Side Effects of Not Combing Hair Properly: Surprising Facts

Combing your hair is often viewed as a fundamental rule of hair care: brush it often, make it tidy, and your hair will supposedly be healthier and last longer. However, the truth of the matter is much more complex.

Not combig your hair does not automatically mean that it is damaging, that you are incurring hair loss, or that you are prone to dandruff. The real point is what happens when hair is left in a tangled state and then needs to be detangled in a rough way. Depending on your hair type, hair length, hair thickness and hair care routine, not combing can lead to knots.

Excessive or rough combing puts the hair shaft at risk as well. Studies in hair fibers indicate that combing and brushing can cause damage due to friction, jamming, compression and impact of tangled fibers. So the aim is not to comb more often. The aim is to comb without unnecessary mechanical pressure.

Ultimately, the aim is not to comb as frequently as you can. The aim is to untangle your hair without applying needless mechanical force.

What Happens If You Don't Comb Your Hair? 

When you stop combing or detangling your hair, the initial changes observed are more cosmetic and mechanical in nature, rather than medical.

Loose hair that has already fallen off may be trapped in the resident hair, and hair strands may get tangled. If the hair is long or very curly, such knots become difficult to untangle.

Here are some signs you may notice along the way:

• More tangles

• Bigger knots or matting

• Difficulties when styling hair

• More hair left on the comb after untangling hair

• More pulling and stress during detangling

• Increase in the risk of breaks if knots are forced to be removed

The last part is very significant. A knot in itself does not mean that hair is damaged. However, the process of detaching a big knot can expose hair to stress.

Clarence Robbins and his team of cosmetic scientists conducted a study on how hair breaks while combing. Their study has revealed that hair in a knot or loop can incur damage in the form of impact, compression, and abrasion. 

In other words, avoiding tangling doesn't damage the hair directly but it does make any mechanical problems that might arise difficult to fix.

Is Not Combing Your Hair Bad for You? 

Certainly not.

There is no universally applicable scientific rule that suggests that all people should brush their hair at least once or twice each day.

A person with straight hair that is short and hardly gets tangled may need little grooming compared to a person with long, thick and curly hair that would need a detailed detangling routine to ensure they do not get into knots.

The needs for hair care also depend on:

• Hair type

• Hair length

• Hair thickness

• Hair curl structure

• Hairstyle

• Frequency of washing 

• Use of hairstyling products

• Processing of hair

• Existing hair damage

Hence, the question can’t be just "How often should I comb my hair?”

A better question is: "How often should I detangle my hair so that it remains easy to manage and does not undergo excessive damage?"

For some, it would mean daily grooming while for others, it would mean some detangling that happens every few days or mostly on wash days only.

Benefits of Combing Hair 

Effective hair care is achievable by being careful about how the comb is used. That would include:

• Detangling hair: When done regularly and gently, detangling avoids creating bigger knots and tangles that can be difficult to remove.
• Reduce the need for forceful detangling: Taking care of the hair improves the condition of the hair and thus reduces the tension.
• Removing old hair: Combing works wonders on the released hair, which is still stuck in other hair strands.
  
• Distributing oils: It helps to spread the sebum produced by the scalp along the entire length of the hair.
• Teaching how to style the hair: Tangle-free hair is easier to style.
• Enhancing the hair’s appearance: Having removed the loose hair and the tangle, the hair will look nicer.

Finding problems with the hair and scalp: While grooming, you may notice unusual shedding, breaking hair, flakes on the scalp, or changing the thickness of the hair.

Nevertheless, more brushing is not always better. Over brushing can cause more hair friction and mechanical damage, especially to delicate, chemically treated, or curly textured hair. It is the act of careful combing that brings the desirable results, not constant brushing of hair.

Potential Side Effects of Not Combing Hair Properly

1. More Tangling 

This is perhaps the most obvious outcome.

Individual hairs tend to cling together naturally. Things such as motion, humidity, wind and regular activities can easily cause individual hair strands to twist into a knot.

The longer hair sits in a tangle, the more difficult will each individual tangle become.

This is particularly applicable in cases of long, curly, kinky or thick hair that tends to tangle.

2. Matting Can Become More Difficult to Reverse 

In most cases, a small tangle can be easily untangled.

But getting rid of a large mat is much harder.

When a large group of hairs become entangled together, separating them with a comb can require greater efforts, causing damage to the hair shaft. 

This is one of the reasons why preventing the tangles from happening is a whole lot easier than trying to eliminate the already formed mats.

