How to Deep Clean Your Hair Tools Safely & Easily

Basic Hair Tools

It may seem like a hassle but cleaning your hair tools can be a quick and easy process that prevents/hinders a number of scalp conditions and infections like dandruff and tinea capitis (ringworm). Keep reading to learn how to safely clean your products.

I recommend washing your hair tools once a week while washing your hair and giving them a deep clean at least once a month. If you have an ongoing scalp issue, it is best to clean your tools at least once a week or after every wash. I give specific instructions on special care considerations for some items so be sure to read the entire blog post.

Giving my hair tools a long overdue deep clean

DEEP CLEANING HAIR TOOLS

Brushes, combs and plastic clips can be washed in a small tup or your face basin. Don't forget things like the blow dryer attachments and plastic containers in which you store your products. Everything you use needs to remain as clean as possible.

Make your own solution that is sure to kill most normal bacteria. I suggest mixing the following into a medium sized tub. You can add more of some ingredients as needed.

• Warm water (only use hot water if trying to kill specific bacteria associated with things like ring worm. Hot water on your products regularly can cause damage)
• 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 4 tbsp clear clarifying shampoo or even dishwashing liquid
• 1 tbsp tea tree oil
• 4 tbsp baking soda

After mixing this solution, use your combs and brushes to wash each other thoroughly. 

You can let plastic items sit in the water for up to 20 minutes if you desire but remove wooden items immediately to reduce possible water damage. 

Next it's time to dry your hair tools.

DRYING  COMBS, CLIPS AND BRUSHES

Plastic combs and clips are easy to dry. Let them sit on a clean towel overnight.

Brushes, however, should always be dried with bristles facing downward as shown in the image above. Why? You don't want the water to drain down into the glue and loosen the bristles or start growing any type of fungus at the base.

Further, wooden items should be given special considerations since they can crack when left wet for long periods of time. Dry the easy-to-reach sections with a washcloth and then dry as suggested above. If you want your wooden tools to last even longer, blow-dry them for a couple of minutes on medium heat to get rid of the excess water.

Flat Iron

CLEAN YOUR FLAT IRON

Flat irons need to be cleaned too. Yup. These things can also harbour bacteria and reinfect you with undesired scalp diseases. Place a rag into the same soapy solution used above. Use that damp cloth to wipe the flat iron. Next, use a clean, wet rag to wipe it clean then dry it thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

CLEAN YOUR HAIR TIES, PINS AND MORE

For everything you can't exactly dunk into water, place them in an air tight plastic bag like a  zip lock bag and put them in the freezer for a few hours. Most bacteria cannot survive in extremely cold temperatures.


That's all folks. Remember to keep your hair tools clean to prevent bacteria from festering and causing annoying scalp issues in the future.

– Keep It Kinky
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