It’s far too easy to treat damp hair the same as you would when it’s dry – it’s still your hair, after all. Wet hair actually experiences a lot of changes at every aspect of the hair shaft, so it should be handled much differently than hair that is dry.

What is Damp Hair?

When wet, hair is totally soaked through with water. Damp hair, however, typically occurs after you get out of the shower and have gingerly removed water by towel drying hair. You’ll know your hair is damp when it’s no longer dripping but is still very clearly not dry.

Just as hair goes through physical change when damp, the hair also takes on certain properties in this state that require special attention and care.

Below are 6 things you should know about damp hair so you can care for it properly and avoid any unnecessary future damage.

1. It’s more elastic.

Have you ever noticed that your hair becomes stretchier when wet? This elasticity means your hair is subject to breakage when damp and should be handled with care. Once you’re out of the shower, use a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristled brush like a Wet Brush to detangle hair. Never use a regular brush.

This elastic element of damp hair also means you should never pull it into a bun in this state. Any up-do will prevent the hair inside from drying and can cause long-lasting irritation on the scalp.

2. Damp hair should be combed from the ends to the roots.

You may need a leave-in conditioner for this one. When combing, starting at the top of the head will only push down any knots, breaking hair and creating more tangles. Comb hair, one section at a time, from the bottom of the hair and on up for smooth sailing.

3. It’s more porous.

This porosity means that it’s also the best time to apply products that you want to penetrate, like curl cream, oils, or a leave-in conditioner. If you’re applying a pre-poo mask or oil treatment, hair should be damp first. Just make sure that hair is actually damp, not dripping, when adding any products.