Aren’t you always rushing out the door after washing your hair? You reach for your blow-dry when you’re in a hurry! Have you ever heard that fast-drying can permanently damage your hair?
We understand how frantic one’s schedules can be. It is important to remember, however, that your hair is a delicate and fragile part of your body. It is easy for your hair to become matted and knotted when it is damp.
Furthermore, it makes the scalp itchy, stinky, susceptible to infections and can cause excessive hair loss. A wash increases its sensitivity even further. Therefore, it needs to be handled with care.
You will find some tips in this article for how to quickly dry damp hair without getting it damaged, and how to prevent further hair and scalp damage.
What is Damp Hair?
The hair does not completely dry up when towel-dried after a hair washes, but it is also not dripping wet. Having damp hair means that it has slight moisture to it.
Damage is more likely to occur to the hair. By causing the hair cuticles to open up, water makes the hair more elastic and porous. Hair is more prone to breakage and is extremely fragile as a result.
Therefore, you must handle damp hair with care. Obviously, it is no longer dripping, but it is still not completely dry.
Hair in this state also undergoes physical changes that require special care and attention. Wet hair is not the same as damp hair. Scroll down to see how they differ.
Difference Between Damp Hair And Wet Hair?
A damp hair’s moisture level is different from wet hair. Water has completely soaked in and is dripping from wet hair. It’s, on the other hand,’s 70%-80% dry. If you touch your hair, you’ll feel that the hair is moist, but it does not drip water.
When you apply styling products such as gel, wax, or pomade to your hair you achieve a wet, sleek, gel-styled appearance. Hairstyling trends like this are referred to as “wet hair looks”, and they differ from actual wet hair.
When your hair is damp for a long period of time or when you sleep with damp hair, your scalp may become prone to scalp infections.
Things You Should Know About Damp Hair (Do’s & Don’ts)
Here are 7 things you should know about damp hair so that you can prevent any unnecessary future damage and care for it regularly & properly.
1. Becomes More Elastic
When your hair is wet, it becomes more stretchy. You should handle your hair with care when damp because of this elasticity and risk of breakage. You can detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristled brush after you’ve finished the shower. Do not use regular brushes.
The elastic nature of the hair also means it is not recommended to do a bun in such a state. Consequently, you should be extra cautious of tying your hair into a tight bun or ponytail, to avoid harming your outermost hair cuticle layer.
Updos prevent the inside of the hair from drying and can inflame or irritate the scalp for long periods of time.
2. Dry The Damp Hair Before Going To Bed
Do you have the experience of going to bed with damp hair just to get up the next morning and finding your hair is messy and matted? Sleeping with a wet head can result in tangles and breakage unless you’re using a 100% silk pillowcase.
Make sure your hair is blow-dried in the cool air setting before going to bed.
3. Avoid Heat Tools
While straightening or curling wet hair may sound like an easy solution, you’ll end up burning the cuticle and evaporating the moisture from your hair, causing serious damage. This unfortunate destruction has happened to you if you have ever done this and heard popping or sizzling sounds from your hair.
When you are in a rush, instead of blow-drying your hair on the hot setting, use a cool setting and apply a pre-styling oil or serum before blow-drying.
4. Comb the Damp Hair from the ends to the roots.
Possibly a leave-in conditioner will be needed for this one. Starting at the top of the head will mean that any knots will be pushed down and the hair will be broken further resulting in more tangles. For smooth combing, comb hair from the bottom to the top, one section at a time.
5. It Has More Porosity
It is also a good time to apply products that will penetrate, such as curl cream, oils, or conditioners. Masks and oil treatments work best when your hair is damp. Add any products only if the hair is actually damp, and not dripping.
6. Has a Tendency To Tangle Easily
A lack of proper moisture and conditioning can easily lead to tangled hair. Hair’s cuticle, the outermost layer, is often loosened by shampooing. The moisture in damp hair also makes it more elastic, as explained above.
Open or raised cuticles tend to tangle hair shafts. Ensure that wet hair is brushed from the bottom right up to the top with a wide-toothed brush to prevent breakage.
7. Gentle Care
You can easily roughly towel dry wet hair after getting out of the shower. You should always treat wet hair gently since it is elastic and vulnerable to breakage. If you think you’re being too aggressive when you use your towel, try a microfiber towel.
Final Words
There’s no doubt that damp hair is fussier than dry hair, which is why taking caution is wise. Throughout all of its stages, hair care is essential. For your hair to appear gorgeous and avoid breakage, ensure that it gets gentle and regular care.
Image: Racool_studio – freepik