Do you immediately reach for a comb to detangle your hair after washing it? Do you think this is a normal part of hair care? Have you ever considered that you might be doing more harm than good by doing so?
Why combing wet hair is one of the biggest mistakes in everyday care. At first glance, it seems completely harmless. The hair is washed, soft, fragrant - what could go wrong? It is at this very moment, when it is soaked with water, that its structure most vulnerable.
Many people still do this automatically: they take a comb and comb their hair as if it were something completely normal. In reality, they are causing irreparable damage to each individual hair fiber. The damage is not immediately visible, but over time it shows itself through thinning hair, split ends spikes and loss of density.
How does water affect hair structure?
Wet hair is not the same as dry hair. When hair absorbs water, its outer layer – the cuticle – expands. This does not mean greater flexibility, but greater vulnerability. The hair strand becomes heavier, tighter and more susceptible to mechanical damage.
Pulling or combing the hair in this state is extremely dangerous. Although it may seem flexible and stretchable, it does not return to its original state after drying. The structure remains permanently damaged.
Thin, colored and chemically treated hair is especially vulnerable.
Hair that is dyed, permanently styled, or frequently heat-treated already has weakened internal structureWhen your hair gets wet, it becomes even more sensitive.
Every gentle stroke with a comb can mean microdamages, which eventually leads to serious problems. Such hair no longer has natural protection, so it cannot withstand the additional stress caused by combing when wet.
What actually happens when we comb wet hair?
When a comb slides through wet hair, it pulls on the strands, which are expanded and saturated with water. Because they are tense, they stretch beyond their limits. This is not visible from the outside, but inside, the protein structure is damaged.
The hair loses its elasticity and the cuticle remains open. Once the hair dries, it does not “come back” – remains weaker, more fragile and susceptible to further breakage.
What to do differently?
The most important step is – wait. First, gently comb your hair dry with a soft towel. Do not rub them. If you are in a hurry, use a blow dryer on low heat to remove most of the moisture. Once the hair is about 70 % dry, you can begin to gently comb it.
Use it wide-toothed comb, preferably made of wood or other natural material. Start at the ends and slowly work your way up. Additional protection, such as a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray, is highly recommended.
Every time you reach for your comb right after washing your hair, think, Will this make your hair healthier? – will they only become even more weakened?
