As a naturally wavy-haired gal, I always avoid brushing my hair when it’s dry. Why? Well, let’s just say I spent a large amount of my teenage years with hair that looked like an isosceles triangle because the minute I raked a hairbrush through it, all of my natural texture would disappear, and I would be left with a frizzy, undefined mass.
So, despite the risk of breakage and split ends, I’ve always been willing to take my chances with a wet brush if it means that my hair holds its natural style better.
Is it bad to brush your hair when it’s wet?
The reason wet hair is more prone to damage is because the actual structure of our hair – aka the keratin proteins that form bonds – change state when we get it wet (wild, right?).
When your hair has had contact with water, the bonds weaken and can be stretched out when brushed. And unlike an elastic band which bounces back into place, our hair can snap, break, or crack, resulting in split ends, rough texture, and general breakage.
Should I use a comb or a hair brush on wet hair?
For hairdressers, combs have always been the first choice for ridding wet hair of knots. But in reality, unless you’re using a wide-tooth comb, this method isn’t entirely risk-free either. Plus, let’s be real, it takes ages to get a comb through thick hair, which is why I always reach for a hair brush instead.
“A comb is great for wet hair after you have applied products to evenly distribute them,” says Antonio Hector, Stylist at Hershesons Belgravia. “However, I would suggest combining both a comb and a hairbrush in different stages. A brush can be used to detangle prior to applying your smoothing or blow-dry products, and the comb will then evenly distribute it.”
How do I brush wet hair without causing damage?
If you are going to brush your hair when it’s wet, the best thing to do is remove as much moisture as possible beforehand. Wrap your hair in a microfibre hair towel as soon as you step out of the shower (like the Noughty Hair Towel, £9.99) which will help to swiftly absorb excess moisture in your hair, so it’s in a less fragile state when you do start brushing it.
So what type of hair brush should I use?
Thankfully, beauty pros have finally cottoned onto the fact that many of us just can’t get enough of using a hair brush to work out those knots and tangles immediately post-shower, and there are now plenty of specialised hair brushes that have been created to use on wet hair without running the risk of damage.
However, it’s still important to use them with care to minimise the chances of damage to your wet hair strands. “For best results, I would start from the ends of your hair and work your way upwards,” advises Hector, who adds: “If you start from the top, you are more likely to push the hair into one area, which then causes more tangling.”
6 of the best wet hair brushes to try now:
Best for avoiding breakage
The OG hair brush for wet hair, Wet Brush was created by founder Jeff Rosenzweig as a solution for his three daughters who hated having their hair brushed.
While the brand has rapidly expanded and now produces a huge array of different brush models for all your hair needs (from a new version specifically designed for thick hair to oil-infused brushes to boost shine) it’s the original version that I swear by most and recommend to everyone.
It’s made using ultra-flexible bristles that genuinely glide through wet hair without pulling, tugging or causing breakage, and I haven’t looked back since I first started using it around a decade ago.
Best for removing suborn tangles
Thicker hair will get on well with this brush from Tangle Teezer: the masters of pain-free detangling. While their classic hair brush can be used on wet hair too, this newer launch has been specially designed with wet hair in mind and can be used for in-shower brushing.
It boasts over 325 teeth in two tiers, which helps to make light work of knots while reducing the risk of breakage and, personally, the fact that it has a handle (unlike the original Tangle Teezer, £13) makes it easier to use. Plus, it’s great at brushing conditioners or masks through wet hair while you’re in the midst of your wash routine – although remember to treat your hair with extra care while it’s sopping wet by brushing ultra-gently.
Best for delicate scalps
I’ll be honest: I used to foster a lot of negative energy towards Denman brushes due to childhood memories of my grandma painfully brushing my thick hair into a ponytail using her Denman Classic Styling Brush. It actually brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it!
However, now that I’m a grown-up in my 30s who can brush her own hair, I decided to give Denman’s tangle-taming option a try.
I was sold, in huge part, to the fact that it has gentle in the name and it can be used on both wet and dry hair. I’m super glad I did; this is one good, solid hair brush. The cushiony pad means it almost bounces over delicate scalps and it eases through tangles without pulling. Plus, as mentioned, it can be used on hair in any state meaning more bang for your buck.
Best for all hair types
A lot of the best hair brushes for wet hair on the market are made from plastic, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this detangling alternative from The Body Shop is made from bamboo. Sustainability credentials aside, however, this is a really good brush for all hair types.
The bristles are large and widely spread so there’s no risk of snagging and stretching the strands of your hair. Plus, the thing I love most about it is the hair pins have been specially made to help stimulate your scalp and distribute natural oils for healthier hair (which also allows for a cheeky head massage while you’re at it!).
Best for thick hair
If you have a penchant for a natural bristle brush then this is a seriously impressive buy. It’s vegan, so no surprise that there aren’t any boar bristles in sight; instead it uses synthetic ones that recreate the same detangling, shine-boosting, hair-polishing benefits of the more traditional bristle type.
Perfect for wet or dry hair, it’s lightweight and gently massages your scalp while you use it to stimulate blood flow and encourage hair growth. And while it works well on all hair types and textures – from straight hair to coils – the multi-layered bristles mean that it’s hardly enough to glide through even ultra-thick hair without dragging.
Best for using in the shower
Perfect for wet or dry hair, it’s lightweight and gently massages your scalp while you use it to stimulate blood flow and encourage hair growth. And while it works well on all hair types and textures – from straight hair to coils – the multi-layered bristles mean that it’s hardly enough to glide through even ultra-thick hair without dragging.
It might feel like a bit of a cop-out to start and end my list of the best hair brushes with ones from the same brand, but what can I say? Wet Brush truly knows what it’s doing when it comes to taking care of wet hair.
This version has been created specifically for use in-shower and has the same ‘intelliFlex bristles’ as the original, but even less of them, meaning there’s a lower chance of snagging your hair while you detangle. It also makes it a great choice if you like to brush treatments through your hair while it’s wet as the bristles don’t get clogged with product.
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