Hair specialists are warning that common methods of drying hair after showering may be causing significant damage. The experts identify aggressive rubbing with a towel and wrapping hair into a turban as key contributors to hair breakage, thinning, and potential hair loss.
According to a spokesperson for UK Hair Transplants, wet hair is at its most fragile, making it susceptible to damage from rough towel-drying. This practice, especially when concentrated on the same areas like the top and crown of the head, can lead to hair snapping and thinning. The clinic's experts suggest that this mechanical stress is preventable by gently squeezing water from the hair instead of rubbing.
The science behind this damage involves the structure of hair strands, which are composed of keratin held together by disulfide and hydrogen bonds. When hair is wet, water disrupts these hydrogen bonds, making the strands more elastic and prone to snapping. A healthy hair strand can stretch up to 30 percent when wet, requiring less force to break.
Dermatologists note that much of the damage occurs during the drying process. Vigorous rubbing or twisting hair into a tight turban places significant friction and tension on fragile strands, particularly around the hairline. They recommend gently squeezing and blotting water from roots down. Switching to a lightweight microfibre towel or a soft cotton t-shirt can reduce friction, as microfibre towels can absorb substantial amounts of water.
While towel-drying methods are unlikely to cause hereditary pattern baldness, they can exacerbate existing hair thinning and damage. Experts differentiate between naturally shed hair, which has a white bulb at the root, and broken hair, which lacks a bulb and snaps mid-strand. A proliferation of short, bulb-less hair fragments in a hairbrush indicates breakage.
For everyday thinning concerns, the source of the problem may be as simple as the drying method used. The NHS reports that hair loss affects millions in the UK, with a significant percentage of both men and women experiencing some degree of it by age 50. Any sudden shedding, a widening of the part, or a receding hairline should be evaluated by a professional.