Dealing with severe matting requires attention and patience, not aggressive brushing.

3. More Mechanical Breakage During Detangling 

Keeping your hair uncombed will not induce hair breakage in a way that hair dyes or overheating can damage hair fibers.

Nonetheless, the presence of tangles makes it more difficult to tame the hair in question.

Robbins’ studies on hair combing showed how hair can become damaged when knots, loops, and crossing fibers are involved.

Thus, when it comes to grooming hair, let reason be your guide.

On one hand, even if combing hair less often proves to be reasonable practice, waiting until hair becomes badly tangled increases the amount of force to untangle it.

4. Shed Hairs May Remain Trapped 

People always lose hair.

Based on the information from the American Academy of Dermatology, it is normal to lose about 50–100 strands of hair daily, although this number can vary from one person to another.

If you don't brush your hair often, therefore some of the strands you have lost can be stuck in your hairstyle.

As a result, it might seem to you that there are more hair strands than usual in the comb.

This does not mean that the hair loss occurred due to brushing.

The comb just takes hair that had finished their cycle and were going to fall out anyway.

The point of difference between losing hair from the follicle and the breaking of the hair strands is very important while analyzing what is found in the comb.

5. Hair May Feel Less Evenly Coated With Natural Oils

Sebum is an oily material made by sebaceous glands of the scalp.

Manipulating hair can stimulate the movement of some of the scalp lipids along the hair shaft but it does not mean that aggressive brushing is needed in order to "feed" the hair.

Once hair rises over the scalp, it becomes a non-living substance. Therefore brushing cannot supply nutrients to the follicles or contribute to accelerated hair growth.

If one's hair tends to dry at the ends while being oily at the roots, gentle grooming may be beneficial when it comes to spreading the natural oils across the strands but the impact of this technique largely depends on the properties of the hair, its length and the rate of oil production.

For those interested in how oiling fits into the bigger picture when it comes to the hair care routine, one can read the Complete Guide on Hair Oiling.

Can Not Combing Your Hair Cause Hair Loss? 

There is no strong proof that not combing the hair is the cause of hair loss at a follicular level. 

It’s important to emphasize terminology here.

Shedding of hair happens when a hair strand naturally detaches from its follicle as part of a life cycle.

Breakage is when a hair fiber snaps at any length. 

While hair loss refers to a reduction in the hair density that occurs due to processes that affect the hair follicle.

These terms are not similar.

In some situations, a person may find a lot of hair in the hairbrush after not combing it for a number of days whereas the removed strands could have already fallen and only remained entangled in the hair.

On the contrary, vigorous detangling can lead to hair breakage and shorter lengths of hair as a result.

The American Academy of Dermatology states that normal shedding is distinct from true hair loss. The common range of normal shedding is considered to be around 50-100 hairs lost each day.

Consequently, not finding hair in your brush does not mean you are not shedding hair, and finding a lot of hair in your brush does not imply unequivocally that you are losing it from the roots.

If you are suffering from excessive shedding, find thinning spots bald patches or encounter an abrupt change in your hair density, it is important to determine the actual cause instead of attributing it to grooming procedures.

Does Not Combing Cause Dandruff or Scalp Problems? 

Lack of combing alone does not qualify as a definite cause of dandruff.

Dandruff is a scalp disorder in which flakes and itchiness appear, and it develops due to different interrelated factors which include scalp biology, sebum, skin barrier, inflammatory processes, and the scalp microbiome.

Scientific research has focused on Malassezia yeast and the bacterial flora associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. In fact, a systematic review of 12 studies involving 706 affected subjects and 379 healthy control participants discovered certain variations in the microbial composition of the scalp of individuals with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

However, the microbiological aspects of dandruff are multidimensional and it would be misleading to characterize it as "evidently excessive fungal activity".

Lack of combing may cause flakes, fallen hair, oil, or residue from styling products to be left in the hair. However, this does not mean that the fact that one does not comb the hair causes the scalp disorder itself.

If you are experiencing ongoing itching, redness, oily scaling, painful lumps or serious exfoliation, you may have a scalp disorder rather than hair care trouble. A reference to Scalp Acne can be read where the guide discusses scalp buildup and inflammatory scalp conditions. 

If you would like to know more about ways to keep your hair and scalp healthy, please refer to Haircare Main Blog and Hair Concerns Guide. Haircare Main Blog covers the basics of hair care practices such as cleansing, conditioning, grooming, and protecting your hair in detail, while the Hair Concerns Guide covers knowledge related to common hair care issues. By using both, you will be able to learn about the most effective ways of hair care.

