Shop ghd Sculpt, our first interactive styler for perfect styling and zero damage* | Klarna available

ghd hair straightener range

How to Clean a Hairbrush and Hair Styling Tools

Did you know that product build-up on your styling tools can harbour oils, bacteria and residue that transfer straight back onto clean hair? From your hairbrush to your hair dryer, keeping your tools clean is just as important as washing your hair itself.  

Whether you're wondering how to clean a hairbrush, how to clean a hair straightener, or how to clean a hair dryer filter, we've got you covered. Follow our simple step-by-step guides to keep every tool in your kit performing at its best - for a good hair day, every day. 

Cleaning_Straighteners_Global

How to Clean Your Straightener

Ceramic plates of straighteners can harbour grime if not properly cleaned. Hairspray, oils and other heavy products can build up not only on your hair, but on your tools too, on top of oils that are secreted from your scalp, which can damage your locks if the device is not regularly cleansed. 

Step 1: Unplug and cool down 

 Unplug your straightener from the mains power supply and allow it to cool completely before cleaning. 

Step 2: Wipe down the plates and exterior 

 Using a soft, damp cloth, gently wipe the outside of the styler to remove any product residue, oils or build-up. 

Step 3: Allow to dry completely  

Leave your straightener to dry for a couple of hours before plugging back in. Never use your straightener until it is completely dry. 

How to Clean a Hairbrush or Comb

Keeping your styling tools clean is an important part of maintaining healthy hair and good hygiene. If you’ve been wondering how to clean hair brushes and combs, this simple step-by-step guide will help you remove hair, product build-up, oils, and bacteria with ease. Using the right hair brush cleaner methods can help extend the life of your brushes and combs while keeping them fresh and clean.

CleanBrushes_Step1a_GlobalSTEP 1:

REMOVE EXCESS HAIR

Use your fingers or The Sectioner – Tail Comb to gently remove any excess hair from the brush or comb. 
CleanBrushes_Step2_GlobalSTEP 2:

PREPARE CLEANING SOLUTION

Fill a bowl or sink with warm water and add a small amount of shampoo or gentle detergent to create the perfect hair brush cleaner solution.
CleanBrushes_Step3_GlobalSTEP 3:

REMOVE PRODUCT BUILD UP

Gently swirl the brush or comb in the solution for approximately 2-3 minutes, use your fingers or a small brush if needed to loosen build-up while protecting the bristles.  
CleanBrushes_Step4_GlobalSTEP 4:

RINSE WITH WATER

Once all build-up is removed, rinse your brush or comb thoroughly under clean, warm water until it runs clear. Then, Apply an antibacterial solution to the brush or comb, ensuring you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
CleanBrushes_Step5_GlobalSTEP 5:

LEAVE TO DRY

Your brush or comb should be laid out to dry completely. Once dry, it is clean, safe, and ready to use. 
Cleaning_HairDryers_Global

How to Clean a Hair Dryer

Regular cleaning helps keep your ghd hair dryer performing at its best. Follow these simple steps, including how to clean a hair dryer filter, to keep it in top condition. 

Step 1: Unplug and cool down

Always unplug your hair dryer before cleaning and allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Wipe down the exterior

Using a soft, damp cloth, gently wipe the outside of the dryer to remove any product residue, dust or dirt. Avoid abrasive cleaners or corrosive products.

Step 3: Remove and clean the filter 

Remove the filter from the rear of the dryer and gently brush away any dust and hair build-up, or rinse it with water.

Step 4: Dry the filter completely

Allow the filter to dry completely before reattaching it securely. Never operate your hair dryer without a genuine ghd filter fitted.

Step 5: Reattach and store

Once the filter is fully dry and securely reattached, your dryer is ready to use. Never immerse the dryer in water or use a steam cleaner.

Cleaning_DuetBlowdry_Global

How to Clean a Hair Dryer Brush

To keep your ghd Duet Blowdry 2-in-1 hair dryer brush performing at its best, follow these simple steps to prevent dust, hair and product build-up from affecting its performance.

Step 1: Unplug and cool down 

Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely before cleaning. 

Step 2: Wipe down the exterior  

Using a soft, damp cloth, gently wipe the outside of the dryer brush to remove any surface residue. Avoid abrasive cleaners or corrosive products. 

Step 3: Clean the filter and air outlets 

Using the cleaning brush provided, gently remove any dust, hair and styling residue from the rear filter and heated barrel plate air outlets. 

Step 4: Leave to dry and store 

Allow the appliance to dry completely before using or storing. Never immerse the dryer brush in water. 

DOS & DONTS TO CLEAN HAIR STYLING TOOLS

Knowing how to clean hair styling tools properly can make all the difference to their performance and lifespan. Here's what to keep in mind: 

DO:

  • Always unplug your tool and allow it to cool completely before cleaning 
  • Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of heated tools 
  • Use a gentle shampoo or detergent solution to clean hairbrushes and combs 
  • Allow all tools to dry completely before using or storing them 
  • Clean your hairbrush at least once a week and your heated tools every three months 

DON'T:

  • Never immerse any electrical appliance in water 
  • Avoid abrasive, corrosive or harsh chemical cleaners on any tool 
  • Don't use wipes unless they are organic and biodegradable, as most contain plastic 
  • Never operate a hair dryer without its filter fitted 
  • Don't use your straightener or dryer until it is completely dry after cleaning 
COMMON STYLING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT GRANT WILLIAMS

How often should I clean my hairbrush or comb? 

How often you should clean your hairbrush or comb depends on how often you use it, but as a general rule, aim to clean them at least once a week. Regular cleaning helps remove product build-up, oils and dust which can transfer back onto your freshly washed hair.

How often should I clean my hair straightener? 

We recommend cleaning your hair straightener every three months. Hairspray, oils and styling products can build up on the ceramic plates over time, affecting both performance and hair health. Always unplug and allow the tool to cool completely before wiping down the outside of the styler with a soft, damp cloth. 

How often should I clean my hair dryer? 

Clean the exterior of your hair dryer regularly with a soft, damp cloth, and check the filter every few weeks. A blocked filter reduces airflow and can affect performance. Remove the filter, gently brush away any dust and hair, and allow it to dry completely before reattaching. 

How to clean hairbrushes properly? 

To clean hairbrushes properly, start by removing any excess hair from the brush or comb using your fingers or ghd The Sectioner Tail Comb. Next, fill a bowl or sink with warm water and a small amount of shampoo or gentle detergent. Gently swirl the brush or comb in the solution for 2–3 minutes to loosen product build-up. Once clean, rinse thoroughly under warm water until it runs clear. Apply an antibacterial solution according to the manufacturer's instructions, then lay the brush or comb flat to dry completely before using it again. 

What is the best hair brush cleaner to use? 

The best hair brush cleaner is a solution of warm water and a small amount of shampoo or gentle detergent. This effectively removes product build-up, oils and debris without damaging the brush or comb.  

How to clean hair brushes without damaging the bristles? 

To clean hair brushes without damaging the bristles, start by gently removing any trapped hair. Soak the brush in a solution of warm water and a small amount of shampoo or gentle detergent, then gently swirl for 2–3 minutes to loosen product build-up. Avoid scrubbing aggressively, instead, use your fingers or a small soft bristle brush to clean between the bristles.