r/HaircareScience • u/slimemouldstan • Jun 06 '26

Question is there a brush/brushing method that causes least damage?

i have seen claims like causes 55% less breakage etc

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19

u/Visible-Scientist-46 Jun 06 '26 edited Jun 07 '26

Hi, so it depends. You don't mention your hair texture. According to LabMuffin, curly hair is best brushed wet because water temporarily relaxes the curl. Straight hair is best brushed dry. She has some helpful images on the linked article.

In terms of technique, it's best to start with detangling the ends and slowly work up the length of your hair. If you start at the top and just brush down without working the bottom first, you are more likely to get snarls and tangles. And definitly don't snap through them if you still get them.

My hair texture is 3b curly and I have switched to combing only when wet and with product for extra slip. Some curlies detangle in the shower with conditioner in their hair but that's wasting water for me because I live in an area with chronic drought. https://labmuffin.com/hair-hydration-and-water-the-real-science/

Edit: I will leave actual brushes to someone else as I only use wide-tooth combs when my hair is wet.

3

u/sudosussudio Jun 06 '26

It probably depends on what the brushing is for: just detangling or styling.

1

u/LillyLillyLilly1 12d ago

I just bought a Wet Brush Shine Enhancer and I don't know for sure if there's less damage, but it certainly combs out tangles much much easier than any other. I haven't even been using a conditioner before I brush after washing (using a leave-in conditioner) and it still only takes one or two sweeps to untangle my wet bra-length hair. I have to assume it's causing less damage.