Hair care experts reveal the risk of wet brushing and how to prevent damage

Clean beauty brand owner Emily Austin is calling for higher safety standards in the beauty industry, particularly when it comes to hair care products. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Austin expressed her support for the MAHA movement, which is advocating for U.S.-made products to meet the stringent standards set by the European Union.

One common hair care habit that Austin and other experts are warning against is brushing wet hair. Dr. Mehmet Erdogan, a hair transplant surgeon, explained that wet hair is more vulnerable to breakage at a molecular level. When hair gets wet, it swells, stretches the cuticle, and becomes more prone to damage. This can lead to increased breakage and thinning over time.

A recent study from the University of Manchester found that moisture can change hair’s response to stress, making it more susceptible to damage when wet. Erdogan emphasized that rough brushing of wet hair can cause the strands to stretch beyond their capacity, leading to long-term damage at a structural level.

Ashley DiMatteo, owner of Ashley Lauren Beauty Lounge in New York, has witnessed the damage caused by brushing wet hair in her salon. She explained that wet hair is more fragile and can easily break when brushed roughly. Factors like stress, hormones, heat styling, and chemical treatments can also contribute to hair loss and damage.

To minimize the risk of hair damage, experts recommend using a wide-tooth comb or a flexible detangling brush on wet hair. Starting from the bottom and working your way up can help prevent breakage. Using a leave-in product to soften and hydrate the hair can also make it easier to comb through.

It’s important to be gentle with your hair, especially when it’s wet. Adding heat to wet hair can multiply the damage, so it’s best to allow it to partially air-dry before styling. Taking a gentle approach to hair care, protecting it from heat, and avoiding harsh brushing can all help maintain healthy hair in the long run.

Overall, hair is delicate and requires careful handling to prevent damage. By following these tips and adopting the right hair care habits, you can keep your hair strong and healthy. As Austin and other experts advocate for higher safety standards in the beauty industry, it’s important for consumers to be mindful of how they care for their hair to prevent unnecessary damage.