You’re brushing your hair the WRONG way – and it’s causing permanent damage, expert warns
A HAIR transplant surgeon has revealed the big mistake people are making when brushing their locks – and it could cause permanent damage.
So if you’re looking to grow your hair or improve its overall condition, then listen up.
Dr Mehmet Erdogan, Co-Founder and Hair Transplant Surgeon at Smile Hair Clinic, says brushing wet hair can do more harm to hair follicles than many people realise.
He explains this common post-shower habit weakens hair structure at a molecular level, potentially leading to increased breakage and thinning over time.
“When hair gets wet, it undergoes significant physical changes that can affect its ability to handle stress from brushing”, says Dr Erdogan.
“The water causes the hair shaft to swell, streches the cuticle and makes it more susceptible to breakage.”
Wet hair can stretch more than dry hair before breaking, but this apparent elasticity can be misleading.
“Many people think because wet hair stretches, it must be more flexible and resilient”, Dr Erdogan adds.
“The opposite is true – this stretching damages the internal protein structure, leading to weaker hair over time.”
As a result, hair breakage is a common issue because of improper wet hair care.
Dr Erdogan says: “The brush pulls on swollen, weakened strands, causing them to stretch beyond their capacity.
“As they dry, they don’t return to their original state and remaine damaged at a structural level.”
If you insist on brushing your hair while wet, the hair expert suggests using a wide-tooth comb instead of brushes.
You should start from the ends and work your way up, avoiding the roots when wet.
According to the surgeon, styling techniques that combine wetness and heat can also multiply the damage to your hair.
He says: “Using a hairdryer on soaking wet hair is particularly harmful. The fast evaporation of water from within the hair shaft creates a mini explosion effect, pushing out and damaging the cuticle from within.”
“For people with straight hair, letting your hair partially air dry before gentle combing is the ideal way to do it. For curly or textured hair, use a conditioner and wide-tooth comb while still damp.”
Dr. Erdogan summarised that prevention and using the right drying and styling technique remains the most effective approach when it comes to hair damage.
He says: “Once the protein structure of hair is broken down, it cannot be repaired – only cut off.
“Applying the right hair care when wet is the best way to maintain healthy hair long-term and to prevent unnecessary thinning caused by breakage.”