Getting out of the shower with still-wet hair seems harmless, yet these three very common mistakes weaken it. Here’s how to correct these habits and enhance your hair’s beauty.
There’s that delightful moment, right after a shower, when your skin seems to breathe again and your wet hair releases a fresh, light scent. In this bubble of well-being, we rarely think that a few seemingly insignificant actions can compromise the beauty of our hair.
Hairdressers often say that it’s the small, everyday habits that weaken the hair fiber without us even realizing it. By correcting three common mistakes you make with wet hair, it will regain its shine and natural softness without changing your entire routine.
Taking care of your hair is a bit like tending a delicate garden. Too much water, too much heat, or too much friction can throw everything off balance. This article guides you step by step to transform your post-shower routine into simple and soothing rituals. The idea? To give your wet hair the attention it deserves, just as you would give yourself, gently.
Sleeping with wet hair: a bad idea
We often think we’re saving time by slipping into bed with wet hair, convinced it will dry itself overnight. This is a classic mistake. The friction against the pillow, especially if it’s cotton, opens the cuticles, thins the hair fiber, and frizz arrives in the morning. According to dermatologist Nathalie Nassif, quoted in Elle Beauté , wet hair is up to three times more fragile than dry hair. Imagine it like silk while still damp: every movement can wrinkle it.
So, how can you preserve your hair length without giving up your evening ritual? Gently dry your hair, then tie it in a loose braid before bed, or opt for a satin pillowcase. This small detail makes a big difference, especially in winter when natural drying is slower. You can also explore best practices for caring for your hairstyle overnight to prolong the health of your hair.
Rub your hair vigorously with a towel
It’s an almost childish reflex: getting out of the shower, grabbing a towel, and rubbing your hair to dry it as quickly as possible. This gesture, however, is an invisible enemy of the hair fiber. “When wet, hair loses up to 20% of its mechanical resistance,” explains Christophe Robin, a French hair expert. By rubbing it, we cause micro-breakages, separate the cuticles, and dull its natural shine.
The solution? Gentleness. Pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel, or wrap it for a few minutes in an absorbent turban. This gentler drying method restores your hair’s silky feel and prevents frizz. If you want to go further, discover how to protect your long hair overnight —an often overlooked hairdresser’s secret. And for those who love the feeling of a breeze on their neck, let it air dry: it’s the best way to preserve its lightness.
Brushing wet hair: a habit to break.
You’re in a hurry, your brush is calling your name, and your hair is begging for a comb… Fatal mistake. When hair is still wet, it loses its elasticity. Brushing it in this state is like pulling on a string that’s already stretched. “Brushing hot or wet hair is the leading cause of mechanical breakage,” confirms Doctissimo Beauté . The result? Weakened strands, split ends, and hair that has lost its vitality.
It’s best to choose a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends and gently working your way up to the roots. Add a small amount of detangling conditioner to make combing easier and nourish the hair fiber. It’s a simple, almost meditative gesture that makes all the difference. And to maintain this shine over time, consider the best frequency for haircuts . Sometimes, just a few centimeters are enough to revitalize your entire head of hair.
Start at the ends, where the most knots are. This will prevent damage to the hair fiber. You now have all the tools you need to take care of your hair. Don’t make the same mistakes the next time you wash it!
Conclusion
The beauty of hair often lies in almost invisible details: the softness of a towel, the patience of air drying, the slow movement of a comb through still-warm lengths. These moments, captured in the flow of daily life, are all proof of self-care.
Source: culturefemme.com