Which Is The Best Hairbrush For Wet Hair?
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It seems like the list of haircare rules is never-ending – don't sleep with wet hair, apply heat protectant, use high-quality shampoos, never use box dye, and apply a weekly hair repair mask — it goes on and on. One central controversial question in the haircare community remains: Is it okay to brush your hair when wet? The loose answer depends primarily on your hair type and texture, as experts recommend those with straight hair to avoid brushing their hair when it's wet because doing so can cause massive breakage (via Byrdie). On the other hand, the opposite is true for those with curly and textured hair, as wet brushing helps reduce breakage.
However, don't let this news discourage you from brushing your wet hair — because it is possible, according to Madison Reed. In fact, with one specific hairbrush, it's encouraged. Before you grab your thick paddle brush or small-toothed comb fresh out of the shower, reach for a brush designed specifically for combing wet hair. Want the lowdown on this highly-coveted brush? We got you covered.
Hint: the product's name literally has the words 'wet brush' in it
If only there was a simpler way to identify a brush designed for wet hair than putting the words "wet hair" in the product's title. Luckily, Wet Brush Speed Dry Brush makes it super easy to tell it apart from other hair tools on the market. Designed with ample space between the flexible bristles, wet and tangled hair can easily be brushed without significant damage or breakage. This hairbrush has nearly five stars on Amazon, with over 2,000 customers raving about this product. One commenter wrote, "I didn't know what I was missing out on until I started using it. Goes right through wet hair without pulling or breaking your hair. Quickly helps dry hair when using a hair dryer. Works great on dry hair too!"
According to NBC's "Today," this vented brush is ideal for quickly blow-drying wet hair because the space between the bristles allows sufficient airflow onto the strands, heating up the hair quickly. It's also not exclusive to wet hair, as this hairbrush is also exceptional for dry hair and everyday use, acting as a detangling brush perfect for all textures (via Madison Reed).
When was the last time you cleaned your hairbrush?
Everybody knows the importance of cleaning beauty tools like makeup brushes and flat irons, but have you ever put much thought into cleaning your hairbrush? Of course, you may tend to pull out the strands of hair that gather in the bristles every now and then, but simply doing that isn't enough. According to Super Cuts, hairbrushes can collect clumps of product residue, dust mites, dead skin cells, and oil. Gross, right? We know you're running to your hairbrush right now to clean it, so here's how it's done.
Luckily, cleaning your hairbrush is an easy task. For tough, synthetic brushes made of plastic or rubber, soak the brush in a bowl or sink of warm soapy water (any soap works fine). However, natural brushes made of wood or boar should be washed with a mild shampoo free of sulfates, and shouldn't be soaked, only dipped in the water bristles-side down (via The New York Times). After soaking, most of the gunk should be easily removed. Scrub away any hard-to-wash bits with a toothbrush, and try not to gag. Rinse and let air dry on a towel with the bristles down. Try to make a habit of cleaning your brush every few weeks or so, per Healthline, and you'll enjoy your hairbrush for an extended period, giving you a soft, detangled head of hair for months to come — wet or dry.