To clean a boar bristle brush, remove the trapped hair, then wash only the bristles in lukewarm water with a little mild shampoo, keeping the wooden body as dry as you can. Rinse the bristles, shake off the water and dry the brush with the bristles facing down. Never soak it. Water is what damages these brushes: it swells wood, loosens the bristle tufts and softens natural bristles.
Why does a boar bristle brush need regular cleaning?
The brush works by picking up oil from the roots and carrying it along the hair. Some of that oil stays on the bristles, along with dust, skin flakes and styling product. If it builds up, the brush puts yesterday's residue back onto clean hair, the bristles clump together, and it stops smoothing properly.
How often should you clean it?
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Remove loose hair | After every use, or every few days |
| Dry clean with a comb or cleaning tool | Weekly |
| Wash the bristles | Every two to four weeks, sooner if you use styling products |
What do you need?
- A wide-tooth comb, a rat tail comb or a brush cleaning rake
- A shallow bowl of lukewarm water
- A few drops of mild shampoo
- An old, clean toothbrush
- A towel
Step 1: Remove the hair
Slide the tail of a comb under the mat of hair at the base of the bristles and lift it up and out, row by row. A wide-tooth comb raked through the bristles from base to tip does the same. Pull gently, in the direction the bristles point, so you do not tug tufts loose.
Step 2: Loosen the dust
While the brush is still dry, flick a comb or the toothbrush through the bristles to dislodge lint and dust. Tap the brush, bristles down, against your palm.
Step 3: Wash the bristles only
- Mix a few drops of shampoo into the bowl of lukewarm water.
- Hold the brush with the bristles pointing down.
- Dip just the tips and the lower part of the bristles into the water. Keep the wooden body and the pad above the surface.
- Swish gently for a few seconds.
- Use the toothbrush to work between the rows and around the base of the tufts.
Step 4: Rinse
Dip the bristles in clean lukewarm water in the same way, or hold them briefly under a gentle stream with the bristles angled down, so water runs away from the wood. Repeat until no suds remain.
Step 5: Dry properly
- Shake the brush firmly, bristles down, to remove water.
- Blot the bristles and wipe the handle with a towel.
- Lay the brush bristles-down on a dry towel, or over the edge of a counter so air can circulate.
- Leave it for several hours or overnight until it is completely dry.
Do not use a hair dryer, radiator or direct sun to speed it up. Heat can crack wood and make natural bristles brittle.
What should you never do?
- Soak the brush. Swollen wood splits, and glue or pads holding the bristles can fail.
- Use hot water. It softens and distorts natural bristles.
- Use harsh cleaners, bleach or alcohol. They dry out the bristles.
- Dry it bristles-up. Water runs down into the base.
- Put it in a dishwasher or washing machine.
- Store it damp in a drawer or bag.
Looking after the wooden body
Wipe the handle with a barely damp cloth and dry it straight away. If the wood looks dull or dry over time, a very small amount of a wood-safe oil rubbed in with a cloth, then buffed off, keeps it in good condition. Check the care advice for your brush first.
The Uexim wooden boar bristle hair brush has a wood body with boar bristles, is fragrance-free and is described as suitable for thick or fine hair and for women and men. It comes in Round Tail, Claw and Brown style options. As with any wooden brush, keep the body dry when you wash it.
How do you keep it clean for longer?
- Brush clean, dry hair. Heavy styling product clogs natural bristles quickly.
- Remove hair after each use.
- Store it in the open air, bristles up or on its side, away from the steam of the shower.
- Do not share it.
When is it time to replace the brush?
- Bristles are falling out in tufts or have gone soft and splayed
- The wood has cracked
- A smell remains after washing and drying
- It no longer smooths your hair as it did
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash a boar bristle brush with shampoo?
Yes. A mild shampoo is ideal, since boar bristle is hair.
Can I use conditioner on the bristles?
It is not needed and can leave residue. Shampoo and a thorough rinse are enough.
Why does my brush smell after washing?
Natural bristles can have a faint smell when wet. It fades as they dry. A lasting smell usually means the brush was stored damp.
How long does it take to dry?
Several hours. Overnight is safest.
The bottom line
Hair out, bristles only in lukewarm soapy water, rinse, shake, and dry bristles-down. Keep the wood dry and the brush will last for years.
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