lift your brush from the water and push out hair and product residue by running bristles along your towel. Capture all dirty water squeezed out so your rinse stays clear. Rinse remaining suds under a steady stream of lukewarm water. Pour cups of water over heaviest areas and rub skin oils away until water runs completely clear.

Inspect Closely

Visually inspect to ensure all visible dirt and oils have been fully rinsed from the bristles. Look closely at the brush base and ends of the bristles where buildup often hides. Use an old toothbrush to spot scrub any remaining gunk away.

Air Dry Properly

Gently squeeze out excess moisture using your towel then reshape any bristles bent out of place. Lay your brush on its side on top of the towel or place bristles in drying hooks. Let air dry completely before using again to prevent mold or bacteria growth. Avoid extreme heat from direct sunlight or dryers that could damage materials.

Maintain Effectiveness Between Cleanings

To prevent heavy buildup from returning quickly:

• Use a wide-tooth comb to remove strands from your brush after each use
• Don't apply product directly in or near the brush bristles
• Store upright or hanging to allow air circulation
• Clean monthly or whenever you notice buildup

Following proper brush care, including learning techniques for how to best push out hair and grime caught deep in the bristles, helps maintain optimum performance and extend its usable lifespan.

FAQs

Why is it important to push out hair before washing brushes?

Pushing out hair first allows you to remove loose strands and debris before they get more tangled and matted during the washing process. This prevents buildup and allows cleaning solutions to penetrate deeper into the bristles.

Can I use hot water when soaking my brush?

It's best to use lukewarm or cool water instead of hot to prevent potential damage to brush materials. Plastic bristles can become brittle, wood handles may warp, and boar bristles work best with cooler temperatures.

How long should I soak my brush for?

Aim to soak brushes for 5-10 minutes. This gives cleaning agents enough time to break down oils and residue so they can be rinsed out while not over-exposing materials to moisture.

How often should I deep clean my brushes?

Plan to deep clean brushes at least monthly. But whenever you notice significant product buildup or they feel less effective, it's good to give them a thorough cleaning following the push out method.