Brushing wet hair can cause long -term damage: here are what you need to do

For those who have a hair care routine, a brush is an essential tool for daily maintenance, but brushing hair while damp can cause more harm than good.

The common habit could permanently weaken hair at the molecular level, “according to Dr. Mehmet Erdogan, co -founder and hair transplant surgeon of the Smile Hair Clinic Hair in Istanbul.

This could lead to an increase in break and thinning over time. A 2022 study from Manchester University reflected it, and found that moisture could change the response from hair to stress.

“When the hair wet, it undergoes significant physical changes that can affect their ability to handle brushing stress,” Erdogan said in shared comments with Digital Fox News.

“The water causes the hair axis to swell, the cuticle stretches and makes it more susceptible to breaking.”

Although research has shown that damp hair extends more than dry hair before breaking -Erdogan clarified that this does not mean that hair is more flexible and durable.

“The opposite is true: this stretch harms the internal protein structure, leading to weaker hair over time,” he warned.

“The brush pulls swollen threads and weaknesses, causing them to extend beyond their capacity. As they dry, they do not return to their original state and remain damaged at a structural level.”

Ashley Dimatteo, owner of Ashley Lauren Beauty Lounge in Westchester, New York, told Fox News Digital in an interview that the show has “definitely seen” damage to brushing wet hair.

“Wet hair is more fragile and rough brushing can cause breakage,” he said. “But it is rarely a single problem: hair loss or damage often comes from a combination of factors such as stress, hormones, heat style or chemical treatments.”

Brianna Delvecchio, a color and hairdressing specialist in the dimensional hall, agreed that brushing wet hair can cause breakage, especially while doing so or with a wrong tool.

He confirmed that factors such as stress, diet, hormones, and over -processing may also play a role in hair damage.

Those who have hair and chemically treated, whether colored, allowed or relaxed, are “especially susceptible” to wet brushing damage, as their protein structure is “already altered”, said Erdogan.

Tips for minimizing hair damage

Delvecchio said that the risks do not mean that people have to jump out of the brush, as sometimes not brushed their wet hair can lead to a “mess and a matte mess”.

“The brushing is necessary, just have to do it gently and in the right way,” he advised.

With his living room customers, Dimatteo recommends taking a “soft approach” to hair, protecting it from heat, avoiding brushing and limiting chemical services.

“We also take time to talk about health, nutrition and lifestyle, because they all have a role,” he told Fox News Digital. “And most importantly, never feel ashamed or timid to talk to your stylist or local lounge. We are here to help.”

To reduce the risk of hair damage, experts recommend using a wide tooth hairstyle or a flexible breakdown.

“Flexible sows are excellent to divert -without too much tension,” said Delvecchio. “It’s a solid option for all hair types as long as you are soft and patient.”

The lounge owner also suggested using a permit product to help soften and moisturize hair, which makes it “much easier for them to comb it.”

“The technique is also important, it always starts from below and works gently up,” advised Dimatteo.

Adding heat to wet hair can “multiply damage,” warned Erdogan.

For those with straight hair, it is best to allow it to dry partially in the air before combing, according to the hair transplant surgeon.

The American Association of the Academy of Dermatology also recommends this approach.

Delvecchio advised “easy to hair” in general, especially when it is wet.

“Use the heat protector, reduce the heat of your tools, avoid overlapping in the bleach and follow the tips,” he suggested.

“Also, brush regularly (damp or dry) to prevent tanks and breaks,” he continued. “The hair is delicate, but with the right habits, it can be strong and healthy.”