Combing hair while wet - causing damage?

Question

Hello doctors, I’m a male with medium length hair. I’ve always monitored my hair and wanted to ask a question. My hair takes a very long time to dry. Post shower I dab it with a towel but it’s still quite wet. I run a wide tooth comb through it. Is it okay running a comb post shower or is that damaging the follicle? Thanks so much for your help!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Combing your hair while it's wet can indeed have some implications for hair health, but using a wide-tooth comb is a good practice to minimize damage. Here are a few points to consider:

Hair Structure When Wet: Hair is more fragile when wet because the cuticle (the outer layer) is slightly raised, making it more susceptible to breakage and stretching.

Wide-Tooth Comb: Using a wide-tooth comb is beneficial as it reduces the amount of tension and pulling on the hair strands compared to finer combs or brushes. This can help prevent breakage and damage.

Gentle Handling: Be gentle when combing your hair post-shower. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to avoid tugging and pulling.

Towel Drying: Gently dab your hair with a towel instead of rubbing it vigorously. Rubbing can cause friction and lead to breakage.

Leave-In Conditioner: Consider using a leave-in conditioner or a detangling spray to make combing easier and reduce the risk of damage.

By following these tips, you can minimize potential damage to your hair follicles and maintain healthier hair. If you notice significant hair breakage or other issues, consulting with a dermatologist or a hair care specialist might be beneficial.

Combing hair while wet - causing damage?

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