Should I Comb my Natural Hair in the Shower?

Photo Courtesy of The Tiny Closet

Naturallycurly.com

However, there are often unintended consequences such as the way you might think you are saving time by brushing your teeth in the shower, but you are also introducing new bacteria into your mouth. When it comes to brushing your hair in the shower to save time and work through tangles, it is a similar scenario. While it may seem easier to comb your hair in the shower, it doesn’t mean it is a good idea. There are pros and cons to detangling both wet and dry, it depends on your hair type and the condition of your hair as to which one will work best for you.

Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when combing in the shower.
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Hair is more vulnerable
Hair is more vulnerable when it is wet. Hair that is damaged, already fragile, or in a compromised state becomes even more prone to breakage when wet. Even hair that is relatively healthy can take on damage from combing hair in the shower. Combing through tangles in the shower can lead to more hair shed than what is considered normal or healthy.

Hair tangles more easily
Part of the problem with combing your hair in the shower is that wet hair tangles more easily than dry or damp hair. This is a double whammy because while you may think brushing in the shower is getting knots out easier, it is actually contributing to more hair loss. Essentially, you are creating additional tangles.

Hair clogs your shower drain
When you wash your hair, you may naturally lose a few strands. Comb your hair in the shower and you are looking at twice the strands lost. Where do those strands usually end up? In your shower drain creating clogs and costly plumbing issues.

How to detangle in the shower
Despite this, many curlies do find that their hair benefits from the slip of detangling hair when it is wet. If you prefer to detangle in the shower, here are a few tips to help save your strands. Note that these will not fully protect your hair from the damage caused by wet brushing.

1. USE A WIDE-TOOTHED COMB OR YOUR FINGERS
Your fingers are the gentlest detangling tool, but a wide tooth comb is the next best option if you want to save time. These can help work through tangles to help eliminate some of the strand breakage.


2. DO NOT COMB HAIR WHILE UNDER RUNNING WATER
This will add to your tangles and breakage. Instead, turn off the faucet while you thoroughly detangle.


3. APPLY CONDITIONER FIRST
To help your fingers or wide tooth comb slide through any knots or tangles, generously apply conditioner to your strands first. Be sure to purchase a conditioner that provides plenty of slip.