The Right Way to Clean Your Favourite Hair Styling Tools
Whether you want sleek straight hair or curls ready for a beach photoshoot, you’re going to need the right tools — and clean ones at that.
Your favourite heat styling tools aren’t immune to dirt, grime and product buildup. Not cleaning them regularly can damage your hair and shorten the lifespan of your tools.
Here’s how to properly clean and care for your brushes, dryers, irons and accessories.
How to Clean Your Hair Tools (Properly!)
Hairbrushes and Combs
Dust, hair, serums and sprays can get stuck in your brush. Over time, this buildup transfers back to your clean hair. Here’s how to keep your brush and comb fresh:
- Use a rat tail comb or closed scissors to lift and remove trapped hair.
- Soak your tools in warm water with a drop of shampoo. Use an old toothbrush for scrubbing.
- Rinse and allow to air dry, or use your blow dryer on a low setting.
Curling and Flat Irons
Product buildup on curling wands and straighteners can burn your hair. Here’s how to clean them safely:
- Warm the tool slightly (unplug before cleaning).
- Wipe with a damp cloth. For tougher grime, use rubbing alcohol.
- Never submerge electrical tools. Always allow to dry completely before using again.
Hair Dryer
The vent on your hair dryer can easily clog with lint and dust, affecting airflow and performance. Here’s how to fix it:
- Twist off the back cover and remove the filter.
- Use a toothbrush or Q-tip to clean the filter, then rinse and dry it.
- Wipe down the nozzle and outer casing before reassembling.
Hair Accessories
Don’t forget to clean your clips, ties and scrunchies. Remove any trapped hair and soak them in warm water with a touch of shampoo.
Bonus Cleaning Tips
- Stubborn buildup? Make a paste of baking soda and water. Gently scrub tools with a toothbrush and rinse well.
- For brushes packed with hair, use scissors to carefully snip through the hair (avoid cutting bristles!).
- Replace tools that are worn out or damaged — broken tools can damage your hair, too.
How often should you clean your tools?
Weekly: remove hair from brushes and combs.
2–3 times per year: deep clean irons, dryers and accessories.