We all know the feeling: you step out of the shower with your hair dripping wet, and you want to start styling it as soon as possible. But before you reach for your blow dryer, brush or flat iron, it’s important to understand why you should be careful with wet hair. Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair, and if you don’t treat it right, it can have serious consequences for the health and appearance of your hair. In this blog, we interview Andy Uffels, award-winning hairstylist and founder of The Insiders, to discuss why wet hair needs extra care and how this affects your hair styling.
Andy, we know that wet hair is extra vulnerable. Can you explain this?
Andy: “ First, it’s good to understand a little bit about the structure of your hair. When your hair is wet, its structure changes. The hair cuticles are less able to protect the hair from damage when your hair is wet. This makes the hair more susceptible to breakage and split ends . In addition, wet hair is more elastic, which means it can stretch and break more easily.
Wet hair is vulnerable. Wet hair is about 30% weaker than dry hair. This means that it can be damaged more easily by pulling, combing and rubbing. If you treat wet hair roughly, this can lead to split ends, hair breakage and frizz. This makes styling your hair more difficult and can make your hair look dull and unhealthy. So be careful when combing and brushing your hair when it is wet. Never pull it 'over the stretch'.
What can you do to ensure that the quality of your hair remains good, especially if you are going to style your hair afterwards?
Andy: “ OK, let’s start with the drying process. Rubbing your hair dry with a towel can rough up and damage the hair cuticle. Instead, you’re better off using a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt to gently pat your hair dry. Patting is much less damaging than rubbing it dry. This helps absorb moisture without damaging your hair. Let your hair air dry as much as possible before using any heat tools.
Using a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling iron on wet hair can cause serious damage. The heat from these tools can boil the water in your hair, damaging the hair cuticle and leading to breakage and split ends. Never do this! Make sure your hair is 100% dry before using heat tools, and always use a product with UV and heat protection to shield your hair from the heat before you start.
If you don’t treat your hair well when it’s wet, it can negatively impact your styling results. Damaged hair is harder to style and holds its style less well. It can also lead to unwanted texture and frizz, making your hair look unhealthy. Healthy hair, on the other hand, is easier to style and holds its shape and shine better.”
Do you have any specific tips for us?
Andy : “Yep! I’ll give you my top 5:
- First, use a detangling spray. Mega important, because that closes the hair cuticles and then you are already 80% insured against damage. Our My Hero Wonder Spray really does wonders here and has all the goodies in the formula. This detangling spray can help to gently remove tangles without damaging the hair. This makes brushing and styling your hair easier.
- Dry your hair gently and lovingly: Pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel or a T-shirt. Avoid rough rubbing to prevent damage to the hair cuticle.
- Start at the bottom with combing or brushing: Use a wide tooth comb and start at the ends of your hair, working your way up to gently remove tangles without pulling. Buy the best comb or brush you can afford. My favorite brush is the Flat Brush , which is what I used to use backstage at the fashion shows. It’s really gentle on the hair, but it does the job.
- Use heat protection: Always apply a product with heat protection before blow-drying or using other heat tools. This will help protect your hair from the damaging effects of heat. Again, the My Hero Wonder Spray is the one you want.
- And lastly…: Let your hair air dry as much as possible before using the blow dryer. This reduces the time your hair is exposed to heat and helps prevent damage.”
Andy: “Finally, I would like to say that being gentle with wet hair is essential for maintaining healthy and beautiful hair. By using the right techniques and products, you can prevent damage and prepare your hair for perfect styling. As mentioned before, this will help your look stay in shape better and longer. So healthy hair is the basis for every beautiful look. Treat it with love J ”
