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Cleaning Your Pomade Comb and Hairbrush Properly

A comb that is regularly drawn through pomaded hair collects grease residue, wax, dust and individual hairs. With the right cleaning, your styling tools stay clean and ready to use.

Cleaning only takes a few minutes and depends mainly on the material. This guide shows you how to clean plastic combs, wooden combs and hairbrushes.

How often you should clean your comb

  • The teeth feel sticky.
  • There is visible residue between the teeth.
  • The comb no longer glides cleanly through the hair.
  • Residue remains in the hair after combing.

With daily use, cleaning every one to two weeks is a good guideline. With frequent use, more frequent cleaning can make sense.

Preparation: remove hair first

Start with the dry comb. Remove individual hairs with your fingers or pull them out of the gaps between the teeth with a toothpick. Loosen firm residue carefully with your fingernail or a blunt object.

The basics of application are covered in how to use pomade correctly.

Cleaning a plastic comb

  1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water.
  2. Add a few drops of mild shampoo or dish soap.
  3. Soak the comb for a few minutes.
  4. Clean the teeth with an old toothbrush.
  5. Rinse the comb under clear water.
  6. Let it dry on a towel.

Cleaning a wooden comb

Wood should not be soaked.

  • Remove hair and residue dry first.
  • Wipe the teeth with a slightly damp cloth.
  • For sticky residue, a drop of mild dish soap on the cloth helps.
  • Wipe again with a clean, damp cloth.
  • Dry the comb immediately.

Wooden combs can occasionally be treated with a very small amount of suitable care oil. Wipe off excess oil.

Cleaning a metal comb

Clean metal combs with lukewarm water and shampoo. Then dry them thoroughly, especially between the teeth.

Cleaning a hairbrush

Natural bristles

Remove hair and dust with a comb or toothbrush. Then clean the bristles with lukewarm water and a little shampoo. Do not fully submerge the brush if the handle or base is made of wood. Let it dry bristles down on a towel.

Plastic bristles

Clean plastic bristles in lukewarm water with shampoo and rinse them thoroughly. Let the brush dry bristles down.

Important for all brushes

  • Remove hair dry first.
  • Do not fully submerge wooden handles.
  • Let brush and comb dry completely before the next use.
  • Do not share brush and comb with other people.

Common problems and their solutions

  • The comb stays sticky: repeat the cleaning with lukewarm water and dish soap and use a toothbrush for the gaps.
  • The teeth are discoloured: clean the comb thoroughly and check that the residue is removed.
  • The wooden comb has warped: in future, dry it immediately and store it in a dry place.
  • The brush smells musty: let it dry completely after cleaning.
  • The teeth break off: avoid strong heat and replace damaged combs.

How to keep your tools clean longer

  • Wipe in between. Draw the comb over a dry cloth after styling.
  • Do not put it away damp. Let comb and brush dry completely.
  • Use separate tools. A dedicated comb for styling is practical.
  • Spot damaged teeth. Splintered or broken teeth can roughen the hair.

Frequently asked questions about cleaning combs

Can I put my comb in the dishwasher?

Hand cleaning with lukewarm water and dish soap is gentler for most combs.

How do I clean a wooden comb?

Remove hair dry, wipe the teeth with a slightly damp cloth and dry the comb immediately.

How often should I clean my pomade comb?

With daily use, every one to two weeks is a good guideline. If residue is visible, clean it sooner.

Is water alone enough?

A cleanser helps dissolve grease and wax residue.

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