Brushing Wet Hair

Good Idea or Not? 🤷

When it comes to hair care, one of the most frequently asked questions is: should you brush your hair when it's wet? While it might seem like a routine step, the answer actually depends on your hair type. In particular, curly and straight hair don't react the same way to wet brushing.

Detangling Wet Curly Hair: Why Is It a Good Idea? ✅

For people with curly hair, brushing it when it's wet can be beneficial for several reasons:

Curly hair tends to tangle easily due to its texture. By brushing it while it's still wet, you allow the water and conditioner to soften the curls and make them easier to detangle. Using a wide-tooth comb or a special brush for curly hair allows you to gently remove knots without breaking the hair fiber, such as the comb from L'Artisan Brossier.

Frizz is also a common problem for people with curly hair. Brushing wet hair, especially after applying a styling product or leave-in conditioner, helps control humidity and distribute products evenly. This can minimize frizz and give curls a smoother, more defined look.

Remember, when curly hair is still wet, its shape is more flexible. Brushing your hair at this time can help define and even out the curls. Using moisturizing products while brushing, such as serums or defining creams, can improve the elasticity of curls once they are dry.

Curly hair is therefore often more fragile than straight hair, as its movement makes the hair fiber more prone to breakage. By detangling your hair while it's wet and using gentle tools, you minimize the risk of breakage associated with rough detangling when dry.

Detangling wet straight hair can be damaging 😮

Unlike curly hair, straight hair doesn't require the same treatment when wet. Brushing wet straight hair can lead to several undesirable effects.

Straight hair is more prone to breakage when wet because moisture makes it more fragile. When brushed at this stage, the strands can become overly taut and break more easily. It's therefore best to wait until your hair is slightly dry or to detangle it with your fingers rather than using a harsh brush.

Furthermore, straight hair naturally tends to be smoother and hold its shape better, but brushing it wet can flatten its natural volume. Brushing can flatten the hair fiber, resulting in a flat, lifeless look once dry.

Just as with curly hair, brushing wet straight hair can cause frizz because the cuticles (the outer layers of the hair shaft) lift. This allows moisture to penetrate the hair fiber more easily, which can create a frizzy or unruly texture, even on naturally straight hair. This isn't necessarily a problem, but aesthetically, it might not appeal to everyone.

Finally, it's true that straight hair has a relatively uniform texture. However, combing it when wet can disrupt this uniformity, especially if you use an unsuitable brush. By manipulating the hair fiber too vigorously, you risk creating unwanted waves or creases.

Team Tips: How to brush wet hair according to your hair type?

For curly/wavy hair 👩🏻‍🦱

• Use a wide-tooth comb such as the L’Artisan Brossier Comb with Handle or a special brush for curly hair.

• Apply a detangling or moisturizing product: This helps reduce friction and soften curls.

• Detangle gently from the ends up: This helps prevent breakage and minimizes pain from knots.

• Don't brush too often: Too much manipulation can damage the curl structure and create frizz.

For straight/straight hair 👩🏻‍🦰

• Let your hair dry slightly: To prevent breakage, let your hair air dry or use a hairdryer before brushing.

• Use your fingers to detangle knots: If you need to detangle wet hair, start by gently separating the strands with your fingers.

Avoid overly stiff brushes: Soft brushes such as the Paddy and the Jeanne from L’Artisan Brossier or a wide-tooth comb are preferable to avoid damaging the hair.