What if we told you the way you comb hair is wrong? While it might sound like a gig that you have had down perfectly, you might be doing it wrong all your life. Such was the case for me, which I discover in a convrrsation with Natasha Nasta, style director at Jean-Claude Biguine Salons. While your reflex action might be to run a comb from your scalp till the end, this technique could be secretly causing more hair loss and breakage than you realize.
“When combing, the goal is to avoid putting excessive pressure on the scalp,” Nasta explains. “I almost always see people starting to comb from the scalp, a practice that can exert undue pressure on knotted hair. When you begin combing from the mid-lengths to the ends and then move towards the scalp, this technique minimizes hair damage and wear and tear.”
From your choice of comb to the manner in which you approach detangling, there are several mistakes that could be robbing your hair of its strength and vitality while you comb hair. Ahead, Nasta shares the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while you comb hair to ensure it stays as healthy as can be.
Harsh combing
Combing your hair harshly can lead to breakage and hair loss. For best results, it is advisable to apply a serum, hair oil, or leave-in conditioner before combing to reduce breakage and make the process smoother.
Detangle smartly
Instead of trying to hack your way through harsh knots with maximum pressure, it helps to reach for a detangling serum or cream to be applied on the mid-lengths and ends, focusing on the knots. Then, use a wide-toothed comb to gently remove the knots while avoiding excessive force to prevent breakage and hair loss.
Comb wet hair with care
Since wet hair is more fragile, it is advisable to avoid applying more tensile pressure on the sensitive strands. Instead, towel dry your hair and wait until it is 40% to 60% dry before running a wide-toothed comb through the length.
Be careful with back-combing
Back-combing frequently can cause breakage near the roots and mid-lengths of the hair. If a certain hairstyle necessitates back-combing, apply oil on the scalp and hair at night and then wash carefully the next day. Leaving the oil overnight helps soften and naturally detangle the hair.
This article first appeared on Vogue India.
