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How To Clean Your Styling Tools And Why You Need To

January 31 2023

Quality styling tools are an investment, and you want them to last as long as possible, but when was the last time you cleaned them aside from pulling some stray hairs from your hairbrush? If you’re like the rest of us, it has probably been a while. Most people don’t even realize that their curling irons, flat irons, hair dryer and other styling tools require regular maintenance through cleaning to stay in tip top working order. Over time dust, dirt, and debris build up in and on your hair tools creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi as well as causing the tools to not work as well. Buildup on your heat styling tools can even singe your strands causing irreparable damage. This is not a recipe for healthy, beautiful hair. So how do you clean your styling tools? We’re glad you asked.

How To Clean Hairbrushes and Combs- Your hairbrush and comb do more than just detangle your tresses, they also help to remove dust, dirt, and flakes from your mane. These bits become trapped in the bristles along with product residue and excess scalp oils. Just peer deep into the bristles of your brush and see for yourself. First you’ll need to remove as much loose hair as possible with your fingers. Then use something long and thin like a chopstick or handle of a rat tail comb to bring up the deeper embedded fibers. Next fill a bowl or sink with hot water and add a squirt of Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Three. Place all of your synthetic brushes and combs in the hot sudsy water to soak. Run any natural material brushes under warm water, add a drop of shampoo and scrub gently with a toothbrush or small cleaning brush. Rinse and place bristles down on a towel to air dry. Soaking wood or boar bristle brushes can loosen the adhesive that keeps the bristles in place. Now repeat with the brushes and combs that have been soaking and enjoy your like-new brushes and combs. Do this weekly to keep them all squeaky clean and free of germs.

How To Clean Curling and Flat Irons- Your hair should glide smoothly through these styling tools, but sticky product buildup can grab and pull hairs causing breakage, and it can also burn your hair. To clean these styling tools first make sure they are unplugged and cooled off. Remember, electricity and water do not mix! Use a moistened cloth to remove dirt and buildup from all surfaces paying special attention to the heated parts. If there is stubborn buildup, try adding a little rubbing alcohol to your cloth to cut through the gunk. Allow your tools to air dry completely before plugging them back in to use again. You should clean these tools at least once a month.

How To Clean Hair Dryers- Now take a moment to look closely at vents on the back of your hair dryer (and make sure it is unplugged as well.) Unless you recently purchase a new one you’ll probably be shocked by what you find. The air intake filters on most hair dryers more than a few months old will be clogged with dust and bits of hair and lint. All that gunk blocks airflow which can cause your hair dryer to overheat and shorten its lifespan. Most hair dryers have a cover on the back that twists off. If yours does not you’ll need to consult the owner’s manual for cleaning instructions. Once the cover is removed take out the lint filter and clean it well. Give the cover and filter a good rinse and then dry them completely before reassembling. Wipe down the body of the hair dryer with a damp cloth to remove any dust or hair spray residue while the filter is drying. Once it’s all back together it will work much more efficiently. You’ll want to repeat the process monthly to keep your hair dryer in top working order.

If your styling tools are too far gone for cleaning to revive them they will need to be replaced. We’ve got you covered with our line of professional quality Paul Mitchell Hair Brushes and Paul Mitchell Styling Tools. 

The hair care experts at  Meraki Hair & Makeup Studio are always here for you with the products, services, and advice you need to keep your hair healthy and beautiful. Give us a call at 718.966.6601 to book an appointment or find us at 1281 Arthur Kill Road in Staten Island. You can also schedule appointments by yourself by trying our Meraki Hair & Makeup Studio mobile app, available for free on iTunes and Google Play.