In the quest to make our hair look flawless. We often experiment with them. Making your hair voluminous is one trend that never goes out of style. How often do you comb your hair? This hair trend dates back to the 1980s when it was the most popular hairstyle for all celebrities. It’s the only hairstyle that gives you instant volume and makes you look beautiful. However, combing your hair involves frequent teasing. Which is not a good idea for your hair.
Healthshots reached out to dermatologist and dermatological surgeon Dr Rinky Kapoor at The Esthetic Clinics to understand how combing is hurting your hair.
How does backcombing damage your hair?
If combing your hair is your solution for every time you don’t have time to style your hair, Stop it now!
“Brushing your hair back can damage your hair follicles and cause hair loss. in this type of styling The cuticle of the hair is scraped and the cuticle is detached from the core. The more the epidermis is lifted Your hair will have more volume. which can be harmful to your hair,” explains Dr. Kapoor.

She also shares other ways back combing can damage your hair. In addition to destroying the hair follicle Back combing can also:
- Back-combing can cause side knots and hair breakage.
- The hair will not return to its original flat state and eventually the cuticle of the hair will become loose and begin to split ends.
- The basic integrity of the hair is damaged. which cannot be repaired until new hair grows out
- May lead to hair loss.
Dr. Kapoor further explained that “Back-combing alopecia is a form of hair loss due to excessive pulling on hair follicles. Strenuous styling techniques, such as back combing, cause chronic pulling. As a result, the hair follicle is weakened. Remember that the hair cycle changes as we age. So it takes more time to reverse or heal the damage.”
Tips to reduce damage caused by rollback
Here are some simple tips. To reduce hair damage caused by back combing:
- use the correct technique and don’t try to pull me Here are the correct ways to minimize the damage:
- Start by cleaning and combing your hair.
- divide hair into small sections
- Take a small section and comb the back gently using a small-toothed comb. Make sure your comb is down to the bottom before pulling it out. Then start from the top again.
- Do not use up and down movements and be gentle with your hair.
When you want your hair back to normal, Dr. Kapoor recommends using a soft-bristled brush. do in small portions You can also try a deep conditioning mask to soothe your hair.

switch with backcomb
There are safer alternatives for backcomming that you can try, such as:
- Use a straightener to style your hair.
- Use volumizing and root-lifting products and style your hair. but not too often
- Use a thickening serum that helps hair look thicker. Make sure there are no harmful ingredients.
- Eat a good protein and nutrient-rich diet to promote hair health.
Warning: Make sure you talk to your doctor before trying anything new.