Even if you take great care of your hair in other ways, there’s still one thing that can easily damage it on a regular basis — and not even realize you’re doing it. It’s something we do several times every day and don’t think twice about, but it can actually be very harmful to your hair. Read on to learn more about the seven most common hair combing mistakes, so you can make sure not to repeat them again.
Don’t Brush Wet Hair
When your hair is wet, it’s more fragile and prone to breakage. A lot of girls think that using a comb in their hair when it’s wet will make it dry faster, but by doing so you’re actually roughing up and weakening each strand. Using a natural bristle brush will allow you to gently tease out tangles without tearing or tugging on individual strands.
Don’t Comb Against the Grain
If you have curly hair, it’s tempting to comb your strands in any direction—but that isn’t a good idea. By going against your natural hair grain, you can stretch out your curls and lead to breakage. Instead, brush from side to side or in small upward motions only. Always start with your ends first and work toward your scalp. Also, if you want defined curls, consider using a curling iron or tongs rather than brushing straight out of bed.
Don’t Overuse a Wooden Brush
Using a wooden brush, like those from Mason Pearson or Dyson, can make your hair look shinier and feel silkier. They are perfect for detangling hair and for use on dry hair. But it’s also important to remember that using them too often can lead to split ends and thinning of hair over time—so don’t use these every day! If you want shinier-looking locks, try a leave-in conditioner instead.
Don’t Pull Through Sections of Tangled Hair
If you’re trying to untangle a section of hair, then avoid pulling it through your comb. Pulling through tangles and knots can cause damage or breakage. Instead, work on untangling one strand at a time. If you find yourself struggling with a particularly tough knot, try using a detangler in that area to help loosen things up.
Avoid Brushing Thick, Heavy Braids Too Often
Braids that are too tightly packed can weaken hair and cause breakage. If you have braids or tight curls, wait at least a week before brushing them out. Even when they’re loosened up, it is still best to use a soft-bristled brush rather than harsh plastic ones.
Don’t Use a Paddle Brush
Stiff, straight-bristled paddle brushes are not ideal for delicate or soft hair. Not only can they tear your locks, but they also force water out of your hair as you brush through it. The result? Damaged, dry strands. Opt for a soft or wide-toothed comb instead to reduce stress on your hair and scalp.
Avoid Rushing Through the Process
Don’t just run a comb through your hair without paying attention to where you’re tugging, how fast you’re going, or even how your hair feels. Notice how certain parts of your hair feel and look after running a comb through them. If there are tangles, try untangling them gently before moving on to another section of hair. Pay attention to how each part of your scalp and hair feels during a quick combing session. This is an important part of caring for your hair!
Final Thoughts
By far, one of the most common problems that people deal with when it comes to hair is breakage. If you know how to handle your hair properly, you can avoid significant damage and breakage in a number of ways. Comb less often, use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush, deep condition your hair on a regular basis, and consider going more natural with your styling methods—all of these steps and more will help keep your hair healthy for years to come.
