How to Clean Hair Tools in 5 Simple Steps

You may have heard that you should use rubbing alcohol or detergent to clean a hair straightener or curling wand.

But for NuMe heat styling tools, the best cleaning method is simply wiping with a multitasking NuMe Microfiber Hair Wrap or a plain old cotton ball — no chemicals, no soap, not even water.

This works best if you do it while tools are still warm — not hot — which softens dirt and makes it easier to remove.

One of the benefits of NuMe styling tools is that they have a protective matte coating on the outside called “soft touch.” Its luxurious, velvety texture feels good in your hand, provides a comfortable grip and cleans easily.

Regularly wiping this surface with alcohol or other chemicals removes the coating, ruins the finish and causes the tool to deteriorate over time.

It’s OK to swab straightener plates or a curling wand barrel with alcohol as a last resort once in a while — if they’re particularly grubby.

But with routine microfiber or cotton ball cleaning after each use (“after each use” being the operative phrase), there’s no need to bring out the heavy artillery.

The dust, lint, and hair that accumulate in your hair dryer can clog the filter, block air flow and ultimately cause permanent damage to your dryer if not cleaned out regularly — and blow back on your hair.

Ick. Dirty filters are the main reason dryers bite the dust before their time. Depending on how often you blow dry, clean the filter every month or so.

Clog-clearing tips:

1. Always unplug your hair dryer before removing the protective grill.
2. Unscrew the grill from the back and, to quote Taylor Swift, shake it off. Blow away dust and lint, then use a dry toothbrush and/or pipe cleaner to remove any leftover debris.
3. Wipe the nozzle, body, and around the on/off switch and indicator lights to remove any product residue.
4. Replace the grill, plug in and turn on for a few seconds to blow out any pesky particles that might still be lurking inside.
5. Enjoy those full blasts of hot air that lead to bouncy blowouts!

Failing to de-gunk straightener plates from the ghost of dried styling products past can result in diminished tool performance, burned hair and split ends.

That’s why a good wiping after each use is advised. This way, grime doesn’t have a chance to collect, harden and become more difficult to remove.

To get rid of straightener residue:

1. Always unplug your hair straightener before cleaning.
2. While the plates are still warm, wipe them and the body of the straightener with the above- mentioned microfiber hair wrap or cotton ball.
3. Use a pipe cleaner or dry cotton swab to clean the schmutz from the tiny crevices around the plates, the on/off switch and indicator lights.

Any crud clinging to the barrel of your curling wand acts as a barrier between you and the polished curls and waves you crave.

Ensure the superior performance of your NuMe curling wand by whisking away residue after each use.

How to clean your curling wand:

1. Always unplug your curling wand before cleaning.
2. While the barrel is still warm, remove all traces of dirt and residue from it and the base using your trusty microfiber hair wrap or a cotton ball.
3. With a pipe cleaner or cotton swab, clean around the on/off switch and indicator lights.

Let’s tackle our brushes and combs, shall we? Your hairbrush is a trap for dust, dirt, oil, sweat, product buildup, bacteria. . . And, oh yeah — hair. Feh! If you use your brush every day, imagine how nasty it gets after just a week.

And here you are, going months without cleaning it, then brushing that veritable goulash of grossness through your freshly washed hair.

Not on our watch! Give your brushes and combs a good scrubbing at least every couple of weeks — preferably weekly.

Come clean:

1. The first order of business is thoroughly removing the hair trapped in your brush. There’s a special tool for this that looks like a little rake, which you might find at a beauty supply store (the Olivia Garden Brush Cleaner is one, and it’s available at Ulta.) Or use a sturdy wide-tooth comb. In a pinch, try the rat-tail end of a comb.
2. Toss brushes and combs in a sink or dishpan containing one part ammonia to four parts hot water and let them soak for a half hour or longer. You can also use a clarifying shampoo or detergent. Scrub combs with a toothbrush dipped in soapy water — get right in there between the teeth (if your brush is made of wood or rubber, scrub it thoroughly with a toothbrush instead of soaking). Rinse well under running water.
3. Shake brushes, blot with a towel and let them air dry overnight.

And those are our not-so-dirty little secrets on how to clean and sanitize hot hair styling tools!

For more tips on hair care and styling, follow us on Instagram @NuMeHair, or sign up for our newsletter at NuMehair.com.

FAQ

How do you remove product buildup from hair tools?

To remove product buildup from hair tools, begin by ensuring they are cool and unplugged. Use a toothbrush or cleaning brush to gently scrub away loose debris and residue.

For stubborn buildup, soak a cloth in warm soapy water or a mixture of water and vinegar, then wrap it around the tool's barrel or plates. After 10-15 minutes, scrub away the softened residue.

Rinse thoroughly and disinfect with rubbing alcohol if desired. Ensure the tool is completely dry before use or storage. Regular cleaning prevents residue buildup, maintains tool performance, and keeps your hair healthy and clean.

How do hair salons clean their tools?

Hair salons maintain tool hygiene by first removing hair and debris, then soaking tools in warm soapy water to loosen residue. Afterward, they scrub the tools with brushes to eliminate buildup, rinse them thoroughly, and disinfect with professional-grade solutions.

Finally, the sanitized tools are dried and stored in a clean area. Many salons go a step further, employing autoclaves for sterilization to meet stringent industry hygiene standards, ensuring the safety of their clients and staff.