Why does hair come out so easily when wet?

[JohnC43]

When I get out of the shower and I run my hands through my hair I usually have at least 4 hairs on it, yet if I pat it dry and blow dry it with cold air before touching it I pull very few to none out. Why is this?

 

[hair_tomorrow]

I don't know the scientific explanation - but at the very least it's been long accepted that wet hair is more susceptiple to breakage. That's why "they" say never to brush your hair when it's wet.

 

[Def]

Breakage is different to fall out from the root though...

 

[Fundi]

I think it's simply that wet hair sticks to your hands and becomes more noticeable. But also as it's wet and heavier, and sticks to your hands there's more force when you run your hands through it than when it's dry.

 

[Anarch]

Perhaps when you wash your hair with hot water, your follicles become more sensitive and loosens up.