How to Clean a Paddle Brush

Paddle brushes are wide, rectangular beauty tools used to style and maintain longer and thicker hair. Although your paddle brush can last for a long time, you should take some time to clean it on a monthly or bimonthly basis. After removing any clumps of hair from the plastic bristles, scrub it with a toothbrush and some sudsy water. With regular maintenance, your paddle brush will help make your hair look even more beautiful and shiny!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Removing the Hair

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1
Insert the flat end of a pen through the bristles beneath the hair. Start from the handle end of the brush, pushing the pen toward the top of the brush. Try to nudge the pen beneath the majority of the hair clump so it’s easier to remove.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Don’t slide the pen tip beneath the hair, as you don’t want to get any ink on your paddle brush.
Tip:You can use any narrow object for this. A pencil or the narrow end of a rat-tail comb also work well.
2
Tug the hair clump upwards, until it’s visible above the plastic spikes. Pull the pen up to force the hair to the top of the plastic bristles. Depending on how tangled the hair is, you might have to work in short, quick motions to successfully pull it up. Continue tugging upward with the pen so the clump is resting on top of the plastic bristles.^{[2]XResearch source}
- If there’s a lot of hair stuck in your brush, you might not be able to pull it all to the brush’s surface at one time. If this is the case, feel free to work in chunks.
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3
Cut down the center of the hair clump with a pair of scissors. Separate the large, raised hair ball into 2 sections by slicing the middle. As you go, cut in small, careful sections to prevent the scissors from cutting the plastic bristles. Make sure that you’re starting from the handle end of the brush and working towards the wider end.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Use safety scissors if you’d prefer to use something smaller.
Use your fingers to pinch and tug the separated hair clumps from the body of the paddle brush.^{[4]XExpert SourceKelsey Morey
Professional Hair and Makeup ArtistExpert Interview. 11 January 2022.} If you’re having difficulty removing all of the hair at once, try pulling the hair from the bottom or top of the clump. Once you’ve loosened the hair on 1 end, start tugging out the rest of the hair.^{[5]XResearch source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Washing the Brush

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1
Fill a bowl ⅔-full with warm water another bowl ⅔-full with cool water. Set these bowl nearby, as you’ll be washing the brush with the warm water and rinsing it off with the cool water. Keep in mind that these measurements are approximate—if you’re using larger bowls, then you only need fill them up halfway.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Don’t worry about exact measurements—just make sure that both bowls are mostly full.
2
Add a small amount of mild shampoo into the warm water. Stir about 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of mild shampoo into the bowl, mixing them together until you’ve created sudsy water. Try and use shampoo that has “mild,” “gentle,” or “sensitive” written on the label. Since you’re just washing paddle brush, you don’t want to use any harsh detergents.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Baby shampoo is also a great option!
3
Scrub around the plastic bristles with a toothbrush to get it clean. Take a soft-bristled toothbrush and rub the shampoo solution through and around all of the bristles. Be gentle when you do this, as you’re just trying to wash away any dead skin cells or excess oil.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Your paddle brush can become a haven for dust mites, old beauty products, and random germs. Try to scrub around all of the bristles to get your brush squeaky clean!
4
Swish the paddle brush in the cool water to rinse it off. Hold the brush face down and place it gently into the water. Swirl it around a few times, or until all of the suds are rinsed from the bristles. Try no to submerge the brush completely, as you don’t want the squishy base cushion to get moldy.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Feel free to dump out both bowls of water once you’re done with this.
5
Set the paddle brush face-down on a towel so it can dry overnight. Lay a towel or paper towel on a flat surface, like a table, countertop, or vanity. Place your paddle brush on the towel with the bristles facing downward, so all the excess water can flow out. Let your brush dry overnight, or until it feels dry to the touch.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Wait for your brush to dry completely before using it again.
Tip: Blow dry your brush on low heat if you want to use it immediately.^{[11]XResearch source}

Expert Q&A

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How do you get hair out of a paddle brush?
Kelsey Morey
Professional Hair and Makeup Artist
Kelsey Morey is a Professional Hair and Makeup Artist, Model and the Owner and Founder of Haus of Pretty based in Westport, Connecticut. With more than ten years of experience, she specializes in balayage, hair care, color care, and photoshoot styling. Kelsey received her training from Brio Academy of Cosmetology and John Casablancas Modeling and Career Center. She also completed her apprenticeship with Warren Tricomi luxury salons.
Kelsey Morey
Professional Hair and Makeup Artist
Expert Answer
Use a cleaning rake—this is a wire tool that helps you remove hair efficiently from your brush. You can also use a bristled brush to remove the hair from your paddle brush.
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Tips

Clean your brush once per month or once every other month. Unlike brushes with softer bristles, you can’t expose the soft, squishy base of the paddle brush to a lot of moisture, as it can collect water and get moldy. Instead, set aside some time 6-12 times per year to give your brush a little bit of TLC.^{[12]XResearch source}
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