A retractable hair brush has bristles that can be drawn back into the body of the brush. When it is open, the bristles stand out and you brush as normal. When it is closed, the bristles sit inside the casing, where they are protected in a bag. On most designs, closing the brush also pushes trapped hair off the bristles, which makes cleaning quick.
How does the mechanism work?
Designs vary, but the common principle is a base plate that holds the bristles and a cover plate with a hole for each bristle.
| State | What happens |
|---|---|
| Open | The base moves forward and the bristles pass through the holes in the cover, standing at full length |
| Closed | The base moves back and the bristles withdraw through the holes until they sit flush with, or below, the cover |
| While closing | Hair wrapped around the bristles cannot pass through the holes, so it is pushed up onto the surface of the cover |
You change between the two states by pulling, pushing, sliding or pressing part of the handle or body, depending on the model. Follow the instructions for your brush.
What are the advantages?
- Protected bristles. They cannot bend, snag fabric or collect lint in a bag.
- Quick hair removal. Close the brush and the hair lifts off in one sheet.
- A smoother shape to pack. There are no exposed pins to catch on things.
- Cleaner contact surface. The bristles are covered between uses.
Are there drawbacks?
- More moving parts. A mechanism can loosen or jam if it is forced or filled with product residue.
- Water can get inside. It needs to be dried properly after washing.
- Bristle length is fixed by the casing, so very thick hair may need a brush with longer pins.
How do you use one?
- Open it fully. Make sure the bristles are all the way out and the mechanism has settled into place.
- Brush from the ends upward, as with any detangling brush.
- Use light pressure. Pressing hard against the head can push the bristles back on some designs.
- Close it when you finish, lift off the hair that has collected on the cover, and put it away.
An example for travel
The Uexim retractable detangling comb has a retractable design that closes for travel, with a detangling, scalp-massaging brush head described as being for all hair types. It is sold as one comb in beige in a gift box, or in beige or pink in a plain bag.
How do you clean a retractable brush?
After every use
- Close the brush so the bristles retract.
- Peel the layer of hair off the cover plate.
- Wipe the cover with a dry tissue.
Every week or two
- Open the brush so the bristles are out.
- Wash the bristles in lukewarm water with a drop of mild shampoo. An old toothbrush helps around the base of each pin.
- Open and close the brush a few times under the water, if its instructions allow washing, to flush dust and residue from the holes.
- Rinse well.
- Shake out as much water as you can, then open and close it several times to push water out of the casing.
- Leave it open, bristles down, on a towel until it is completely dry. This can take several hours.
Do not store it closed while it is still damp. Trapped moisture inside the casing can lead to an unpleasant smell.
How do you keep the mechanism working?
- Open and close it gently. Do not force it if it sticks.
- If it jams, check for hair or grit around the bristles and rinse it out.
- Avoid using it with heavy styling products, which gum up the holes.
- Keep sand out of it at the beach.
- Do not sit on it or crush it in a packed suitcase.
Who is a retractable brush for?
- Travelers and commuters who want a brush that packs cleanly.
- People who dislike cleaning brushes. The self-clearing action is the main attraction.
- Anyone who carries a brush in a bag with other things.
For home use, where a brush sits on a shelf, an ordinary fixed brush is simpler.
Frequently asked questions
Does a retractable brush detangle as well as a normal brush?
When open, it works the same way. Performance depends on the bristle type and length.
Can I use it on wet hair?
Only if it is described as suitable for wet hair. Dry it thoroughly afterward, opened out.
Why will my brush not close fully?
Hair or debris is probably caught around the bristles. Remove it and rinse the holes.
How long do they last?
That depends on build quality and care. Treat the mechanism gently and keep it clean and dry.
The bottom line
A retractable brush slides its bristles in and out through a cover plate, which protects them and strips off loose hair as it closes. Dry it opened out after washing and it makes a tidy travel companion.
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