A leading hair transplant surgeon has issued a cautionary message about a common daily practice that may be accelerating hair thinning and damage.
Dr. Mehmet Erdogan, co-founder and hair transplant surgeon at Smile Hair Clinic, warns that brushing wet hair can cause significant, lasting harm to hair follicles. He explains that wet hair is structurally weaker, making it more vulnerable to breakage and thinning over time due to molecular changes.
“When hair becomes wet, it undergoes physical transformations that reduce its ability to withstand the stress of brushing,” Dr. Erdogan said. “Water causes the hair shaft to swell and stretches the cuticle, making strands more prone to breakage.”
Contrary to popular belief, the elasticity of wet hair can be misleading. “Many assume wet hair’s stretchiness means it is stronger or more flexible. In reality, this stretching damages the internal protein structure, weakening hair in the long run,” he added.
Dr. Erdogan emphasized that improper handling of wet hair—especially aggressive brushing—can pull on fragile strands and cause irreversible damage as hair dries.
To prevent harm, he recommends using a wide-tooth comb rather than a brush on wet hair. “Start detangling from the ends and work upward, avoiding brushing from the roots,” he advised.
Styling wet hair also poses risks. Dr. Erdogan cautioned against using a hairdryer on soaking wet hair, explaining that rapid water evaporation inside the hair shaft creates a “mini-explosion” effect that damages the cuticle from within.
For those with straight hair, he suggests allowing it to partially air dry before gently combing through. For curly or textured hair, using conditioner and a wide-tooth comb while the hair remains damp is best.
He also warned that finer or chemically treated hair may be especially susceptible to damage because of altered protein structures.
“Once the protein structure of hair is compromised, it cannot be repaired—only trimmed,” Dr. Erdogan said. “Applying proper care to wet hair is essential for maintaining long-term hair health and preventing unnecessary thinning caused by breakage.”
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