We’ve all been guilty of it at least once. We don’t have much time to get ready in the morning but our hair is dirty and we can’t get out of the house like that. So, we quickly wash it, maybe blowdry it a little and wear it up in a ponytail. Now, our hair is clean, sleek and pretty. But is really a good idea or can this quick fix be harmful to hair?
Why you shouldn’t wear a wet ponytail
Hair is in a very fragile state when wet: it can stretch, making it more vulnerable to breakage. That’s why it needs to be handled very gently and putting it up in a ponytail, especially a very tight one, can cause damage to it. If your hair is dirty and you don’t have time to wash it, then you’re better off wearing a hat or use a dry shampoo. You can always wash it properly once you come back home in the evening. But if you really want to wear a wet ponytail, then make sure you use a wide-tooth comb to comb it and tie the ponytail quite loose to minimize the damage. Still, it’s better to just use dry shampoo. 
Do you ever wear a wet ponytail?
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
I sometimes wear a wet ponytail around the house for a bit and then take it out as it brings out the curls in my hair. But I would never wear one all day. I don’t like having a wet head, it makes me feel grubby.
Annabella, I love how wet ponytails create waves in hair. Such a shame that it’s bad for hair though. But if you do it once in a while and don’t tie it too tight, it won’t cause much damage at all.
Nope.
Just a quessie: Why are the comments to the latest Essence LE closed?
Mylanqolia, ooops! Thanks for letting me now, I hadn’t noticed that! I just fixed it.
I won’t and will never do this no matter what happens! I’ve been taking care of my hair too much and I never even brush my hair wet!
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Nikki, that’s great. You have beautiful hair, so shiny and healthy!
It’s so rare when I do this. I mean very rare. Like a couple times a year. Frankly, I’m not much of a ponytail fan in general. For myself, anyway.
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Trisha, I like ponytails but I think, like any other style, they don’t suit everyone. And it’s better for your hair that you don’t do it anyway, it’s not a good habit.
I’ve heard that wet ponytails are damaging to hair, so I’ll usually just put my hair up with a banana clip when it’s wet. I feel like it’s much less damaging, would you happen to know if it actually is though?
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Makeup Morsels, I think styling wet hair in any way can be a bit damaging but banana clips are a better choice than ponytails as they let the hair be looser. So, yes, banana clips are less damaging.
Yeah, most of the times in the morning as I don’t have much time to dry out my hair, but I never prefer ponytails either. I like to use a headband instead.
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LatestGirls, I prefer headband to ponytails too, they’re cuter imo.
I used to wear wet ponytails many years ago (when I didn’ t use hair straightener) during summer. I wanted to dry my hair without blowdryer but I hate when wet hair get on my face!
I guess blowdryers and straighteners are even worse of wet ponytails, though…
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La Bisbetica, yes, blowdryers and straighteners are very bad for hair too. If you really have to use them, apply a heat protective product beforehand as that’ll help to minimize the damage.
Guilty as charged! I’ve done it numerous times lol! But the ponytail I do is never too tight, otherwise I will definitely get a headache. x
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Stavroula, I think it is a common mistake we’ve all being guilty of every now and then. But if it’s not too high, it shouldn’t really cause many problems..
Actually, it’s a really really bad idea to leave your hair in a wet ponytail. My hairdresser told me your hair can grow mold that way.
Ginny, that’s because mold needs a moist environment to grow, but I wouldn’t really worry too much about it. You would just need to be careful and, it’s better if you don’t do it often.
Can putting hair up in a bun while its wet also cause this damage? (I’m guilty of that nearly every day…) And if so, how can this be reversed…this might be a reason for my frizzy hair
Carrie, hair is very fragile when wet so styling it in any way, bun included, can cause some damage. Damaged hair can be a cause of frizzy hair. If the bun is loose though, the damage will be minimal, but tight buns should be avoided. Damaged hair can’t be repaired but you can improve its appearance by using a good conditioner (this should help with frizzy hair too).
My mum told me if I wet my hair, I will get itchy scalp. I didn’t listen to her so I just did the routine. After a few days, I had an itchy, very itchy scalp. How can I prevent it?
AlishaElly, by tying your hair when wet for a prolonged period of time you may create a moist environment when fungi can thrive and grow, hence the itchy scalp. To prevent it, you should blowdrying your hair before tying it in a ponytail.
Sorry, I meant tie my hair a ponytail when it’s wet.