Why you should be careful with wet hair and how it affects your styling

We all know the feeling: you step out of the shower with dripping wet hair, eager to start styling. 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 vulnerable than dry hair, and if not handled properly, 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 impacts your styling.

Andy, we know wet hair is extra vulnerable. Can you explain why?

Andy: “First, it's important to understand the structure of your hair. When your hair is wet, its structure changes. The cuticles are less capable of protecting the hair from damage. This makes the hair more prone to breakage and splitting. Additionally, wet hair is more elastic, which means it can stretch and break more easily.

Wet hair is about 30% weaker than dry hair. This means it can get damaged faster through pulling, combing, and rubbing. If you handle wet hair roughly, it can lead to split ends, breakage, and frizz. This makes styling your hair more difficult and can make it look dull and unhealthy. So, be careful when combing and brushing your hair when it's wet. Never stretch it beyond its elasticity.”

Andy, what can we do to maintain the quality of our hair, especially before styling?

Andy: “OK, let's start with the drying process. Rubbing your hair dry with a towel can roughen and damage the cuticles. Instead, use a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt to gently blot your hair dry. Blotting is much less damaging than rubbing. This helps absorb moisture without damaging the hair. Let your hair air dry as much as possible before using heat tools.

Using a blow dryer, flat iron, or curling iron on wet hair can cause serious damage. The heat from these tools can cause the water in your hair to boil, damaging the cuticles 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 wet hair properly, it can negatively affect your styling results. Damaged hair is harder to style and doesn’t hold the style as 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 maintains its shape and shine better.”

Andy, do you have some specific tips for us?

Andy: “Yep! Here are my top 5:

1. Use a Detangling Spray First: This is super important because it closes the cuticles, protecting against damage. Our My Hero Wonder Spray works wonders and contains all the good ingredients. A detangling spray helps to gently remove knots without damaging the hair, making it easier to brush and style.
2. Dry Your Hair Gently and Lovingly: Blot your hair dry with a microfiber towel or T-shirt. Avoid rough rubbing to prevent cuticle damage.
3. Start from the Bottom When Combing or Brushing: Use a wide-tooth comb and start at the ends of your hair, gradually working your way up to gently remove tangles without pulling. Invest in the best comb or brush you can afford. My favorite brush is the Flat Brush, which I always used backstage at fashion shows. It's gentle on the hair but gets the job done.
4. Use Heat Protection: Always apply a product with heat protection before blow-drying or using other heat tools. This helps protect your hair from the damaging effects of heat. Again, My Hero Wonder Spray is the one you want.
5. 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’d like to say that being careful 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 earlier, your look will hold better and longer. So, healthy hair is the foundation for any beautiful look. Treat it with love