How To Clean Your Makeup Brushes With Shampoo And Why It Works

Making the switch to regular brush maintenance can transform your makeup routine. Over time, makeup brushes accumulate layers of foundation, powder, oils, bacteria, and dead skin cells. If left uncleaned, they not only compromise the quality of your makeup application but also increase the risk of breakouts and skin irritation. While specialized brush cleansers are available, many beauty enthusiasts have found a surprisingly effective alternative in their bathroom: shampoo. Using shampoo to clean makeup brushes is not only cost-effective but also highly efficient at breaking down buildup while preserving the integrity of the bristles. This guide explores the science behind this method, walks through a foolproof cleaning process, and explains why this simple household product outperforms many commercial solutions.

The Science Behind Shampoo and Brush Cleaning

Shampoo is formulated to cleanse hair—something that shares key characteristics with natural-hair makeup brushes. Both are made from keratin-based fibers, which react similarly to surfactants, conditioners, and pH levels. The active ingredients in most shampoos are designed to lift oil, dirt, and residue without stripping essential moisture, making them ideal for gently yet thoroughly cleaning delicate brush bristles.

Sulfates and other cleansing agents in shampoo emulsify oils from makeup products like foundation, concealer, and cream blushes. Meanwhile, conditioning components help maintain the softness and flexibility of the bristles, preventing fraying or brittleness over time. Unlike alcohol-based sprays that dry out bristles quickly, shampoo provides a balanced clean that supports long-term brush health.

“Shampoo mimics the natural environment of hair follicles, so when used on natural-bristle brushes, it cleans effectively without causing structural damage.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Cosmetic Chemist and Skincare Formulation Expert

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes with Shampoo

Cleaning your brushes properly ensures longevity and hygiene. Follow this detailed timeline for optimal results:

1. Gather Supplies: Mild shampoo (preferably sulfate-free), lukewarm water, a small bowl or cup, a clean towel, and optionally, a silicone cleaning mat or your palm.
2. Wet the Bristles: Hold the brush under lukewarm water, wetting only the bristles. Avoid soaking the ferrule (the metal part connecting bristles to handle), as water exposure can weaken the glue and cause shedding.
3. Apply Shampoo: Place a dime-sized amount of shampoo into the palm of your hand or onto a textured cleaning mat. Gently swirl the brush in circular motions to work up a lather.
4. Clean Thoroughly: Continue swirling until you see makeup residue releasing into the foam. For dense brushes like foundation or stippling brushes, apply slightly more pressure. For delicate eye brushes, use lighter strokes.
5. Rinse Completely: Rinse under running water until the water runs clear. Squeeze the bristles gently from base to tip to flush out trapped product.
6. Reshape and Dry: Gently squeeze excess water and reshape the bristles with your fingers. Lay the brush flat on a towel with the bristles hanging slightly off the edge to prevent water from seeping into the handle.
7. Air-Dry Overnight: Allow brushes to dry completely (usually 6–12 hours) before reuse. Never stand them upright while wet—this encourages water pooling in the ferrule.

Tip: Use an old towel or paper towel to blot excess water after rinsing. This reduces drying time and helps preserve bristle shape.

Why Shampoo Works Better Than You Think

Many assume that because shampoo is meant for hair, it might be too harsh or leave behind residue. In reality, the opposite is often true—especially when compared to some commercial brush cleaners.

Most liquid brush cleansers rely on alcohol or strong solvents to dissolve makeup quickly. While effective at immediate cleaning, these substances can degrade natural bristles over time, leading to split ends and shedding. Shampoo, by contrast, uses gentler surfactants that lift impurities without compromising fiber strength.

In addition, shampoos often contain humectants and conditioning agents like glycerin, panthenol, or silicones that coat the bristles during cleaning. These don’t leave harmful buildup when rinsed properly; instead, they provide temporary protection against friction and dehydration.

For synthetic brushes—which dominate today’s market due to cruelty-free standards—shampoo is equally effective. Synthetic fibers mimic nylon or polyester and respond well to mild detergents. Since these bristles don’t absorb water like natural hair, they dry faster and resist microbial growth when cleaned regularly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brush Cleaning with Shampoo

Do’s	Don’ts
Use a mild, fragrance-free shampoo if you have sensitive skin.	Soak the entire brush, especially the ferrule.
Clean brushes every 1–2 weeks depending on usage.	Use hot water—it can warp bristles and loosen glue.
Lay brushes flat to dry to prevent water damage.	Dry brushes upright in a container—they’ll trap moisture.
Spot-clean between deep cleans with a spray solution.	Use clarifying or dandruff shampoos—they’re too harsh.
Replace brushes every 1–3 years based on wear.	Share brushes—even when clean—to avoid cross-contamination.

