A leading hair transplant surgeon has issued a warning against a common grooming habit that could be silently contributing to thinning hair and long-term follicular damage.
Dr. Mehmet Erdogan, co-founder of Smile Hair Clinic and an experienced specialist in hair transplant surgery, cautions that brushing wet hair—often seen as harmless or even beneficial—can significantly weaken the hair’s protein structure, leading to breakage and eventual thinning.
“Wet hair is much more fragile than dry hair,” Dr. Erdogan explained. “When hair is wet, the shaft swells and stretches the cuticle. This structural change makes it more vulnerable to stress, especially from brushing or aggressive styling.”
While it may seem that wet hair is more flexible due to its stretchability, Erdogan warns that this increased elasticity is misleading. “That stretch actually masks the damage occurring at a molecular level,” he said. “The internal protein structure becomes compromised. Over time, this leads to breakage, thinning, and a loss of hair strength.”
For individuals who have undergone hair transplant surgery or are currently in hair transplant recovery, post-operative hair care is especially critical. “A key part of maintaining transplant results is protecting new follicles from any kind of trauma,” said Dr. Erdogan. “Simple daily habits—like avoiding brushing wet hair—can make a significant difference in long-term hair health and density.”
Dr. Erdogan recommends using a wide-tooth comb on damp, not soaking wet, hair and starting from the ends while gradually working upward. For those with curly or textured hair, applying a leave-in conditioner and gently detangling with a comb while the hair is still damp can help minimize breakage.
He also emphasized the dangers of using high heat on wet strands. “Blow-drying soaking wet hair can cause what we call a ‘mini-explosion’ effect inside the hair shaft, damaging the cuticle from within,” Erdogan warned.
These preventive measures are not only essential for natural hair but also for preserving results after hair restoration procedures. Many patients who examine their hair transplant before and after photos see substantial improvement, but ongoing care is vital to maintaining these results.
“Once the hair’s protein structure breaks down, it can’t be repaired—only trimmed away. Taking proactive steps now can help avoid unnecessary thinning and ensure healthier, stronger hair in the long run,” said Dr. Erdogan.
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