Brushing your hair straight out of the shower may seem natural, but combing through wet locks is actually one of the best ways to ensure fallout, says hair expert Ghanima Abdullah. She explains, “Hair is at its most fragile point when saturated with water, and a brush uses a lot of tension to get through your tresses. You'll wind up with so much hair in a regular paddle brush, that it would have been better to cut it. At least then you won't have the split ends that come with your hair breaking off in the middle.” However, people do suffer from tangles in their wet hair, so Abdullah recommends using a shower comb and detangling your locks while they’re still coated in conditioner.
Similarly, approaching wet hair with a round brush will also speed up breakage within your locks, even if you’re merely hoping to style it before it dries. If you still want to include a round brush in your hair routine, Abdullah says, “Because a round brush is sometimes a bristle brush, you're really asking for breakage along with those dreamy waves. The solution? Hair should be at least partially dried with your regular, thermal blow drying brush before you take a round brush to your hair.”
When using a shower comb, even with conditioner easing the strain, it’s still important to make sure you’re treating your hair with care as you brush it. Starting at the roots and tugging are guaranteed to weaken your strands, causing breakage and fallout and enhancing the premature appearance of thinning hair. “Go gently. The same sleek styles can be created without pulling the brush too tightly. Oh, and those hundred strokes? They also fall under excessive pulling. Ditch. Immediately,” Abdullah warns.
You may have the best intentions when brushing your hair, but if you aren’t careful you run the risk of losing your precious locks to the harsh bristles. Comb through dry hair, starting midway down the shaft and be careful to avoid tugging at the roots. Your best hair days will come when you treat your tresses with care, meaning your brushing routine is just as important as the products you use.