Oh, the joys of having wet hair! While it’s tempting to just quickly towel-dry those locks and call it a day, there’s a lot more to consider when it comes to proper hair care. Believe it or not, the way hair is treated when it’s wet can make a huge difference in its overall health and appearance.
1. Heating Styling While Wet
It’s no secret that using heating tools like hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage hair. But styling hair while it’s still wet? That’s a recipe for disaster! When hair is wet, it’s more vulnerable to heat damage due to its weakened protein structure. This can result in breakage, split ends, and all-around unhappy locks.
Instead of jumping straight to the hot tools, give hair a chance to air dry at least partially. A great alternative is using a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently squeeze out excess water without causing frizz. If time is of the essence, opt for a hairdryer with a diffuser attachment and set it to the lowest heat setting. This way, hair gets a gentle drying experience that won’t cause undue damage.
2. Combing Out Tangles
Dealing with tangles is a fact of life, but tackling them while hair is wet can be a real doozy. When hair is wet, it becomes more elastic, which means it’s more prone to stretching and breaking when brushed or combed. Yanking a comb through tangled wet hair is like asking for trouble, and it can lead to more damage than one might think.
Instead of going to town on those tangles, try using a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush specifically designed for wet hair. Start from the tips of the hair and gently work upward, carefully removing knots without stressing the hair shaft. To make the process even smoother, apply a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray before combing. This will not only help with the tangles, but also provide some much-needed nourishment to the hair.
3. Tying Your Hair Too Tight
Throwing wet hair up in a tight bun or ponytail might seem like a quick and convenient way to deal with damp locks, but it’s actually not doing any favors for the hair’s health. Wet hair is more susceptible to damage and breakage, so pulling it back tightly can create unnecessary tension on the hair shaft and roots, leading to weaker strands and potential hair loss over time.
Instead of tying hair up in a vice-like grip, opt for a loose braid, a low ponytail, or a gentle hair clip that doesn’t pull or tug. Look for hair ties that are specifically designed for wet hair, like spiral or fabric-based options, to minimize damage. By showing a little kindness to those damp strands, hair will be less likely to rebel with breakage and frizz.
4. Using Too Much Product
When hair is wet, it might seem like the perfect opportunity to slather on all the styling products in sight. But hold up! Using too much product on wet hair can actually have the opposite effect of what you intended. Hair is more absorbent when wet, and applying too much product can weigh it down, leaving it greasy or limp.
Instead of going overboard with the products, focus on using the right ones in moderation. Start with a small amount of a leave-in conditioner or detangler to help smooth hair and make it more manageable. If you’re looking for more hold, use a small amount of mousse or gel applied evenly throughout the hair. Remember, a little goes a long way when it comes to product usage on wet hair, so be mindful of how much is being applied.
5. Aggressively Towel Drying
After a shower, it’s tempting to grab the nearest towel and rub hair until it’s dry. However, this can cause serious damage to hair cuticles, resulting in frizz, breakage, and even split ends. Wet hair is more delicate and prone to damage, so it’s important to be gentle when drying.
Instead of rubbing hair with a towel, use a soft microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently blot excess moisture. Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends, being careful not to tug or pull. If you have curly hair, try using a diffuser attachment on your hair dryer to dry hair without disrupting the curls’ natural shape. With a little extra care, hair will be left feeling softer, smoother, and much happier.
6. Sleeping With Wet Hair
After a long day, it’s tempting to hit the hay with wet hair and let it dry overnight. However, this is a big no-no when it comes to hair health. Sleeping with wet hair can cause hair to tangle, leading to breakage and even hair loss in extreme cases. Additionally, dampness can create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi on the scalp, leading to irritation and dandruff.
Instead of hitting the sack with wet hair, take a little extra time to properly dry hair before bed. If you’re in a rush, use a hair dryer on a low setting or let hair air dry for a bit before hitting the pillow. If you’re set on washing your hair before bed, try a loose braid or a low ponytail to keep hair from tangling while it dries. By avoiding the temptation to sleep on wet hair, you’ll wake up with healthier, happier locks.
7. Twisting/Wringing
When hair is wet, it can be tempting to twist or wring it to remove excess water. However, this can cause major damage to the hair shaft, leading to breakage and split ends. Additionally, twisting or wringing can create friction on the hair, leading to frizz and flyaways.
Instead of twisting or wringing hair, try gently squeezing out excess water using a soft microfiber towel or an old t-shirt. For even better results, use a hair turban or a hair-specific towel to gently wrap hair and remove moisture without causing damage. By taking a gentle approach to hair care, hair will be left feeling smoother, softer, and much happier in the long run.
What’s the difference between wet and damp hair?
Wet hair and damp hair are two different levels of hair moisture. Wet hair is fully saturated with water and dripping wet, while damp hair has some moisture on it but is not fully saturated. Damp hair is usually the result of hair that has been towel-dried or air-dried for a short period of time.
It’s important to note that while hair is in a wet or damp state, it’s more vulnerable to damage and breakage due to its weakened protein structure. Therefore, it’s important to handle wet and damp hair with care to avoid causing damage
Conclusion
Taking care of wet hair may seem like a simple task, but it requires some knowledge and care. To avoid frizz, breakage, and other hair problems, it’s essential to avoid some common mistakes, such as styling with heat, combing out tangles roughly, tying hair too tightly, using too much product, aggressively towel-drying, sleeping with wet hair, and twisting or wringing it.
Instead, opt for more gentle approaches like using a diffuser or microfiber towel, applying a leave-in conditioner or detangler, and using a loose braid or ponytail. By following these tips and taking care of wet hair properly, you can keep your locks healthy, happy, and looking their best.
