Here’s what happens to your hair if you tie it wet: Dermatologist advice

Here’s What Happens to Your Hair If You Tie It Wet: Dermatologist Advice

A lot of people form a routine of tying their hair right after washing, but doing so is detrimental to the well-being of your hair. According to professionals, pulling wet hair back can cause many side effects. Here’s what to know about the process — and how to take care of your hair afterward.

Hair is engaged when it's dry, but elastic and fragile in wet. Hair strands are weakened and can be easily broken initially when protein bonds in them are swollen by water - i.e. they have temporarily increased the risk of 'overstretching' to breaking-point. It may seem like easy styling or just keeping hair off the face for a while, but repeated instances can cause damage to the hair shaft and hinder overall scalp health.

“Wet hair is in its most fragile state, tying it tightly will further increase the tension in the hair shaft,” says Dr. Nisha Kumar, a Delhi NCR based Dermatologist who has her own brand by the name of Reviv Glow. “Over time, this can lead to hair breakage and split ends — and even traction alopecia in severe cases if you’re pulling your hair tight every day.”

In addition to mechanical breakage by tying wet hair, the resultant humid environment around your scalp can be conducive to fungal growth and developing foul smells.

Knowing what you do to your hair when tying it wet can make everyone's morning routine more informed.

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Hair Breakage

Wet hair can be stretched longer than dry hair because the water breaks down the hydrogen bonds in the hair. These thin filaments are good only when they are taut otherwise, drawstring jumps and snaps. Over time, constant breakage can lead to thinning hair in general, as well as some lengths being shorter than others and an overall weaker, more fragile mane.

Split Ends

When you tie your hair wet, it causes friction on the hair shaft which is harmful to its protective cuticle. This can lead to hair splitting, which appears dry, coarse and frizzy. If left untreated split ends can continue up the hair shaft and result in more breakage, diminishing the look and feel of your hair.

Frizz and Rough Texture

Haven’t we all seen hair tied wet to dry out hoary, and suffer from a frizzy explosion of disjointed cuticles? This texture is very difficult to control and style. The hair also may feel rough, puffed and may lack luster even after drying. Frizz can also work its way into tangles, which lead to more breakage.

Scalp Issues

Trapped under tight styles, the scalp stays moist and warm. This promotes fungus growth, dandruff and bad odour. Keep the scalp dry as it is essential to avoid infections and promote healthy hair growth.

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Traction Alopecia

Tension on wet hair, from being pulled back into a pharaonic ponytail or twisted into Bantu knots can damage the delicate hairs at the root, causing traction alopecia. It leads to hair thinning and sometimes patchy baldness over time. Chronic tension on susceptible, moist hairs can lead to a decrease in hair density—and that could require medical treatment if it's not caught early enough.

Longer Drying Time

Hair that is put in a tight knot while wet will retain moisture for a longer period of time. This can lead to the scalp remaining moist for long hours and may cause fungal infections or bad odor. Furthermore, it may also seep in atmospheric elements as well as heat damage if not dried more slowly.

Styling Challenges

Wet hair, tied all up when drying off may turn with virulent waves or crimps/ bends at tension points not because you have anything against those dramatic changes but due to the lack of a choice in such matters. This can be challenging and uneven, needing more heat or products to make up for the slack. Repeated styling to correct dry hair can eventually exacerbate breakage and weaken the strength and texture of your hair.

In order to maintain hair health, it is better to towel-dry hair gently or let the hair dry partially first before tying it.

FAQs on tying wet hair:

1. Is it okay to tie wet hair?

Tying wet hair isn't ideal because it's more fragile when wet and prone to breakage. If you must tie it, use a loose, soft hair tie and avoid tight styles.

2. What are the risks of tying wet hair?

Tying wet hair tightly can lead to breakage, split ends, and even hair loss over time due to added tension and fragility.

3. What’s the best way to tie wet hair safely?

Use a gentle, loose hairstyle like a low braid or loose bun. Use soft scrunchies or spiral hair ties that don’t tug on the hair shaft.

4. Can tying wet hair cause dandruff or scalp issues?

Leaving wet hair tied for long periods can create a damp environment that may encourage fungal growth or scalp irritation, contributing to dandruff.

5. Should I let my hair air-dry before tying it?
Yes, ideally allow your hair to dry at least 70–80% before tying it. This reduces the risk of breakage and helps maintain healthier hair.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.