Surprising Facts About Not Combing Your Hair 

1. More hair in your comb does not necessarily mean more hair loss 

If you do not comb your hair for days, you may find shed hair still trapped in your hair.

When you brush the hair after several days of being without combing, you might get a lot of shed hairs at once.

The comb is not to blame for the falling out of those hairs.

2. Excessive brushing can be counterproductive 

“Brush your hair 100 strokes a day” is a popular saying, but it is not an absolute scientific rule and requirement.

The American Academy of Dermatology states that brushing should be minimized since too much brushing leads to split ends.

3. Hair type changes the equation 

A grooming technique that is ideal for straight hair might not work for people who have tightly curled hair.

Curled hair strands may face different forms of mechanical stress and textured hair would likely break easily if mistreated.

As a result, curly and coiled hair is usually better detangled with methods that do not apply excessive force.

4. Chemically treated hair requires special treatment

Bleaching, dyeing, relaxing or straightening hair changes its physical properties and makes it more susceptible to mechanical damage.

Studies have shown that bleaching hair increases the risk of hair breakage whereas proper conditioning can decrease this type of breakage.

When treating hair chemically, the goal is to avoid damaging it with excessive brushing rather than brushing it more often.

5. Scalp health and hair-shaft health are different 

Scalp is alive skin. The hair that is visible is made of keratin fibers.

Although a healthy scalp does not mean that every hair is healthy and smooth looking hair does not guarantee a healthy scalp.

Combing has little to do with treating scalp diseases or hair loss.

Hair Type Matters: How Much Combing Is Appropriate? 

A "correct" number of combing sessions does not exist universally.

Especially for curly and coily hair, over-brushing can affect the curl pattern negatively, and contribute to friction, frizz and mechanical damage. The American Academy of Dermatology states that those with tightly curled or textured hair may benefit from brushing their hair when it is wet, while most people should avoid brushing wet hair since it is more prone to breakage.

Thus, the right method will depend on the type of the person's hair.

How Often Should You Comb Your Hair? 

A standard frequency of combing has not been established in the medical community.

Rather, think about how fast your hair gets tangled and the amount of hair manipulation it can withstand.

If your hair is:

• Long

• Thick

• Tangles easily,

• Daily

• Exposed to a lot of wind

• Has heavy product buildup

• Shows a tendency to knot,
  

Then tangling may occur more often.

On the contrary, if your hair is:

• Short

• Straight

• Thin

• Naturally easy to comb

• Usually styled in a way that prevents tangles,

Then you should have less combing frequency. Many people groom hair whenever they wash it, while others need gentle grooming in between washes.

The best frequency is the lowest amount of grooming that keeps your hair manageable without creating unnecessary mechanical stress. 

How to Comb Your Hair Without Causing Damage

The technique matters more than simply counting brush strokes. 

Start from the ends

Instead of starting at the roots and working your way down, you should start at the ends.

First deal with the small knots, and work your way upwards.

Work in sections 

If you have thick, curly hair, then partitioning your hair will reduce the amount of pulling involved.

Do not force a knot 

If the comb sticks at a knot, pulling harder will rarely give you a better result.

Use your fingers or a good detangling tool.

Choose the right tool

If you have curly hair, a wide tooth comb can be useful for detangling; some brushes work well if they don’t have to be forced into the hair.

The best tool doesn’t exist; you must find out which works for you.

Consider whether hair should be wet or dry.

Although hair is more vulnerable to damage when it is wet, tangled hair can be easier to stay when it is wet and conditioned.

So the choice will depend on your style and technique and cannot be derived from a simple “always wet” or “always dry” motto.

Reduce repeated passes 

Once your hair is free from tangles, continuous brushing will have little practical benefit and lead to more wear and tear on your hair. 

What Happens When You Comb Too Much? 

Not combing enough is not the only issue. 

Being overly groomed may also be detrimental to one's hair. 

Hair endures mechanical stressors during its life, which include combing, brushing, drying with towels, styling, and rubbing against clothes and bed linen. 

Robbins and colleagues' investigations show that combing and brushing lead to different types of damage of the hair. Factors such as the curvature of the fiber, stroke length, and the condition of the hair may affect the results.  

Hair suffers from chemical damage because many treatments such as bleaching damage the structure of hair fibers. 

Thus, constant brushing of damaged hair in order to restore its "health" may not fulfill its purpose. 

