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Your brush collects more than hair. Shed strands, product build-up, natural oils and dust all settle into the bristles — and every time you brush, some of that goes straight back onto your hair. For extension wearers, a clean brush also glides better and is less likely to drag.
How often should you clean your brush?
- Remove shed hair: every few days, or whenever you can see it building up
- Wipe the pad: about once a week, more often if you use a lot of styling product
How to clean a boar bristle brush
Step 1: Lift out the hair
Use the pointed end of a rat-tail comb to lift the shed hair up and out of the bristles. Work across the brush in rows. Lifting is gentler on the bristles than pulling hair straight out.
Step 2: Wipe the pad
Dampen a cloth with warm water — you can add a tiny drop of gentle shampoo if there's product build-up. Wipe over the bristles and the pad, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove any residue.
Step 3: Let it dry bristles-down
Lay the brush on a towel with the bristles facing down so any moisture drains away from the pad and handle. Let it dry fully before using it again.
What not to do
- Don't soak it. Submerging a brush lets water into the cushioned pad, which can damage it and affect how it flexes. Natural bristles don't like being soaked either.
- Don't use hot water or harsh cleaners, which can dry out natural bristles.
- Don't dry it with a hair dryer or leave it in direct heat.
- Don't pull hair out forcefully — lift it instead.
For the Mane Baby brush
Lift the shed hair out with the end of a rat-tail comb, then wipe the pad with a damp cloth. Don't soak it. That's all it needs to keep working properly.
When is it time for a new brush?
- Bristles are bent, broken or missing
- The pad has lost its cushion or has split
- The brush starts catching or pulling where it used to glide
For extension wearers, a damaged brush isn't worth the risk to your wefts, tapes or bonds.
Keep one at home, one in your bag
If you carry a brush, clean both. The Mane Baby Original and Mini have the same boar bristle and nylon blend on a cushioned pad, so they're cared for the same way. Get both in the Brush Duo.
New to boar bristle? Read boar bristle vs nylon, or shop Mane Baby brushes.