Real Example: A Makeup Artist’s Weekly Routine

Julia Tran, a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles, switched to using baby shampoo for her kit maintenance two years ago after noticing increased client complaints about irritation and patchy foundation application. Her kit includes over 30 brushes, ranging from large powder blenders to fine eyeliner tools.

“I used to rely on quick-dry sprays between clients,” she says. “But I started seeing more clogged pores and inconsistent blending. Once I began washing everything weekly with baby shampoo, both my work and my clients’ skin improved dramatically.”

She now dedicates Sunday evenings to brush care: sorting brushes by type, cleaning them in batches, and laying them out to dry overnight. “Baby shampoo is tear-free and super gentle,” Julia explains. “It removes stubborn waterproof mascara from angled brushes without fraying them. And since I’m handling brushes all day, I need ones that feel soft and perform reliably.”

Within six weeks of implementing this change, she reported fewer touch-ups during shoots and a noticeable drop in post-application breakouts among acne-prone clients. Her routine has since become a standard recommendation in her training workshops for junior artists.

Choosing the Right Shampoo for Your Brushes

Not all shampoos are created equal. To maximize effectiveness and minimize damage, consider the following criteria:

• pH Balance: Opt for shampoos with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5—the same range as human skin and hair. This prevents excessive swelling or shrinking of bristles.
• Fragrance & Dyes: Choose fragrance-free and dye-free formulas, especially if you have sensitive skin or use the brushes around the eyes.
• Formula Type: Creamy or milky shampoos tend to be more moisturizing than gels, which may contain higher alcohol content.
• Baby Shampoo: Often recommended due to its mild formulation and lack of irritants. Johnson’s Baby Shampoo remains a popular choice among professionals.
• Clarifying Shampoos: Avoid unless dealing with extreme buildup. They strip oils aggressively and should be used sparingly.

Tip: Test a small amount of shampoo on one brush first. If bristles feel stiff or look dull after drying, switch to a more hydrating formula.

Brush Care Checklist

Follow this checklist to maintain clean, functional, and hygienic brushes:

• ☑ Clean natural and synthetic brushes every 7–14 days (more often for liquid products)
• ☑ Use lukewarm water—not hot or cold
• ☑ Apply shampoo to palm or cleaning mat, not directly onto brush
• ☑ Swirl in circular motions to dislodge debris
• ☑ Rinse until water runs clear
• ☑ Reshape bristles before drying
• ☑ Lay flat on a clean towel, away from direct sunlight
• ☑ Allow 8–12 hours for full drying
• ☑ Store in a ventilated container once dry
• ☑ Replace damaged or excessively frayed brushes promptly

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any shampoo to clean my makeup brushes?

You can, but not all shampoos are ideal. Stick to mild, sulfate-free, fragrance-free options. Baby shampoos are particularly safe. Avoid medicated, anti-dandruff, or volumizing shampoos, as they often contain harsh ingredients that can dry out or stiffen bristles.

How often should I wash my brushes with shampoo?

For brushes used with liquid or cream products (e.g., foundation, concealer), clean every 5–7 days. Those used with powders can go 10–14 days. Eye brushes, especially those used near mucous membranes, should be cleaned weekly to reduce infection risks.

Will shampoo ruin synthetic brushes?

No. High-quality synthetic brushes are durable and resistant to mild detergents. As long as you rinse thoroughly and avoid boiling water or aggressive scrubbing, shampoo will not damage them. In fact, many synthetic fibers benefit from the conditioning agents in shampoo, staying smoother and less prone to static.

Final Thoughts: Make Brush Hygiene a Non-Negotiable Habit

Cleaning your makeup brushes with shampoo isn't just a budget hack—it's a smart, scientifically sound practice embraced by professionals and dermatologists alike. It combines accessibility, effectiveness, and gentleness in a way few alternatives can match. By integrating this simple ritual into your beauty routine, you protect your skin, enhance your makeup results, and extend the life of your tools.

Think of your brushes as extensions of your skincare regimen. Just as you wouldn’t reuse a dirty sponge on your face, you shouldn’t apply makeup with a contaminated tool. With nothing more than a bottle of mild shampoo and a few minutes each week, you can maintain a cleaner, safer, and more polished routine.

💬 Ready to refresh your brush collection? Start tonight—grab your shampoo and give your most-used brush a deep clean. Share your experience or favorite tips in the comments below!