The same holds true for extreme combing, pulling through knots, and brushing the hairdo repeatedly.  

Can Combing Stimulate Hair Growth? 

The validity of this statement is questionable. 

Gentle scalp massage may influence the circulation of blood in the skin, but there is not enough proof to support the statement that an ordinary combing  positively influences hair growth or cures the disorders causing hair loss. 

Hair grows in follicles through complicated biological processes. Moving a hairbrush over the hair does not stimulate the follicles in any way. 

Brushing may make the hair neat and help distribute the oils in the hair but should not serve as a treatment for hair growth. 

When one is experiencing thinning or excessive hair loss, it is more important to understand the underlying cause of the problem than simply to brush one's hair more often.

When Should You Be More Careful About Hair Detangling? 

When the hair or scalp is already in a vulnerable state, extra caution is warranted.

Special caution is warranted if you experience:

• Severe tangles

• Widespread hair breakage

• Bleached or chemically treated hair

• A painful or tender scalp

• Persistent itching or flaking

• Red rashes or inflamed areas

• Persistent bumps on the scalp

• Unusual or sudden hair loss

• Thinning hair or bald spots

If you notice persistent changes, you need to see a dermatologist rather than attributing it to your hairstyle.

In the same vein, if your hairstyle is causing pain in the hairline, then you need to reconsider your hairstyle. Repeated pulling caused by tight hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia, which can become permanent if the condition persists.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is it true that not combing one's hair might lead to greasy-looking locks?

Not combing means that the hair's natural oils will stay closer to the scalp so that they won't be evenly distributed along the lengths, and this happens regardless of the hair oil production.

2. Why does it hurt to comb your hair if you have not done so for a number of days?

If the hair is tangled, its removal will require extra effort and will cause discomfort in the scalp area as well. One should detach the hair little by little to avoid unnecessary pain.

3. Does not combing your hair lead to split ends?

Not combing by itself does not cause split ends; however, when it becomes badly tangled, the process of detangling may cause some mechanical damage or splitting to the hair.

4. My hair seems to shed more when I wash it after it has not been combed.

Washing and detangling your hair may lead to the release of hairs that have already fallen but are trapped in other hairs, which means that seeing so much hair at once when washing does not mean the shedding process has suddenly accelerated.

5. Can having tangles influence the effectiveness of shampoo used?

When hair is really tangled, washing hair becomes less effective, making it harder to clean the scalp. However, this does not mean that tangles can cause any scalp problems; the only issue is that they basically create some inconvenience in washing and applying products.

6. Should you comb your hair before sleeping?

Whether or not to comb your hair before sleep is up to you. Mild detangling is sufficient for people who have long hair, and especially if their hair gets tangled easily. For people with curls, it's not about combing the hair before sleep but rather protecting it with some kind of hairstyle for sleep.

7. Does keeping the same hairstyle without detangling lead to matting?

Yes, it can happen as long hair will eventually get intertwined. Therefore, long hairstyles do require some gentle detangling once in a while.

8. Why does uncombed hair become more tangled?

Once you sleep, move, or style your hair, minor knots are connecting with the additional hair strands. Thus, over time, those small knots are getting bigger which requires more effort to untangle them.

9. Can hair knots hurt your scalp?

Commonly, small knots do not hurt the scalp. However, in cases where there is serious matting or strong attempt to detangle hair, it can lead to pulling on the scalp.

Conclusion 

Neglecting to comb your hair does not automatically equal having unhealthy hair. The real problem is allowing tangles and mats to accumulate to the point where they have to be forcefully detangled which can cause mechanical damage and breakage. On the other hand, washing your hair too frequently does damage your hair strands too. The ideal approach is to detangle based on individual’s hair type and condition which means mild detangling depending on how often it gets tangled.

Recommended Products by Blue Nectar:

Briganantadi Rosemary Hair Nourishment Oil | Hair Repair & Replenishment

Green Tea Anti Frizz Shampoo for Dry & Frizzy Hair with Plant Based Biotin 

Green Tea Hair Serum for Frizz Free & Stronger Hair with Plant Based Biotin

Related Articles:

Common Hair & Scalp Concerns: Complete Care Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Shampoo for Every Hair Type

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19016066/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18305876/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5546356_Hair_breakage_during_combing_IV_Brushing_and_combing_hair

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/shedding

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553091/

https://www.advancedhairstudioindia.com/blogs/does-hair-brushing-stimulate-hair-growth