How to Clean a Beard Straightener

If you use a beard straightener, you should get in the habit of cleaning it regularly.  Oils, dirt, dandruff, and other unpleasant debris can build up at the base of the bristles, and if you don’t clean it, each time you use it, you’ll be spreading it through your facial hair.

Here’s how to clean the beard straightener in four easy-to-follow steps:

1. Unplug Your Beard Straightener

When the time to clean your beard straightener comes around, you must ensure that you’ve unplugged the beard straightener. Otherwise, you may risk damaging the device or electrocution. 

2. Loosen & Remove Trapped Hairs

Carefully lift, loosen and remove debris and trapped hairs from your beard straightener using either your hands, shears, a comb, or any narrow and pointed object. We suggest that you do this over a sink, paper towel, or outside so that the debris doesn’t end up on your floor or anywhere else. 

3. Clean Bristles

There are a few ways to clean the bristles of your straightener. You can: 

  • Use a disinfecting wipe and pull it taut. Swipe it (in a flossing motion) between each row of bristles. 
  • Use a paper towel and warm soapy water. This will disinfect and remove oil build up better than other cleaning products like vinegar. You will also need a second damp towel to remove any leftover soap from the bristles. 
  • Use a paper towel and rubbing alcohol solution.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

4. Air Dry

Once your brush is cleaned, you should just leave it to dry – no need to rinse it underwater. It should only take a maximum of 15 minutes, and once it is dry, you can continue using it like normal. 

How Often to Clean an Electric Beard Straightener

While it is important to make sure your straightener is clean, most casual users can get away with cleaning their beard straighteners about once a month. However, you should clean the device more or less frequently, depending on how often you use it. 

Why Should You Clean an Electric Beard Straightener

Natural oils secreted by the skin or those added from supplementary beard conditioners (beard oil, beard balm, etc.), can build up on the bristles and become unsanitary. This buildup of oils and bacteria may lead to acne on the skin beneath your beard, which can be irritating and uncomfortable. Likewise, beard conditioners can leave a residue on the styling tools, leaving them feeling grimy. 

Additionally, a beard straightening brush can redistribute leftover debris from prior use, including dandruff or dead skin.  Lastly, tangled hairs in the bristles may cause pulling or breakage of beard hairs.

Cleaning Instructions for Popular Beard Straighteners

Generally, this guide will help you clean any beard straightener, but some product-specific guides are available for select straighteners: 

  • If you have a Wahl Beard Straightener Brush, check out the brand’s advice on cleaning their product. You can find it on page 9 in this guide
  • To see how best to clean the Arkam Premium Beard Straightener, check out this instructional video.
  • For fans of the Aberlite beard straightener, the brand has advice on how best to clean it available here
  • Anyone who uses the ConairMAN Cordless Heated Beard Comb for Men can find more specific cleaning instructions for their heated beard comb on page 24 of this guide

Common Questions

Can I put my beard straightener underwater?

Unlike normal beard brushes or combs, you must not put your beard straightener underwater as it can permanently damage the device. 

Should I wait for the brush to cool down before cleaning?

You should always wait for your electric beard brush to cool down before you begin to clean it. However, be aware that you might need to leave your straighteners to cool for a little longer if you’ve been using them on high heat or a few minutes before cleaning. 

Can you use thinners or harsh cleaning agents?

You should not use thinners or harsh cleaning agents on your electric beard straightener. A disinfectant wipe is the harshest or strongest cleansing product you can safely use. 

Adam Williams

As the lead editor of Tools of Men, Adam loves men's grooming products. Particularly of interest is managing facial hair and perfecting the art of the modern man's skincare routine. His work has been featured or quoted in several publications, including New York Magazine, Vice, Sharpologist, MIC, Elite Daily, and more. When Adam isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his two little kids who keep him both on his toes and young at heart.

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