How to Fill, Use and Clean a Spray Hair Brush

A spray hair brush has a small refillable bottle and pump built into it, so you can mist your hair while you brush. To use one, fill the bottle with water or a suitable thin liquid, pump a few times to prime it, then press the spray as you brush through each section. To keep it working, empty it after use, rinse the bottle and nozzle regularly, and let everything dry. Most problems with these brushes come from liquid left sitting inside.

How is a spray brush put together?

How do you fill it?

1. Open the reservoir as your brush's instructions show. On many designs the bottle unscrews or pulls out of the handle.
2. Fill it about three-quarters full. Leaving some air helps the pump work and avoids spills when you close it.
3. Close it firmly and wipe the outside dry.
4. Point the nozzle away from you and pump several times until a fine mist appears.

What can you put in it?

• Clean water. The simplest and safest option for everyday use.
• Diluted leave-in conditioner. A small amount mixed well with water, thin enough to spray.
• A light hair oil, if your brush is described as suitable for oil. Use a thin oil and very little, and expect to clean the nozzle more often.

Avoid thick creams, gels, anything with particles, and hot liquids. They block the nozzle or can damage the pump. Make small batches of any mixture and do not leave them in the brush for days.

How do you use it?

1. Detangle the ends first without spraying, so the brush moves freely.
2. Hold the brush so the nozzle faces the hair.
3. Press the spray as you start each stroke and draw the brush through the section.
4. Use two or three pumps per section. Hair should end up damp, not dripping.
5. Brush into shape and let the hair dry in place, or follow with a hair dryer.

What is it useful for?

• Detangling dry hair with a little added slip
• Resetting bed head or a ponytail dent
• Dampening hair evenly before braiding, rollers or heatless curls
• Smoothing flyaways before putting hair up
• Refreshing waves and curls at the roots

A 2-in-1 brush with a built-in bottle

The Uexim 2-in-1 detangling brush with built-in spray bottle has a refillable mist sprayer in the handle, so you can mist hair with water or oil while you brush. It has detangling bristles and a scalp massage design, is non-electric, and is made of plastic. It comes in a range of colors, with nylon-bristle versions available, and one brush is included.

How do you clean it?

After each use

• Empty any liquid you will not use within a day.
• Pull hair out of the bristles.
• Wipe the handle dry.

Weekly, or straight away after using oil or conditioner

1. Empty the reservoir and fill it with warm water and one drop of mild shampoo or washing-up liquid.
2. Close it, shake gently and spray the soapy water through the nozzle until the bottle is about half empty.
3. Empty it, refill with clean water and spray again until no suds come out.
4. Wash the bristles in lukewarm soapy water and rinse.
5. Leave the reservoir open and the brush bristles-down on a towel until everything is dry.

Troubleshooting

• Nothing sprays after refilling. The pump needs priming. Keep pumping, and check that the bottle is seated and closed.
• It dribbles instead of misting. The nozzle is partly blocked. Spray warm water through it, or hold the nozzle under warm running water.
• It leaks from the handle. The bottle is overfilled or not fully closed, or a seal is out of place.
• The spray smells stale. Liquid has been sitting too long. Clean it with soapy water and dry it fully.
• The pump feels stiff after using oil. Flush with warm soapy water.

Storage and travel

Store the brush empty and dry, out of direct sun. For travel, empty the reservoir before packing so it cannot leak into your bag, and refill it when you arrive.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave water in the brush between uses?

For a day, yes. For longer, empty it. Fresh water each time keeps the bottle and nozzle clean.

Can I put essential oils in it?

Check your brush's instructions first. Undiluted essential oils can irritate skin and may affect some plastics. If you use any oil, keep the amount small and clean the brush afterward.

How often should I wash the bristles?

Every one to two weeks, or sooner if you use product.

Is a spray brush suitable for curly hair?

It is useful for dampening and for detangling wet, conditioned curls. Avoid brushing curls when they are dry.

The bottom line

Fill it three-quarters full, prime the pump, mist as you brush, and empty and rinse it afterward. A spray brush that is kept clean and dry between uses keeps misting properly.